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You can find loading tables. A .50 caliber round ball can achieve 2,000 fps. Above .50 caliber the returns diminish. Usually with 3F powder of around 100-110 grains.
Ballistic question regarding velocity answered.
I believe the round ball to be the perfect shape. However, hammering a patched ball down the barrel is something I don’t subscribe to. I have different views on this. It’s just the easy solution generally followed.
A case in point...
Once upon a time before President Reagan left office I got really bored one day (wasn't married yet back then) and did the math with spherical sectional density (volume increases more rapidly than diameter), internal and external ballistic characteristics and down range trajectories to figure on the most efficient and ultimate bolt out of the blue deer slaying diameter for long rifles. It came out (Eureka!) to oh about a .52 bore which of course no one uses. It was just an interesting diversion to while away the hours that otherwise means absolutely nothing to nobody whether they walk on two legs or four.
Here's a summary of my BP firearm shooting over a Chronograph. First column is a 50 cal pistol 12" barrel shooting the Hornady Pa. Conical. Second, my 54 Cal shooting a PRB. Third my T\C with a replacement GM barrel shooting the Hornady Pa. Conical. And last the same T\C shooting a PRB. I can't recall why I have only one shot with the 50 cal PRB....but I think I kept getting a "no read" on the chrony until I physically "ran outta gas" loading and shooting.