Is there a drop chart for the 45/70 loaded with black powder? Anything that shows the trajectory of the original trapdoor round?
Is there a drop chart for the 45/70 loaded with black powder? Anything that shows the trajectory of the original trapdoor round?
Last edited by rick benjamin; 10-04-2021 at 04:35 PM. Reason: add a link
Reduce the issue, ignore the drama
They're out there. I've seen the data on old Army charts from the period.
However; If ya can't find an original, just determine the speed (approx. 11-1300 fps) & bullet weight.
Then the new charts on smokeless powder at trapdoor speeds will still apply.
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EVERYONE!
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Even better is if you have access to a lab radar. Get velocities at muzzle and 200 yds with your load. With this you can go on line and figure the BC for your bullet them another program and you can make the trajectory charts.
For the .45-70 at any relative long range, the bullet arc scribed skyward will be, and is, Huge.
Interesting to realize, but of no real concern. It is what it is.
^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^
I read an article in a magazine some years ago that was spotlighting the .45/70 cartridge. An Indian fighter from the cavalry back in the late 1800s had been interviewed in the early 20th century about his views regarding the .45/70/500 BPCR and the trapdoors they were issued. He told a story of skirmish lines with Indians 600 yard apart...well withing the capabilities of the trapdoors and the .45/70 but not the Henry and Winchester rifles the Indians had. It seemed the Indians had realized that when a puff of smoke would erupt, the Indians would simply roll to the right or left and by the time the bullet reached them, it would land where they had been, but not where they were. The trooper said once they realized this, they would pair up a team of soldiers, aim 2 feet to the left and right, and most times the Indians would roll right into the bullet. That's a long, slow freight train.
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