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Author Topic: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!  (Read 7112 times)

Offline Junkman

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Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« on: September 13, 2011, 06:29:28 AM »
Ever wonder how they did it 150 years ago? Here's how......
 
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Offline Captainkirk

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2011, 06:52:42 AM »
Link doesn't work......
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Offline Junkman

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2011, 08:16:02 AM »
I just checked it and the link works in IE8, Firefox 6.02, and Opera browsers. I suggest you try it again. Maybe you just caught it at a bad time.  ;) 
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Offline Captainkirk

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2011, 01:18:27 PM »
Tried again....Firefox is not liking it.
Can you copy the actual link so I can paste it in my browser?
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Offline Junkman

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2011, 01:34:52 PM »
Sure, but I don't understand, as I am using Firefox 6.0.2 and it works just fine.
 
http://www.northfloridashooting.com/Misc/Ballistic_Pendulum/Ballistic_Pendulum.htm
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Offline Junkman

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2011, 06:31:14 PM »
Measuring Bullet Velocity (a mechanical chronograph) 
 
In 1742 Benjamin Robins (1707-51) invented his ballistic pendulum, an instrument designed to measure the velocity of a projectile directed at it. Knowing the weight of the pendulum, H, with target, K, the weight of the shot fired, and the distance the pendulum moved when struck (measured by strap L), it was possible to calculate the velocity of the shot. By performing experiments at various distances Robins was able to determine the loss of velocity as range increased, and therefore the effects of air density and gravity. The instrument had its faults, but at least its design was based upon logical thought, not on rules of thumb or guesswork. Robins published his findings in New Principles of Gunnery 1742. Had more notice been taken of them at the time the technical development of ordnance might have progressed much faster.
 
Ballistic pendulum height=313
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Offline east texas

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2011, 12:45:52 PM »
thanx junkman, that was interestin, the old boy was purty smart fer hi time!
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Offline Fingers McGee

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2011, 04:40:35 PM »
Quote from: junkman_01 on September 13, 2011, 06:29:28 AM
Ever wonder how they did it 150 years ago? Here's how......
 

Veeeeeeeery Intewesting.
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Offline Mad Dog Stafford

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2015, 08:37:48 AM »
BTT
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Offline mazo kid

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2015, 09:16:11 AM »
Some time ago Muzzle Blasts magazine (I'm pretty sure it was that magazine) had an article on the ballistic pendulum and instructions for making one. At that time, I started building one; have the pendulum built. It got put on the back burner for a long time, kinda lost track of the magazine. I have it, but that was probably 16-18 years ago....try to find it now!? Anybody know the year so I wouldn't have to search through MANY magazines?
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Online ssb73q

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Re: Measuring Bullet Velocity.....150 Years Ago!
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2015, 11:07:59 AM »
Hi, if anyone finds that reference to a ballistic pendulum I would be very interested. A work around is to use a chronograph where different powders and projectiles can be compared. Testing I did with Swiss powder in an 8" revolver showed that the bullet energy was almost directly proportional to the amount of power charge used.

Regards,
Richard
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