MCgunner - thanks for the data. What powder were you using?
Here's data.
2.25" SP101
125 grain JHP/18.0 grains 2400......1102 fps/337 ft lbs
140 grain JHP/17.0 grains 2400......1332 fps/551 ft lbs
158 grain SWC/14.5 grains 2400.....1162 fps/426 ft lbs mildish load
180 grain XTP/JHP/13.8 grains AA#9....1306 fps/662 ft lbs
Now, that 125 grainer heats up to just over 450 ft lbs in a 3" barrel and pushes 600 in a 4" gun. I got a little confused in my previous post, only 337 ft lbs in the 2" Ruger, but the flash/bang could kill a man, LOL. It seems to be most affected by barrel length. A faster powder like Blue Dot is probably warranted in the short barrel. 2400 is too slow for the light bullets in the short barrels. For comparison, the 180 grain load out of a 6.5" Blackhawk pushes 1402 fps/785 ft lbs, not as big a boost from the much longer barrel. Of course, I'm using AA#9 in that load, but it's a slow powder. I think the bullet is just able to utilize the pressure better being as it spends more time in the barrel. The 125 grainer just accelerates too quick and is outside the barrel before pressure peaks.
Here's my standard 158 grain SWC/14.5 grain 2400 in different barrel lengths.
2.3" SP101...........1162 fps/426 ft lbs
3" Taurus M66......1198 fps/504 ft lbs
4" Taurus M66.......1324 fps/614 ft lbs
6.5" Blackhawk......1470 fps/760 ft lbs
The 140 Speer is pretty hot and it's so accurate, it was my choice. I could have messed around with faster powders and the 125 grainer, but I really don't like 125 grain loads anyway, hard on the gun and the 140 works REAL well on 100 lbish hogs, leaves a nasty exit wound.