Is there a way to calculate muzzle velocity just by bullet weight, powder type and powder charge? If not, what is the best way to calculate velocity accurately?

Only way to accurately measure velocity is to shoot over a chronograph. (oops spelling error repair)

Got Chronograph?

At one time, there was the Powley Calculator.

From what I heard, it could come close. Of course, "close" requires case capacity, bullet weight, primer type, and powder, and it didn't take into consideration the newer powders.

There may be an electronic upgrade.

As Bushy and 1895ss suggest, a chronograph is the best bet, and probably about as expensive as computer software, if you check the sales.

Cronographs are pretty cheap and a MUST for any reloader IMO. I bought a closeout Crony years ago for like $80, it doesnt have all the bells and whistles like some of the newer models but it does record a string of shots over it, and thats all that maters.


-DallanC

Powley Calculators are around for computers never used one though but I've seen them around.

www.stevespages.com/page8b.htm - He has 2 on his site.

Also note the Powley Calculator only works for IMR powder.

Dimitri

There is a computer program called Compubal created by an engineer by the name of Carlton Shy. Carlton was the Cast Bullet editor of the IHMSA monthly news paper. Carlton created this program to give a reloader the optimum load for a given cartridge, bullet weight and barrel length. The program works much like the old slide rule Powley Computer (which I own).

The nice thing about Compubal is that it is also a "what if" program that can be used to design and develop cartridges. The numbers created by the program are accurate, safe and 99% of the time deliver good groups.

Carlton is no longer with us and the program, if you can find one, would be catch as catch can.
Ed

Hmmm..... I guess I'll order a Chronograph after Xmas. Wholesale sports in Calgary lists them for about $100 for a plain Jane one, that will be good enough for me. Thanx for the replies guys!!!! Was hoping for a cheeper way......hehe

Grant wrote:

Hmmm..... I guess I'll order a Chronograph after Xmas. Wholesale sports in Calgary lists them for about $100 for a plain Jane one, that will be good enough for me. Thanx for the replies guys!!!! Was hoping for a cheeper way......hehe

F1's are selling for $75 new on Ebay.

search.ebay.com/shooti...rchZSearch


-DallanC

Sometimes you can go to the Chrony website and buy a "refurbish" for under $50. F1
Got mine at Sportsmens Warehouse for $70


Seems the more you spend on a chronograph the more likely you are to accidently shot it. At least thats what my brother in law says ( he shot his ).

The only problem is getting shooting stuff across the boarder. With the gun laws in Canada now, I have to give them a blood sample, urine sample, semen sample just to confirm who I am and if I've ever talked to a criminal or terrorist.........LOL

It's just easier to spend an extra couple bucks to order it from within Canada. They have a nice Alfa for $139 that I think I'm going to buy

Grant try Russel Sports in Calgary as well, their prices are better on some items at times. Even try S.I.R.
www.russellsports.com/
www.sirmailorder.ca/

Grant,

Actually Canadian laws for shooting related stuff are much softer then the American laws when it comes to import-export.

You can legally import at a time for example 5000 loaded cartrages just need to pay duty at the boarder for it.

On the other hand with US law just shipping a single peice of unprimed and unloaded brass across the boarder out of the US without a export permit is a no-no.

dimitri

Dimitri is right, it isn't our laws that are holding up gun related stuff at the border. It is the U.S. laws that are holding things up. I guess they are scared we may all be terrorists north of the 49th.

A chronograph is the only reliable and accurate way to measure velocity, As Dallan said...every handloader should have one.....even a cheap one without the bells and whistles.

1895ss wrote:

Dimitri is right, it isn't our laws that are holding up gun related stuff at the border. It is the U.S. laws that are holding things up. I guess they are scared we may all be terroists north of the 49th.

Now this one sets me to thinking 1895ss....I mean, you do carry and shoot a Marlin, don't you?



We also have problems getting firearms related stuff into Australia. Australia Post (our Postman) has decided that it has a duty of care to its employees and anything related to firearms is dangerous and a threat to the safety of said employees, so they will not allow it.

Cheers, Vince