WalkingWolf
Regular Member
Since cap and ball is the only open carry option of a handgun in Texas until legislation is passed I thought I would give some data as far as power from them. I have never clocked my cap and ball revolvers, though they are very accurate. Today I set up the chrono plastic wrapped it to protect the sensors from smoke residue and fired away.
Keep in mind my revolvers have been sitting for years loaded and capped. Not one malfunction, so it is not necessary to empty them and reload them as long as they are stored properly. I also did not log my readings but can give you a general idea.
First up was a 8 inch 1858, I believe I had it loaded with 25 gr Goetz 3F. Throwing the 148 grain ball at a amazing 1050 FPS average, nothing less than a thousand and one time I broke 1100. Next I shot one of my 51 navy 44 cal, same ball same powder charge for an average of 925 FPS, nothing less then 875 FPS. The only disappointment was my avenging angel with a short 3 inch barrel, readings were very low at 450 FPS, didn't have much kick so I may have loaded it light. It should have kicked hard with the short barrel. I will try it tomorrow with 35 grains of powder, about the most that will fit.
So if you are considering carrying a cap and ball you can be assured that you can count on one to get the job done.
**Correction, the loads were pyrodex P**, I discovered this today when I pulled the bullet on one I did not fire yesterday. I could not get the velocity with the BP that I got with the Pyro P. I had them loaded so long I forgot. Also the load was 30 grains, not 25.
Sorry for the confusion...
Keep in mind my revolvers have been sitting for years loaded and capped. Not one malfunction, so it is not necessary to empty them and reload them as long as they are stored properly. I also did not log my readings but can give you a general idea.
First up was a 8 inch 1858, I believe I had it loaded with 25 gr Goetz 3F. Throwing the 148 grain ball at a amazing 1050 FPS average, nothing less than a thousand and one time I broke 1100. Next I shot one of my 51 navy 44 cal, same ball same powder charge for an average of 925 FPS, nothing less then 875 FPS. The only disappointment was my avenging angel with a short 3 inch barrel, readings were very low at 450 FPS, didn't have much kick so I may have loaded it light. It should have kicked hard with the short barrel. I will try it tomorrow with 35 grains of powder, about the most that will fit.
So if you are considering carrying a cap and ball you can be assured that you can count on one to get the job done.
**Correction, the loads were pyrodex P**, I discovered this today when I pulled the bullet on one I did not fire yesterday. I could not get the velocity with the BP that I got with the Pyro P. I had them loaded so long I forgot. Also the load was 30 grains, not 25.
Sorry for the confusion...
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