Want to learn

7danny · 11-10-2009, 06:10 AM

Can anyone point me to a good source online to learn more about the trajectory of a muzzleloader bullet and how different grain bullets react? Even the science behind it all.

Semisane · 11-10-2009, 06:48 AM

You can play around with this ballistics calculator and learn a lot. Use either the ballistic coefficient (BC) published by the bullet maker, or the one generated by the calculator. Use a sight height of .5 for iron sights, or something like 1.5 for a scope.

http://www.handloads.com/calc/

You can change the parameters (velocity, bullet weight, sight in distance, intervals, etc.) easily and get a pretty good reading. I like to set the intervals at 25 yards and the Max. Range at 200, and then play around by changing the Sight In Distance (i.e. the "zero") or the velocity to see what happens.

Big Z · 11-10-2009, 06:50 AM

Understanding Firearm Ballistics by Robert A. Rinker

That's the book I've been studying to learn the science behind ballistics.

http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/index.htm Here I've read some articles, all quite interesting.

When it comes to ballistics, there is much to be learned. I know a fair bit now, and I've only just begun.

Bullets from muzzleloaders aren't dissimilar to bullets from handguns or rifles in the way they behave in the air. The principles that you learn about one gun can usually be somehow applied to another.