Hummer70
Member
Just got the below sent to me from Europe
"The original M1870 cartridge used a lead bullet weighing 20 grams - this equates to 309gr but I have seen it listed by several sources as 313gr. The powder charge was 4 grams of fine blackpowder for rifles and 3.5 grams for carbines. Muzzle velocity figures are stated as 1350 fps for blackpowder loads and 1420 fps for ballistite loads.
The later M1890 cartridge used a jacketed bullet weighing 245gr (15.9 grams). The powder charge was 2.4 grams of ballistite. There was no special loading for the cavalry carbines as these were only intended for issue with the infantry rifles. The only velocity reference I’ve seen for this load (despite it being the most prevalent) is 2000 fps. Most references cite the jacketed bullet as being the same weight as the lead bullet and thus give the same velocity figures."
I have been looking through Quick Load Program and 47.3 gr. 4895 under a 240 gr bullet will give 1907 fps and 14,000 lb chamber pressure. Seems like 15,000 lb range might be acceptable???
I am just wondering what pressures the rifles were designed for? I realize it was all black powder originally but was hoping someone might have run across chamber pressures. Winchester loaded this ammo about 1900.
"The original M1870 cartridge used a lead bullet weighing 20 grams - this equates to 309gr but I have seen it listed by several sources as 313gr. The powder charge was 4 grams of fine blackpowder for rifles and 3.5 grams for carbines. Muzzle velocity figures are stated as 1350 fps for blackpowder loads and 1420 fps for ballistite loads.
The later M1890 cartridge used a jacketed bullet weighing 245gr (15.9 grams). The powder charge was 2.4 grams of ballistite. There was no special loading for the cavalry carbines as these were only intended for issue with the infantry rifles. The only velocity reference I’ve seen for this load (despite it being the most prevalent) is 2000 fps. Most references cite the jacketed bullet as being the same weight as the lead bullet and thus give the same velocity figures."
I have been looking through Quick Load Program and 47.3 gr. 4895 under a 240 gr bullet will give 1907 fps and 14,000 lb chamber pressure. Seems like 15,000 lb range might be acceptable???
I am just wondering what pressures the rifles were designed for? I realize it was all black powder originally but was hoping someone might have run across chamber pressures. Winchester loaded this ammo about 1900.
