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Merkava
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #15 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:37pm
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Yes, black powder will be the propellant. 490 grain lead cast.
I'll be hunting irrigated alfalfa, basically, sitting in a blind.
Since I will be utilizing a Zulu Martini Henry, sights will be on the barrel.
Since the cartridge I selected is 45-70,  the practical range for an ethical shot I would imagine to be 150 yards, Max.
  
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westerner
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #16 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:39pm
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Merkava wrote on Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:37pm:
Yes, black powder will be the propellant. 490 grain lead cast.
I'll be hunting irrigated alfalfa, basically, sitting in a blind.
Since I will be utilizing a Zulu Martini Henry, sights will be on the barrel.
Since the cartridge I selected is 45-70,  the practical range for an ethical shot I would imagine to be 150 yards, Max.


34 Inches.
  
A blind squirrel runs into a tree every once in a while.
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Merkava
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #17 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:45pm
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I have not yet selected sights. 
If there is an aperture rear sight adaptable to this rifle, that will suit me well.
As for the front sight, a banded front sight, with gold bead.
I realize there are some limiting factors to sight selection.
  
It's not a good idea to start a fight with an old man. He can't run and he can't fight any more. But there is one thing he will do. He will shoot you.  " John Steinbeck"
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rkba2nd
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #18 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:54pm
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My point exactly Westerner, at least not until all the facts are in.
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #19 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:00pm
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rkba2nd wrote on Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:54pm:
My point exactly Westerner, at least not until all the facts are in.


All answers inconclusive until full and complete data are provided by Merkava.

Fingers tapping on table.......
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #20 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:05pm
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Probably the better question is 
Why do you want (hope for)complete burn?

A 6” difference in barrel length, to burn 3-4 grains of powder, and probably only gain 40-50 fps in velocity for a 150 yard shot doesn’t really justify the extra length from a performance standpoint.

If you’re trying to keep from setting the hay on fire, you’ll probably either need 48” barrel or a spark arrestor.
  
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Merkava
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #21 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:18pm
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Westerner,
Full & complete data.
What else can I provide?
This is not the space shuttle.
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #22 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:29pm
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Merkava wrote on Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:18pm:
Westerner,
Full & complete data.
What else can I provide?
This is not the space shuttle.


Unofficially I'm sticking with 34 inches because I feel I have sufficient data. 

rkba2nd is the one who feels you have not provided enough data.

I'm just being agreeable.   Smiley
  
A blind squirrel runs into a tree every once in a while.
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Merkava
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #23 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:38pm
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Groovy. 34", I'll order it up.
1-22, is that a proper ROT for this rifle??
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #24 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:47pm
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That rate of twist is pretty normal, maybe a touch slow.  Often 1:20 is used on .45-70 lever rifles these days.  Target rifles are often 1:16 or 1:18.   

Regarding setting stuff on fire accidentally, I've done it a couple of times with a .40-65 and a 30" barrel Smiley.

I think for hunting it depends on whether a long barrel will be a hindrance to you or not.  I like the looks of 32" barrels but have BPCRs from 28" to 34".  I don't really know if any of them have a 100% complete powder burn.   They all have pretty big fireballs and lots of burning crud coming out of the end of the barrel.  I'd pick what you think is good for balance and looks.

Chris.
  
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Merkava
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #25 - Dec 10th, 2021 at 10:59pm
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Chris,
I'll be hoofing it to the blind, 1/4 mile easy walk. So rifle weight not an
issue. 
I'm going to be shooting from a comfortable blind, November, so 
there won't be any fire hazard.
The elk will be passing thru a stand of timber, right into the alfalfa.
If the 490 grain lead cast is not proper please advise.
Thanks..
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #26 - Dec 11th, 2021 at 12:28am
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rkba2nd wrote on Dec 10th, 2021 at 9:30pm:
No mention of it needing to be # 4 weight, just that no mention of barrel weight was made, and that would play a part in the decision of length. Neither was it mentioned in the original post that black powder was the chosen propellant. Changing burn rate in smokeless powder would or could solve the complete burn question.


The title says:
"Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45"
Think that pretty much answers if it's BP or smokeless.
And you brought up the #4 weight, so I was simply replying to that when I said it didn't need to be a #4 weight.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #27 - Dec 11th, 2021 at 12:32am
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All of my .45-70 rifles are 1:18" twist, and that will stabilize a very heavy bullet of 535 grs. with no problem. It still works well with a lighter 405 gr. bullet too, which for hunting would be plenty for deer or elk.
For most shots under 300 yds. I'd not worry about whether the black powder all burned or not. It's still going to be plenty accurate with a 30" barrel. I still prefer longer 34", just because I like the balance and the longer sighting radius with iron sights.
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #28 - Dec 11th, 2021 at 12:38am
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Duplexing would probably burn it all.
  
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Re: Barrel length / burn rate of black powder in .45
Reply #29 - Dec 11th, 2021 at 1:11am
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Westerner, the correct answer is the one that the individual wants to hear. 
Lee Gibbs
  
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