1851 Colt Navy: Finding The Best Load

Published on November 3, 2018
Duration: 4:26

This video provides a chronograph test of the 1851 Colt Navy revolver using .36 caliber round balls and varying loads of 3FG Go-X black powder. Dustin Weiniger tests 15, 18, and 21-grain powder charges, presenting velocity and energy data for each. The testing reveals that while 15 grains offer extreme consistency, 21 grains provide a respectable power increase with improved consistency over the 18-grain load, leading the instructor to adopt 21 grains for regular use.

Quick Summary

Testing the 1851 Colt Navy with .36 caliber round balls and 3FG Go-X black powder revealed that 15 grains offers extreme consistency (14 fps spread), 18 grains increases velocity (800 fps avg) but reduces consistency (91 fps spread), and 21 grains provides a good balance of power (847 fps avg) and improved consistency (70 fps spread).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Viewer Request
  2. 01:0115 Grain Load Test Results
  3. 02:0518 Grain Load Test Results
  4. 02:4021 Grain Load Test Results
  5. 03:36Conclusion & Recommended Load
  6. 04:00Final Thoughts & Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended powder loads for a .36 caliber 1851 Colt Navy revolver?

Based on chronograph testing with 3FG Go-X black powder, 15 grains offers extreme consistency, 18 grains increases velocity but reduces consistency, and 21 grains provides a good balance of power and improved consistency, making it a respectable choice for the 1851 Colt Navy.

How does powder charge affect the velocity of an 1851 Colt Navy?

Increasing the powder charge in an 1851 Colt Navy generally increases velocity. Testing showed 15 grains averaging 735 fps, 18 grains averaging 800 fps, and 21 grains averaging 847 fps, demonstrating a clear correlation between powder amount and muzzle velocity.

What is the consistency of different powder loads in the 1851 Colt Navy?

The 15-grain load in the 1851 Colt Navy was extremely consistent with a spread of only 14 fps. The 18-grain load showed a wider spread of 91 fps, while the 21-grain load improved consistency over the 18-grain load with a spread of 70 fps.

What type of black powder was used in the 1851 Colt Navy load test?

The chronograph testing for the 1851 Colt Navy was conducted using 3FG Go-X Real Black Powder. It's important to note that results may vary with different powder types or granulation sizes.

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