ML Ballistics...

[MI.sabot]

Is there a reference source for muzzleoading ballistics?

What I'm looking for is a link to a chart or ballistics calculator that will give data such as:

USING:
1. XXX grains of powder, and
2. a sabot weighing XXX grains

WILL RESULT IN:
3. Velocity  of XXX fps at 100 yds, 150 yds, etc., and
4. Energy of XXX ft/lbs at 100 yds, 150 yds, etc., and
5. Drop in inches zeroing at various yardage.

I know there's other variables that enter into it but I'm just looking for some generalizations.
At the moment I have no clue.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 

[simonkenton]

Hornady includes a nice little ballistic chart with each box of SSTs you buy.
So, if you would tell me what grain bullet, and what powder charge, I can give you the ballistics for a particular load.
Also have 'em for the XTP.

You can google ballistics. Punch in name of bullet, powder charge, and "foot pounds" or "mv" and you can usually find the ballistics for most charges.

[rks1949]

You mean like this?

[MI.sabot]

Yep...sort of  like that. 
But what seems to be missing is the XXX grains of powder to achieve those results.
Again I realize results will vary using different powders.
But we're on the right track!

[rks1949]

That load is with 120grs.777 loose powder. Get a soft/ware program. This one is Sierra Infinety Ballistics. Forget about sabot weight,what counts is what's going down range. All you need is,a crono,BC,and weight,diamenter of the bullet,and sight height. Punch in the desired zero,and it will give ya the results.

[AndyHass]

google "eskimo ballistics" and you'll get a dandy JBM online calculator.  You'll need MV though.  My experience has been there can be considerable variation between guns with a similar powder charge.....so estimate away!

[rks1949]

Yes each gun is diffrent. You realley need to run it through a crono. My friend has a Omega,and I have a Prohunter. Basically the same barrel,same powder,sabot,bullet,and primer. Mine is allways 50-70fps. faster Don't know why though?

[sabotloader]

MI.sabot

Will this work for you...

http://www.handloads.com/calc/index.html

[MI.sabot]

Sabotloader:

Thank you.  That link will be very helpful.

But what do you input for velocity when you don't know what the velocity is?
I don't have a chronograph and I can't seem to find any relevant data on the packages of sabots or powder I've purchased.
That's why I was wondering if there was some source for calculating velocity or a table that displays:

xxx grains of powder and xxx grain sabot will generate a MV of xxx fps

I realize there be differences between different powder brands, loose vs. pellets, as well as sabot types.
All the better if there's something that detailed to include these variables.
I'm really just looking for some general ranges, rules-of-thumb, whatever....that could be plugged into the calculator you provided.

Thanks again.

[dmurphy317]

If you go out and shoot groups at at least 3 different distances (i.e. 50, 100, 150 ...) and get an average +/- measurement from the point of aim at each distance, you can use these figures and the known variables (BC, bulet weight, sight height, temp and altitude) to figure out the approximate velocity using a balistics calculator. After inputing the known variables, just adjust the velocity until the trajectory closely matches your actual results. Makes a good excuse to go to the range also.

[simonkenton]

Here is from the charts that come with the Hornady SST:

With 2 Pyrodex pellets of 50 gr, and the 250 SST and the black sabot, you get 1890 fps at the muzzle, and 1561 fps at 100 yards.
At the muzzle 1983 foot pounds, and at 100 yards 1353 foot pounds.
2.8 inches high at 100, zeroed at 150, and 7.2 inches low at 200

With the .50 black high velocity sabot, and the 240 XTP Mag, and 3 Pyrodex pellets of 50 grains:
MV 2200 fps, and 1773 fps at 100 yards
2579 fpe at muzzle, and 1675 fpe at 100 yards
2.3 inches high at 100, dead on at 150.

This is 5 per cent of the data included in the little brochure you get with a  20 pack of Hornady SST. They have data for many different calibers and many different loads.
Give me your address and I will mail you this little brochure, free.

[MI.sabot]

SIMOMKENTON:

I would really appreciate that.

I sent you a PM with my address.

Thanks again!

[simonkenton]

Larry: I will mail you that brochure tomorrow. Meanwhile here are some pretty detailed ballistics. One thing they don't give, which the Hornady brochure does, is the downrange fps, and the trajectory. So this should hold you until you get the little Hornady brochure.

http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/LoadsBallistics.html

Here is a chart from Knight which does give the trajectory as well as the downrange bullet speed and energy

http://images.ebsco.com/pob/knightrifles/catalog/BALLISTICCHART2004.htm

[MI.sabot]

Simonkenton:

Got it in the mail today.

Thanks for all your help.

[simonkenton]

You are welcome.
By the way, I bet it is cold up there. We hit 11 degrees this morning, a record cold for the date by one degree.