Well this might be somewhat "out there" but since the sky is the limit and alot of what we talk about here is somewhat theoretical and since RB is an expert in different types of propulsion I thought I would bring it up.
Why even limit ourselves to gunpowder? Well the answer to that is probably just practicality. However I can think of 3 other methods of propulsion that would possibly work in a smokeless muzzleloader.
1. Air - Did you know that the Lewis and Clark used an airgun on their expedition?
2. Liquid fuel- Or perhaps a gel. Regardless some sort of propellant. I would be real interested in hearing RB's comments on this, as I know he knows more then just a little bit about rocket fuels.
3. Electro magnetism- Thats right, a muzzleloading rail gun. I know the military has/is working on developing a modern combat viable rail gun. Velocitys on the proto-types are just unreal. The first prototype was over 30,000 fps and the last one I heard about was over 15,000 fps.
Obvious problems, power source and proper conductors. However if the actual velocity level desired was kept below 5000 fps would it not stand to reason that the power source requirement would be less and the demand on the conductors less demanding as well?
Ok I know this is a little bit far fetched, but then again, I am sure that lightbulbs were considered wacky at one time as well.
Why even limit ourselves to gunpowder? Well the answer to that is probably just practicality. However I can think of 3 other methods of propulsion that would possibly work in a smokeless muzzleloader.
1. Air - Did you know that the Lewis and Clark used an airgun on their expedition?
2. Liquid fuel- Or perhaps a gel. Regardless some sort of propellant. I would be real interested in hearing RB's comments on this, as I know he knows more then just a little bit about rocket fuels.
3. Electro magnetism- Thats right, a muzzleloading rail gun. I know the military has/is working on developing a modern combat viable rail gun. Velocitys on the proto-types are just unreal. The first prototype was over 30,000 fps and the last one I heard about was over 15,000 fps.
Obvious problems, power source and proper conductors. However if the actual velocity level desired was kept below 5000 fps would it not stand to reason that the power source requirement would be less and the demand on the conductors less demanding as well?
Ok I know this is a little bit far fetched, but then again, I am sure that lightbulbs were considered wacky at one time as well.