Lock Dates and (Caliber) Bore/Balls to the Pound

[BruceHH]

I have seen quite a bit of discussion and information concerning when certain locks were put in to use and thought this little table may help. The dates can vary by source, but these should be close.

Match Lock - 1411


Wheel Lock - 1500


Snap Lock (Snaphance) - 1517


Modern Flintlock - 1610


Percussion Lock - 1820’s

I have also read quite a bit of information concerning calibers/bore sizes etc.. and one of my big problems is when someone misuses one of the terms to give historical information. Bore or balls to the pound was the term used up until sometime in the early/mid 1800's, after which the term caliber came into play. They are not the same. One of the most mis stated quotes I have seen comes from a supposed article referencing a great grandson of Boone's stating Boone's preferred caliber was 29. It was a Bore of 29 or close to a 54 caliber.

Please feel free to correct anything you see that needs correcting.

Caliber = Pure Lead Round Ball Weight = Bore (balls Per Pound)


.310 = 45 grains = 155 Bore

.315 = 47 grains

.321 = 50 grains = 140 Bore

.350 = 65 grains

.360 = 71 grains

.375 = 80 grains

.395 = 92 grains

.400 = 96 grains = 73 Bore

.433 = 122 grains

.437 = 127 grains

.440 = 128 grains

.443 = 131 grains

.445 = 133 grains = 53 Bore

.451 = 138 grains

.454 = 141 grains

.457 = 144 grains

.490 = 177 grains = 39 Bore

.498 = 180 grains

.520 = 212 grains

.530 = 224 grains

.535 = 231 grains = 30 Bore

.543 = 241 grains

.550 = 251 grains

.560 = 260 grains

.562 = 276 grains

.570 = 279 grains

.575 = 286 grains = 24 Bore

.595 = 317 grains

.600 = 325 grains

.610 = 342 grains

.648 = 410 grains

.662 = 437 grains

.678 = 469 grains

.680 = 473 grains = 18 Bore

.690 = 495 grains

.715 = 550 grains

.730 = 586 grains

.735 = 598 grains

.760 = 661 grains

.775 = 700 grains

.835 = 875 grains

.919 = 1167 grains

1.052 = 1750 grains

7000 grains to the pound ÷ bullet weight = balls to the pound (Bore)