627PCFan
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Does a 50 cal muzzle loader shooting 45 cal bullets have the same kinetic energy as a 45-70 rifle? If so, why is there such a ballistic difference in the 2 rounds, given the same speed and I guess the same bullets-
45-70 Performance vs Muzzleloader
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Gunruner
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Same bullet(shape & weight) same speed=same energy.....Has too, IMO........Mike
moooose102
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The Answer Is In The Powder. You Just Can Not Get Smokless Performance From B.p. The Muzzle Loader Is Going To Shoot W A Y Slower Due To The Powder!!! Now, If You Were Talking About The One Muzzle Loader That Actually Can Shoot Modern Smokeless Powder, Then I Could Not Give You Any Reasons. Mostly, Because I Do Not Know Much About That Particular Firearm. Here In Michigan, You Must Use Bp, Or Bp Subs To Hunt With A M.l., At Least During The M.l. Season. For Me Its A Moot Point. I Own A 45/70, And A 50 Cal M.l. For M.l. Season. 45/70 Performance From A M.l. Just Isnt Going To Happen With Bp Or Subs.
Coltdriver
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Muzzle speed is muzzle speed and the projectile does not know what got it up to that speed. The energy is a function of weight and speed.
You can not get a black powder rifle up to the bullet velocities that you can shoot a 45 70 at.
But remember too that the 45 70 is called that because it was designed to shoot a 405 grain lead projectile from a cartridge with 70 grains of BP in it. If you have a 45 70 these are a hoot to shoot and many buffalo dropped to this round.
In the range where they are shooting an identically weighted bullet at the same speed there is no difference in terminal energy.
There is a big difference in bullets available with the 45 70 having a wider range of jacketed bullets designed for it. I have never tried to stuff a bullet made for a 45 70 into a muzzle loader. Lead would not be a problem. Copper jacketed would present other issues like really tough to get started but I suppose it could be done.
You can not get a black powder rifle up to the bullet velocities that you can shoot a 45 70 at.
But remember too that the 45 70 is called that because it was designed to shoot a 405 grain lead projectile from a cartridge with 70 grains of BP in it. If you have a 45 70 these are a hoot to shoot and many buffalo dropped to this round.
In the range where they are shooting an identically weighted bullet at the same speed there is no difference in terminal energy.
There is a big difference in bullets available with the 45 70 having a wider range of jacketed bullets designed for it. I have never tried to stuff a bullet made for a 45 70 into a muzzle loader. Lead would not be a problem. Copper jacketed would present other issues like really tough to get started but I suppose it could be done.
JRSpicer426,
Short answer is they would be the same.
Long answer.... need some more information.
I have a few muzzleloders and a few xx-70s.
In my 50 calibers, if I use the same bullet and powder charge, the ballistics are the same. If I use what the rifles were designed for, patched round ball and 90 grains vs 450 grain conical and 68 grains, the ballistics favor the conical.
Even more so if you start mixing calibers.
I hope this helps, if not, start typing and we'll help you get it figured out.
Short answer is they would be the same.
Long answer.... need some more information.
I have a few muzzleloders and a few xx-70s.
In my 50 calibers, if I use the same bullet and powder charge, the ballistics are the same. If I use what the rifles were designed for, patched round ball and 90 grains vs 450 grain conical and 68 grains, the ballistics favor the conical.
Even more so if you start mixing calibers.
I hope this helps, if not, start typing and we'll help you get it figured out.
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