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**Mike Irwin** · February 3, 2013, 09:31 AM

A lot of it can be the result of the pressure curve.

Black powder burns at a constant rate, and rather quickly. All of its push is done early in the bullet's travel down the barrel.

Smokeless powder, however, being progressive burning, has a much longer burn time, and depending on the initial chamber pressure, much different burn characteristics.

Smokeless powder will have a much longer pressure curve, meaning that it will keep pushing on the bullet for a much longer time.

February 3, 2013, 09:31 AM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	A lot of it can be the result of the pressure curve. Black powder burns at a constant rate, and rather quickly. All of its push is done early in the bullet's travel down the barrel. Smokeless powder, however, being progressive burning, has a much longer burn time, and depending on the initial chamber pressure, much different burn characteristics. Smokeless powder will have a much longer pressure curve, meaning that it will keep pushing on the bullet for a much longer time. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.