Velocity Timeline
How Fast Were They?
Figuring Out Today's Ballistics
Velocity Time-Line
Black Powder
44 Henry
1872 - 1,125fps
44-40
1873 - 1,325fps
1886-1904 - 217gr-1,190fps.....200gr -1,245fps
Smokeless Powder, 200gr JSP (Winchester, Winchester-Western)
1895 - 1,325fps
1903 - M/92 Special, W.H.V., 1,500fps, (1910-1938 - 1,570fps)
1938 - 1,300fps
1941 - 1,310fps
1950 - 1,320fps
1962 - 1,310fps
1971 - 1,310fps both Winchester and Western
1978 - 1,310fps last offering for this velocity
1979 - 1,190fps both Winchester and Western
Present - 1,190fps
1997 - Cowboy Loads - 1,000fps or less from a rifle.
Food For Thought!!!
Black Powder Replica Loads
Notice the change in velocity from 1873 to 1886. 1873 velocities were reported 1,325fps while later post 1886 velocities were reported as being 1,245fps. Compare that to my test data.
Swiss FFG, .18" compression, pre-1884 cases using modern components = 1,373fps @ 14,300psi
Goex FFFG, .18" compression, pre-1884 cases using modern components = 1,356fps @ 12,650psi
Goex FFFG, .20" compression, Post 1884 cases using modern components = 1,276fps @ 12,700psi
Swiss FFG, .22" compression (Case Bulge), Starline cases = 1,226fps @ 9,000psi
Pretty consistent!!