rodwha
58 Cal.
I was recently informed of this ballistics calculator based on Swiss powders. I thought the 3F loading was a little on the light side, but not by a whole lot (25-50 ft/lbs). I decided to see what 4F said and it was drastically sharper.
https://www.p-max.uk/cgi-bin/black_powder.cgi
I have long desired a Colt 1862 Police with a 4.5” barrel, which seems to be discontinued now along with the 6.5” version. I have figured that if I were to keep the projectile length to a hair under that of ball it could still hold a full ~20 grn max charge, yet have a lot more mass and a very wide meplat. It would likely weigh 110-115 grns. From what little chronographed results with conicals/bullets it’s on the light side of a .380 ACP at about 175 ft/lbs, which the calculator’s figures were slightly higher. But when I used 20 grns of 4F it really woke it up out of the 5.5” barrel.
A huge reason why it’s just not been very high on my list is that it just doesn’t seem all that useful, it’s just a range toy. I’ve often thought that if it could just reach .38 Spl performance it could be a lightweight pack piece. Well, with 4F it shows a pretty significant increase figuring a 110 grn bullet.
How are these proofed and what kind of pressures are they designed to work with? Certainly not looking to blow a cylinder wall out.
And so now I’m curious what others that own these think of them. Yes, if you’re using standard Goex it’s going to be really anemic. But what if those of you using Olde Eynsford by Goex, Swiss, Triple7, or Pyrodex P? And what of you who use 4F?
https://www.p-max.uk/cgi-bin/black_powder.cgi
I have long desired a Colt 1862 Police with a 4.5” barrel, which seems to be discontinued now along with the 6.5” version. I have figured that if I were to keep the projectile length to a hair under that of ball it could still hold a full ~20 grn max charge, yet have a lot more mass and a very wide meplat. It would likely weigh 110-115 grns. From what little chronographed results with conicals/bullets it’s on the light side of a .380 ACP at about 175 ft/lbs, which the calculator’s figures were slightly higher. But when I used 20 grns of 4F it really woke it up out of the 5.5” barrel.
A huge reason why it’s just not been very high on my list is that it just doesn’t seem all that useful, it’s just a range toy. I’ve often thought that if it could just reach .38 Spl performance it could be a lightweight pack piece. Well, with 4F it shows a pretty significant increase figuring a 110 grn bullet.
![IMG_2561.png IMG_2561.png](https://cdn2.imagearchive.com/muzzleloadingforum/data/attach/337/337518-IMG-2561.png)
![IMG_2562.png IMG_2562.png](https://cdn2.imagearchive.com/muzzleloadingforum/data/attach/337/337519-IMG-2562.png)
How are these proofed and what kind of pressures are they designed to work with? Certainly not looking to blow a cylinder wall out.
And so now I’m curious what others that own these think of them. Yes, if you’re using standard Goex it’s going to be really anemic. But what if those of you using Olde Eynsford by Goex, Swiss, Triple7, or Pyrodex P? And what of you who use 4F?
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