.36-Caliber Colt Conicals: Testing The 17-Grain Load

Published on January 5, 2019
Duration: 3:17

This video tests .36 caliber Colt conical bullets in an 1851 Colt Navy revolver using two different 17-grain powder charges: Goex Triple FG black powder and Pyrodex P substitute. The Goex load resulted in a lower average velocity (732.4 fps) and a wider spread, with the instructor expressing dissatisfaction with the grouping at 50 feet. The Pyrodex P load yielded a higher average velocity (866.6 fps) and a slightly wider spread, but performed better overall in this specific test. The instructor notes that 17 grains may not be the optimal load for this bullet type and plans further testing.

Quick Summary

Testing .36 caliber Colt conical bullets in an 1851 Colt Navy revolver with 17 grains of Goex Triple FG yielded 732.4 fps and poor grouping. A 17-grain load of Pyrodex P substitute performed better, achieving 866.6 fps, though the instructor plans further load development.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction and Request
  2. 01:16Goex Triple FG Load Results
  3. 01:35Goex Chronograph Data
  4. 02:33Pyrodex P Load Results
  5. 02:43Pyrodex P Chronograph Data
  6. 03:00Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the results of testing .36 caliber Colt conical bullets with 17 grains of Goex Triple FG black powder?

Testing with 17 grains of Goex Triple FG black powder in an 1851 Colt Navy revolver yielded an average velocity of 732.4 fps with a spread of 66 fps. The grouping at 50 feet was unsatisfactory, suggesting that 17 grains may not be the optimal load.

How did Pyrodex P substitute perform with .36 caliber Colt conical bullets at 17 grains?

The Pyrodex P substitute, loaded with 17 grains, achieved a higher average velocity of 866.6 fps with a spread of 84 fps. This load performed better than the Goex black powder in this specific test, indicating it might be a more powerful option.

What firearm was used to test the .36 caliber Colt conical bullets?

The firearm used for testing the .36 caliber Colt conical bullets was a "trusty 1851 Colt Navy revolver." This historical firearm is known for its .36 caliber chambering.

Is 17 grains of powder the ideal load for .36 caliber Colt conical bullets?

Based on this initial test, 17 grains of powder (both Goex Triple FG and Pyrodex P) may not be the optimal load for .36 caliber Colt conical bullets, as the instructor noted dissatisfaction with the grouping and plans further exploration with different loads.

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