Colt Navy: Finding The Best Triple Seven Load

Published on January 19, 2019
Duration: 5:41

Dustin Weeger tests Triple Seven powder loads in an 1851 Colt Navy revolver at 45 feet. He evaluates 15, 18, and 21-grain loads for accuracy and velocity. The 18-grain load demonstrated the best balance of accuracy and consistency, with an average velocity of 839 ft/s and a group size of approximately 2 inches. The 15-grain load was also consistent but less accurate, while the 21-grain load showed poor consistency and accuracy, suggesting it's an overcharge.

Quick Summary

For the 1851 Colt Navy, testing Triple Seven powder loads at 45 feet revealed that 18 grains by volume provided the best balance of accuracy and consistency, with an average velocity of 839 ft/s and a group size of approximately 2 inches. Higher charges like 21 grains showed significant inconsistency.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:30Target Distance & Initial Aiming Point
  3. 01:1915 Grain Load Results & Analysis
  4. 01:50Testing 18 Grain Loads
  5. 03:0718 Grain Load Results & Analysis
  6. 03:21Chronograph Results for 18 Grain Loads
  7. 03:29Testing 21 Grain Loads
  8. 03:51Cap Jam Incident
  9. 04:4321 Grain Load Results & Analysis
  10. 04:50Chronograph Results for 21 Grain Loads
  11. 05:00Velocity Spread Analysis
  12. 05:11Conclusion: Optimal Load Recommendation
  13. 05:22Video Wrap-up & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Triple Seven powder loads for an 1851 Colt Navy?

Based on testing at 45 feet, the 18-grain load of Triple Seven powder by volume appears to be the most effective for the 1851 Colt Navy, offering a good balance of accuracy and consistency with an average velocity of 839 ft/s.

What was the accuracy of the 18-grain Triple Seven load in the Colt Navy?

The 18-grain Triple Seven load in the 1851 Colt Navy produced a group size of approximately 2 inches at 45 feet, which was an improvement over the lighter 15-grain load.

Why is the 21-grain Triple Seven load not recommended for the 1851 Colt Navy?

The 21-grain Triple Seven load resulted in significant inconsistency and a wide velocity spread (998-1238 ft/s), leading to scattered shot placement and suggesting it is an overcharge for this firearm.

What velocity was achieved with the 15-grain Triple Seven load in the Colt Navy?

The 15-grain Triple Seven load in the 1851 Colt Navy achieved an average velocity of 668.8 ft/s with a relatively tight spread of 36 ft/s, though accuracy was less than the 18-grain load.

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