What if the first round ball hits the assailant right between the eyes?
Seriously, how likely is that, for the average person, under that kind of stress? It is FAR more likely that you have to reload.
What if the first round ball hits the assailant right between the eyes?
This is a question out of curiosity, more so than asking for advice or to stir the pot. But I was wondering if anybody uses a BP gun for home defense. I ask because I recently rigged up the holster from the Halloween costume to by bed and found that my makes a good "night stand" holster. And got to thinking: is BP a viable home defense tool? And does anybody use it?
What are your thoughts? I personally think I'd trust a .451 caliber lead ball fired at 10 feet to stop an assailant more than a 9mm FMJ or JHP or a .22LR hollowpoint. Interesting thoughts on this one.
Hi
Ed Sanow published a list of cap & ball .31, .36 & .44 round ball versus modern calibre one shot stops in the Feb 1998 copy of Handguns. I have pasted it but it's a bit messed up.
Regards,
kologha
Cap and Ball Ballistics
By Ed Sanow
Handguns February 1998
Cap and Ball Wound Ballistics
Calibre
Firearm
Bullet
FFFg
Velocity
Energy
1 Shot Stop
.31 Pocket
Baby Dragoon
46gr RB
11gr
821 fps
69 ft lb
30%
.36 Navy
Colt 1851 Navy
70gr RB
22gr
1038 fps
189 ft lb
59%
.44 Army
1861 New Army
141gr RB
35gr
935 fps
274 ft lb
75%
.44 Walker
1847 Walker
141gr RB
60gr
1287 fps
519 ft lb
87%
.44 Calibre RB Ballistics
0.44
1860 Sheriff
141gr RB
30gr
756 fps
179 ft lb
59%
0.44
1861 New Army
141gr RB
35gr
935 fps
274 ft lb
75%
0.44
Ruger Old Army
141gr RB
40gr
1031 fps
333 ft lb
79%
0.44
1848 Dragoon
141gr RB
50gr
1181 fps
437 ft lb
85%
0.44
1847 Walker
141gr RB
60gr
1287 fps
519 ft lb
87%
Cap and Ball versus Modern Cartridges
.31 Pocket
Baby Dragoon
46gr RB
11gr
821 fps
69 ft lb
30%
.22LR
Revolver
37gr LHP
FL
975 fps
78 ft lb
29%
.36 Navy
Colt 1851 Navy
70gr RB
22gr
1038 fps
189 ft lb
59%
9mm S
Semi Auto Pistol
88gr JHP
FL
1000 fps
189 ft lb
59%
.44 Army
New Army
141gr RB
35gr
935 fps
274 ft lb
75%
.44 Spl
Revolver
200gr LHP
FL
810 fps
292 ft lb
73%
.44 Walker
Walker 1847
141gr RB
60gr
1287 fps
519 ft lb
87%
.41 Mag
Revolver
175gr JHP
FL
1250 fps
608 ft lb
89%
.........you can always find percussion caps and black powder or black powder substitutes for them.
Get yourself a forester tap o cap...but percussion caps are right up there with primers as far as rarity.
Anyway, I noticed Arcticap's list of stats was used to argue both ways... interesting turn of stats. Thanks CNN style Stat usage.
If you notice my signature I have BP revolvers & rifles, .22 revolvers & rifles, centerfire pistol and cartridge shotguns. All are loaded and kept in various locations all over my house. I do not carry a weapon when I am in my house, I figure I can get to one if it be needed. My cap & ball revolvers just give me more guns to use if needed. they are just part of the overall defense strategy.