Longshot and published numbers?

[TurboFC3S]

I see that Longshot has some fairly good published velocities in a few calibers, but from what I've tried in 45ACP they appear unrealistic. Has anybody been able to achieve these good published numbers using Longshot? Does it not really perform unless it's loaded close to max or something?

Is there some secret to getting those numbers with Longshot, or am I not the only one who hasn't been able to duplicate them in the real world?

 

[Steve C]

If you are looking at Hodgdon's data they use a 10"+ test barrel so most values are skewed by + 2-300 fps depending upon your barrel length.

 

[Shoney]

Steve C
If you look at Hodgdons data pages for each cartridge, in the upper right side you will see "E-Mail". If you e-mail the data sheet to yourself, you will also get the full data on the weapon used. For example:

Cartridge Load Report - 45 ACP‏

Case: Winchester -----Barrel Length: 5"
Twist: 1:16" ---------Trim Length: .893"
Primer: FEDERAL 150

Please notice, they use a 5" barrel.
_____________________________________
TurboFC3S
I have worked up and chronoed a lot of loads with Longshot in several cartridges. I find that my max velocities were slightly under the load data velocities, but then I was using barrel lengths 1/2" to 1 1/2" less than their test barrels.

In looking over my notes, I have written "abbusive" in many of the max and near max loads. With only a few exceptions, accuracy loads were just above start to midload range.

Overall I like the powder best with the heavier bullets. A light bullet was also very accurate at screaming velocities. Just remember that Longshot is a slower burning pistol powder and excellent shotshell powder for heavy loads.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Also on the Hodgdon site, if you hit the "print" link on the page you will get that same information on primer used and barrel length.

BTW, they used a 5" barrel for the .45 Auto which is strange for them. I'm guessing it's because for many years the .45 Auto was used in a 5" 1911 almost exclusively. They are listing a 4" barrel for the 9mm. Maybe they use "normal" barrel lengths when testing pistol rounds and longer barrels when testing revolver rounds. I've seen them list test barrels in lengths of 7.7" for the .38 Special & +P, a 8.275" barrel for the .44 Magnum and 10" for the .357 Magnum. It seems all the semi-auto calibers are 4" and 5" barrels whereas the revolvers calibers range from 7.7" all the way up to 10".