Muzzle Velocity Estimation from Recoil

[Puncha]

Just curious.....

....but when shooting a revolver which one is familiar with, is it possible to make ACCURATE muzzle velocity estimations based on recoil and muzzle blast alone? I met this guy at the range today and he seems to not only be able to differentiate ammo brands (when blindfolded) by smelling the spent casing but also be able to give pretty fair indications about muzzle velocity based on recoil and blast sensation. He came quite close when checked against a chronograph.

 

[P95Carry]

If enough ammo shot thru the same gun - and numerous varieties then I daresay the experienced shooter can make a good guess.

However - bullet weight will affect the character of recoil - and powder choices used by manufacturers will quite markedly alter muzzle flash. generally and predictably the heavier bullets like 158's in .357 will be going slower than say 125's!

I would expect the recoil from my POV to generally enable me to assess what I'll call ''power factor'' - or how ''hot'' the load is. I doubt tho even after all my shooting years I'd get all that close to chrono readings - probably just stabbing at figures I know from past types of load

A 158 grain 38 spl could well be around 800-850. A 125 .357 could well top 1500, the 158 perhaps 1400 .... etc.

 

[Jim Watson]

Your guy is kind of like the carnival performer who can guess weight and age. It is a combination of developed skill and a tendency to remember the hits and forget the misses.

 

[gezzer]

Buy a chrono they can be had cheap

 

[Archie]

I have never heard this question before. Thanks.

I've been to three county fairs and a hog-callin' and I've never had this brought up.

The answer is; yes, it's possible in the sense P95 and Mr. Watson mention.

For those of us who reload and need serious and precise information, it's not suitable. But it's a great trick for impressing the locals.

 

[kannonfyre]

Has anyone ever...

....shot the made in italy Fiocchi .38 special 158gr LRN and other similar weighted LRNs from the same revolver before? Would it be fair to say that the former round manages at least 800ft/s from the muzzle due to the fact that it kicks harder?

 

[HighVelocity]

I believe it. I can tell how much horspower a vehicle has with my Butt Dyno.