I wish the reloading manuals and powder websites would make data available on velocities obtained in short-barrelled handguns. Hodgdons doesn't specify anywhere what barrel length they are using, as far as I can see, and most of the books list data for 6" or longer barrels. When choosing a load for a 38 or 357 snub, it would be helpful to be able to compare data that was actually obtainable instead of what the loads do in 6 or 8 inch barrels. I would expect the slower powders like 2400 to lose more in a short barrel than Unique or Bullseye, but I'm only guessing.
short barrel velocities
- Thread starter ldhulk
- Start date
- Status
gamestalker
member
I do a bunch of loading for snubs using slow burning powders, especially H110/296 for magnum wheel guns, and also HS6 and Longshot for the other wheel guns and auto loader's. I then chronograph them and compare that with what is in my books. It varies quite a bit, but I still get really decent velocities I think.
For .357 magnum with 125 gr. JHP 1500's fps.- 158 gr. JHP 1350's fps
38 spcl. 110 gr. JHP with Longshot 1250+ - HS6 a bit more. 125 gr. JHP around 1100's fps.
9mm 115 gr. JHP with HS6 1200 + - Longshot upper 1200's 115 gr. JHP
.40 165 gr. JHP Longshot 1150's - HS6 up tp 1100 fps.
Those are short barrel velocities. My longer barreled velocities with the same loads are slightly better, but not by a huge margin.
For .357 magnum with 125 gr. JHP 1500's fps.- 158 gr. JHP 1350's fps
38 spcl. 110 gr. JHP with Longshot 1250+ - HS6 a bit more. 125 gr. JHP around 1100's fps.
9mm 115 gr. JHP with HS6 1200 + - Longshot upper 1200's 115 gr. JHP
.40 165 gr. JHP Longshot 1150's - HS6 up tp 1100 fps.
Those are short barrel velocities. My longer barreled velocities with the same loads are slightly better, but not by a huge margin.
If you select the print option when viewing a load on Hodgdon's website it will bring up a printable page with all the information including the test barrel length. Best if you show a single powder load. Generally the data is from 7" or longer test barrels.
Seedtick
Member
It doesn't necessarily act like you, well me anyway, would think it should regarding barrel length and velocity.
Here's the link to the entire thread.
Seedtick
Here's the link to the entire thread.
Seedtick
454PB
Member
Another good reason to own a chronograph.
Over the last 37 years of owning a chronograph, I've seen more "theories" blown to pieces than I can count.
As an example, the same ammo fired in my 4" .357 magnum actually measures slower than when fired in my 2 1/2" .357 magnum. Yes, it's logical that a shorter barrel will yield less velocity, but not always true. Chamber size and throat and barrel diameter can have a significant effect on velocity.
Over the last 37 years of owning a chronograph, I've seen more "theories" blown to pieces than I can count.
As an example, the same ammo fired in my 4" .357 magnum actually measures slower than when fired in my 2 1/2" .357 magnum. Yes, it's logical that a shorter barrel will yield less velocity, but not always true. Chamber size and throat and barrel diameter can have a significant effect on velocity.
Thanx to all for the responses. I'm trying to find a good load in the 38+p+ range, or low end 357, to be used in an Ruger SP101 (357 chamber). The back of the trigger guard was whacking my middle finger until I got a set of aftermarket grips which fill in the area behind the triggerguard. Now it's a 2-finger grip, but more comfortable than before.
454PB said:
Its impossible to compare velocities between different length barrels, of different firearms. I bet the theories would be more accurate, but not to practical, by cutting the barrel and retesting velocities. I bet it would be very predictable, cutting down a match grade barrel, maybe not so consistant in a factory production barrel.
Check out http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/. I've yet to see anything more exhaustive on the subject.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
