44 Mag - Nosler 240 JHP / H110 / Barrel Length Test Results

Thought I'd share data results from some testing I did with the Nosler 240 JHP, 23.4 grains of H110 in 1) Ruger Super Blackhawk, 5.5 in barrel, 2) Ruger Super Redhawk, 7.5 in barrel, and 3) Marlin 1894 Dark, 16.5 in barrel. I was using clear ballistics gel so I'll include penetration depth, expansion and weight retention data.

Blackhawk 5.5 in: 1307.5 fps, 20.0 in. penetration, .654 in. expansion, 96.6% weight retention

Redhawk 7.5 in: 1383.0 fps, 21.5 in penetration, .665 in. expansion, 91.1% weight retention

Marlin 1894 16.5 in: 1715.8 fps, 19.4 in penetration, .657 in expansion, 79.8% weight retention

Out of the leveraction, the 1715.8 fps was a bit too much for the nosler bullet. It didn't hold together well upon impact with the gel (little less penetration and significant weight loss)

 

Quite surprising to me. I would have thought it would have held together better than that out of the Marlin rifle.
Although I bet hitting the gel at 100 yds the results would have been different. And the Marlins ability to hit a 100 yard target over the revolvers is worth discussing too.

 

Yeah, apparently that bullet is coming apart at the higher velocity. I wouldn't have predicted that outcome.

Maybe an email to Nosler to ask about the designed velocity for that bullet would be enlightening.

 

Your velocity jump from revolver to carbine is very similar to my own testing using H110 and 240gr XTPs and a 6.5-inch revolver vs 16-inch carbine.

 

This is why I use the Nosler 240 gr JSPs instead of their JHPs in my 77/44 for hunting deer.

 

Interesting.

I have several .44 Magnum handguns, to include a 7.5” SBH, so the velocity posted should be close for me. Although my load is 240 XTP and 24.0gr of H110.

What I’d really like to see is the velocity from my 14” T/C Contender. The Marlin rifle barrel is 2.5” longer than my T/C.

 

Diggin the profile pic! Long Live KISS!! I like those XTP's ... what kind of velocity are you getting out of the SBH 7.5 in with that load?

 

I really like the Speer DeepCurl 240gr SP. I often take high shoulder shots as my property is small and I try for DRT shot opportunities with my 629. I use to use XTP's which I also like but think the DeepCurl holds up a bit better,

 

I loaded the same bullet as OP with 23.6gr h110 and out of a 10.5 SBH, it was starting to come apart at 25 yards into water jugs and wet phone books. I would estimate it kept 80% of its weight but these targets are pretty hard on bullets.