44 Magnum Ammunition Testing

[Dianne]

We were out at the range this Saturday testing a limited production run of 44 Magnum ammunition. We used a Ruger Blackhawk revolver chambered in 44 Mag, and an Oehler Research Model 35P chronometer. The average speed of our 44 Magnum using a 240gr double struck copper plated lead FP bullet was 1135 fps. Photos from the shoot are located here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=0834f26b52

Edit:
Ruger Super Blackhawk Revolver with target adjustable sights chambered in 44 Magnum with a 6" barrel.
Average speed of 1135 feet per second on a 240gr TMJ (Double struck, copper plated lead bullets) as measured by an Oehler Research Model 35P Proof Chronometer.
These were made using reloaded once-fired 44 Magnum Brass and a Hodgdon Extreme powder. We gave away the brass after we were done to someone who wanted it..

[24Sailor]

We were out at the range this Saturday testing a limited production run of 44 Magnum ammunition. We used a Ruger Blackhawk revolver chambered in 44 Mag, and an Oehler Research Model 35P chronometer. The average speed of our 44 Magnum using a 240gr double struck copper plated lead FP bullet was 1135 fps. Photos from the shoot are located here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=0834f26b52

How long was your barrel? 6"? 8"? Super Blackhawk? or old single action one?

[theduece]

Link not working for me.

Guessing by your avatar you are an 06ffl? Any plans for a lead projectile .44mag that would chrony down around say 800fps? 1200fps out of a 16" barrel?

O and are these reloads or new brass?

[theduece]

The difference between super blackhawk and blackhawk are the sights. The super has adjustable. All blackhawks are single action. Kind of like single-six and a super single-six.

The redhawks are DA/SA

[Dianne]

I corrected the link above. Now it works.. sorry about that.

[Dianne]

6" barrel on a Super Blackhawk with target adjustable sights. Also, Merrisa, who was doing the testing, was hitting a 6"x12" metal plate at 100 yards, as spotted by the range master at one point. He said Merrisa spun it on the third shot.

[24Sailor]

The difference between super blackhawk and blackhawk are the sights. The super has adjustable. All blackhawks are single action. Kind of like single-six and a super single-six.

The redhawks are DA/SA

Thank you for correcting me. I sold my Blackhawk in the 1970's....All I can remember about it was I needed a screwdriver kit and some nail polish to keep it from shaking apart after about 40 rounds of full power ammo. Other than that little issue, it was a very dependable revolver.

[Dianne]

Link not working for me.

Guessing by your avatar you are an 06ffl? Any plans for a lead projectile .44mag that would chrony down around say 800fps? 1200fps out of a 16" barrel?

O and are these reloads or new brass?

We are an 06 and 08 FFL. These were made using once-fired reloaded brass, which we left with the range master, who wanted it after we were done. We delivered some of this run to Just Guns in Sacramento and to the Gun Exchange in San Jose. It should be available for purchase today from them. More coming.

As for your other question.. are you looking for a cowboy action type load?

[24Sailor]

6" barrel on a Super Blackhawk with target adjustable sights. Also, Merrisa, who was doing the testing, was hitting a 6"x12" metal plate at 100 yards, as spotted by the range master at one point. He said Merrisa spun it on the third shot.

This answers my original question. But if you are using a faster powder vs. a slower powder at the same velocity, the faster powder will create greater initial recoil shock to the firearm. I'm sharing this with you because I have a S&W 29-2 8 3/8' that doesn't like fast powders regardless of velocity...Has to do with the cylinder lock (weak spring) coming unglued with rapid recoil. I can shoot 265 gr. bullets out of it with slow powders @ 1400 fps without an issue. I can't shoot 240 gr. bullets with fast powders @ 1400 fps without issues.

Yes my gun is finicky....but design your ammo for all firearms that may run them....Just trying to be helpful.

[Dianne]

This run tested out at an average of 1135 fps, slower than the 1400 fps you used in your example, and is somewhere in-between a 44 special load and a full power 44 magnum load. I'll take your advice under consideration though.

[ns3v3n]

I thought the regular blackhawk have adjustable sights as well??? Oh and Thanks for the informative info.

[Cowboy T]

I've got a ".44 Special +P" load using Titegroup and a 200gr cast boolit that runs at just under 1,100 fps. Sounds a lot like Dianne's load. It doesn't hurt any .44 Magnum firearm one bit, including the Model 29/629's. Assuming her load's within standard pressure specs, it oughta be just fine in any .44M-rated firearm.

Dianne, can you tell us which powder you're using? Not asking for quantity. :-)

[ted caster]

bullet speed recommendations for copper plated bullets.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q10-c1-How_fast_can_I_shoot_these_bullets.aspx

[24Sailor]

This run tested out at an average of 1135 fps, slower than the 1400 fps you used in your example, and is somewhere in-between a 44 special load and a full power 44 magnum load. I'll take your advice under consideration though.

My fire arm has a 8 3/8" barrel...so at ~30 fps per inch do the math.....however it's the initial chamber pressure that counts most...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.....BTW your ammo would shoot great in my old gun I'm sure.

[24Sailor]

I'll give you a nice load to try out....but use your engineering to get here...It's for .357 mag. (pretty popular round). I used a 6" barrel Colt Python to test @ an average of 1125 fps.

Starline Nickel plated Brass

Hornady 158 Gr. XTP HP

Alliant 2400 @ 13.1 Gr.

Federal Match SP magnum primers

COAL 1.590" crimped

Goldilocks load ( not too hot, not too cold....just right)