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Chronograph results from this morning, that some may find useful.






Instead of running my favorite 5" N Frames, I chose to run a 4" Model 29 and a 7.5" Magnaported Redhawk. I figured this would allow others to get a better idea what these loads may run in their .44s of varying barrel lengths.







The loads tested were as follows:

185 grain full profile wadcutters, pushed by 10 grains Unique.

240 grain RNL (Round Nose Lead), with 8.5 grains Unique.

240 grain SWC (lead Semi Wadcutter) with 10 grains Unique.










For reference, I am at roughly 4,000 FT elevation, and it was around 50 degrees this morning during the test.



Each load was fired 12 times in both the 4" S&W and 7.5" Ruger.



4" Model 29:


240 grain RNL/8.5 grns Unique avg: 967 FPS

240 grain SWC/10 grns Unique avg: 1164 FPS

185 grain wadcutter/10 grns Unique avg: 1282 FPS




7.5" Redhawk:


240 grain RNL/8.5 grns Unique avg: 1093 FPS That is 126 FPS difference between the 4" and 7.5"

240 grain SWC/10 grns Unique avg: 1236 FPS That is 72 FPS difference between the 4" and 7.5"

185 grain wadcutter/10 grns Unique avg: 1372 FPS That is 90 FPS difference between the 4" and 7.5"


I was quite surprised at the wadcutter load speeds. I honestly did not think it was traveling that fast, as it has a rather mild recoil.