Rifleman Q&A: Muzzle Velocity

posted on June 29, 2016
qa.jpg

Q: I am reading a book, The Rifle in America, by Philip B. Sharpe, first published in 1938. The first mention of muzzle velocity is on p. 22, referring to the Model 1842 Percussion Rifle. Muzzle velocity is mentioned many times concerning rifles made prior to the 1938 publication date, and I am wondering what methods were used to measure muzzle velocity back then?

A: It would probably surprise most people today, but by the late 19th century, there were available fairly sophisticated electro-mechanical chronographs, notably the Le Boulenge and the Benton Electro-Ballistic. Their use was pretty much limited to those with the funds to obtain them, in the case of the United States that would be the federal government, specifically the military.

Nonetheless, well into the 20th century, most published “measurements” were obtained with the use of carefully constructed pendulum devices. Principles of physics were applied by measuring the movement of a known-weight object when struck by a bullet fired into it. Because the weight of the bullet was also known, the energy delivered to the object could be calculated. From that figure the velocity of the bullet could be computed. I know it works; my high school physics teacher constructed a simple, yet effective, pendulum system in our classroom, and we spent several hours firing a variety of .22-cal. rimfire ammunition in order to determine its velocity (that was 50 years ago). The process is tedious and time-consuming, but can produce quite accurate results if carefully performed in a controlled environment.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.