Velocitys?

[ZVP]

 With the popularity of 5 1/2" BP revolvers these days, has anyone chronied the difference between full 7 1/2"-8" barrels and the 5 1/2"?
I would guess there is less than 125 fps loss with the shorter bbl's.
I own both a full length and a short Remington 1858 and you can actually feel the recoil difference with 30 gr charges! I wonder what that translates to in fps?
Thanks,
ZVP

[Pettifogger]

To many variables to just say its 125 or 150 or any other number.  Depends on caliber, bullet weight, powder type, powder charge, etc.  The only thing you can say is that under most conditions the longer barrel will yield a higher velocity.

[fourfingersofdeath]

With the popularity of 5 1/2" BP revolvers these days, has anyone chronied the difference between full 7 1/2"-8" barrels and the 5 1/2"?
I would guess there is less than 125 fps loss with the shorter bbl's.
I own both a full length and a short Remington 1858 and you can actually feel the recoil difference with 30 gr charges! I wonder what that translates to in fps?
Thanks,
ZVP

I'm just guessing mind you, but I reckon you'd not outrun either, lol!

[Noz]

With smokeless, an inch barrel length will give you about 30 fps change.

[w44wcf]

With the popularity of 5 1/2" BP revolvers these days, has anyone chronied the difference between full 7 1/2"-8" barrels and the 5 1/2"?
I would guess there is less than 125 fps loss with the shorter bbl's.
I own both a full length and a short Remington 1858 and you can actually feel the recoil difference with 30 gr charges! I wonder what that translates to in fps?
Thanks,
ZVP

ZVP,
The difference in recoil just might be that the longer barrel has a bit more leverage, which increases the felt recoil a bit.
Differences in the barrel cylinder gaps, barrel and throat dimensions between different revolvers will have an effect.

I have two different 45 Colt Rugers with 7 1/2" barrels and one consistantly records 50 f.p.s. more than the other and the barrel cylinder gaps are identical. Hmmm.....

Interestingly, in comparing an original '73 Winchester with a 21" barrel and an original 1892 with a 24" barrel. both in 44 WCF, the difference in velocity was, surprisingly, only 17 f.p.s.  But then again, with 40 gr charges, the pressure at barrel exit in those length barrels is much lower than in revolvers so the difference in velocity would likely be greater. 

w44wcf

[Fairshake]

You also have to factor in the difference of the barrel weight itself. A 7 1/2 in bbl will weigh more and take up more recoil. The added length also puts more weight further away from the wrist which would help.

[ZVP]

 Thanks guys! I was wondering because I have both an 8" and a 51/2" 1858 Remingtons and was wondering how much the short barrel would loose? I was also concerned about a POI change between the two but other than a sight raduis difference you don't have to worry about it.
Like was said you couldn't outrun it!
Seriously, at 30 to 50 fps per inch, the velocity of a 30 gr powder load with a round ball wouldn't be apparent without a chronograph.
ZVP