WB
I have an urge to shoot a bar of soap
Monday, August 30, 2021, 08:10

To see the relative comparison of the old BP .31 cal. (.32 to us today) revolver potency. On paper the B.C. of a 45 gr. lead RB is not too impressive, even at 800 fps. But in reality ALL the lead balls were running in that vicinity speed wise, they were just differing sizes and weights. Surprisingly the balls flattened less than they gave very good penetration. I'm sure hitting bones or buttons they flattened, which would greatly restrict penetration. Of course back then just getting cut badly was a dangerous risk of infection and losing life or limb!

I'm wondering what to compare it to...

I have .22 LR of course, and .32 ACP, .380... ball ammo. I wonder what the Cap & Ball .31 and .36 would look like as to a temp. displacement comparison. The soap just provides a consistent medium comparing one caliber to another.

I also have several chronographs. I could place one before and after to measure how much energy was transferred to the actual impact medium. That might be interesting. Working on a screen to stop pieces that might register secondary or erratic chrono readings. The soap is $1 a shot. lol But I cut it up and use it later.