In Search of 1250 fps
By Barry Duckworth and Bruce Stark
August 2002
Barry Duckworth and I worked for about 8 months on loads for the Auto Mag. The original reason was to determine the usefulness of the new Ramshot powders in Auto Mag loading. Rick Mutascio explained that some new exotic powders have a delayed volatility that causes a flatter burning curve, which allows a longer burn. All that being said, the Auto Mags barrels proved to be too short to take advantage of this feature. The new thrust of the tests was to find a good load and to determine the subtleties that would insure consistency. As the gun was designed to shoot 44 magnum loads, those specifications would be our goal. I have been told many times that when Elmer Keith designed the 44 magnum, he wanted a 240-grain bullet to travel at 1260 feet per second. He was reportedly using a 6.5” revolver for his tests. The article to be written of our results was to be titled, “In search of 1260 FPS.” I have not been able to confirm the 1260 FPS figure and Barry says 1250 FPS would be a more realistic goal. I have sat on the test results for a half a year trying to make a good read of it. Instead of lists of loading data, I wanted a story or something to tie all the information together. Barry ended up doing it himself and has pulled it off brilliantly. Now that this information is being distributed, Barry has said that all the information should be read before filling any cases. He doesn’t want people to pick a load and then complain that they didn’t have good results.
By reading you will see that:
1) You can only get consistent results from a piece of manufactured brass after it has once been fire formed in your chamber.
2) Overall length is critical. This determines how close the bullet is to the powder. This also speaks to the importance of a full case. If the powder is allowed to splash around inside the case, the end results will be all over the map. The taper crimp is also valuable as it insures that the bullet doesn’t move while in the magazine under recoil, affecting OAL. A powder that fills the case is also a good way to avoid double charging.
3) The four different types of brass we used also provide four different sets of data.
4) Different types of powder result in different sets of data.
5) The different barrel lengths, temperatures, primers, etc., etc.
A properly lubricated and mechanically sound gun will be needed before you can put these loads to the test.
I have a stock North Hollywood gun that eats up Norma ammo. More than once I have fired three of my five shots and have handed the gun to another guy on the range to try out. He has two stovepipes in a row. I load up a fresh mag and the gun fires all five like a champ. This means, HOLD THE DAMN GUN STILL!! Do not let this gun recoil into a limp wrist. You want to use the recoil to cycle the gun. It’s not a gas-op!
Lastly, in a revolver the barrel length is measured from the front of the bullet to the end of the barrel. In a semi-auto the barrel is measured from the bolt-face to the end of the barrel. Considering that the Auto Mags cartridge has an OAL of 1.6”, the Auto Mags 6.5” barrel actually only has only 4.9” of rifled barrel! This means that the 1250 FPS in a 6.5” revolver barrel is equivalent to 1250 FPS in an Auto Mag 8.1” barrel. I don’t know of any Auto Mag 8.1” barrels so you may want to split the difference between the 6.5” and 8.5” barrels loading data to be right where you should be. Please read all of Barry’s information. He has put a lot of time and effort into researching and developing this information. He has been loading for 17 years, has been a competition shooter for several years and takes this very seriously.
Bruce Stark
A Quest for The 44 Auto Mag
This is meant to be an informative gathering of loading information concerning the 44 Auto Mag.
All information listed herein has been tested in the field.
Included here is loading data, safety tips, information on case capacities of the various type of brass used for the Auto Mag, how changing components will affect the load, some do’s and don’ts and some information that has never been talked about before to my knowledge
First of all I would like to make it clear that this information is not backed-up by any pressure testing. None has ever been done on the Auto Mag cartridges to my knowledge. This information will resemble loading manual text. Use Caution when using this information.
To begin with, we will look at some basic information that is used throughout the test.
The types of brass used:
(1) R-P 308 cases reformed (USA)
(2) CDM brass (Mexico)
(3) Norma brass (SWEDEN)
(4) Star-Line brass (USA)
Note (1): all brass has been trimmed to the same length — 1.294 – 1.295”
Note (2): different Auto Mags have been known to have different chamber lengths, some longer, some shorter. Know your chamber length!
Primers used:
Only Winchester large pistol (LP) primers for standard or magnum loads were used.
Bullets:
(1) Sierra 240gr JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point)
(2) Speer 240gr GDHP (Gold Dot Hollow point), for comparison only.
Note: all bullets were seated to the same OAL (over all length), except where noted for a comparison.
OAL: 1.600”
Powders:
(1) Winchester 296
(2) Ramshot Enforcer by Western Powders
Note: Enforcer powder is a slightly faster burning powder that W296
Firearm used:
TDE El Monte 44 Auto Mag
Barrel Lengths:
(1) 6 ½
(2) 8 ½ Magna Ported
Dies used:
RCBS group (B) and a new carbide sizer die P/N 55010
RCBS case forming die set 44 Auto Mag From 308 P/N 40039
# 3 RCBS shell holder
Scale used:
Dillon digital
Press used:
RCBS Rock Chucker
Safety Tips:
Some people have incorrectly assumed that being a 44 Magnum type cartridge that 44 REM. magnum loading data can be used to load the 44 Auto Mag. This is NOT recommended at all because I believe there has never been any pressure testing done on any of the Auto Mag family of cartridges. There is some hope that this can be done. I have spoken to the ballistics guys at Western Powder and they are willing to do the pressure testing if someone will pay for the test barrel and the sensors. The 44 Rem. Mag operates at a max pressure of 36000psi, which is way too high for the Auto Mag and could damage the bolt, on both ends, and the locking lugs in the barrel extension. The Sierra loading manuals loading data is too hot and is not recommended, but does give some clues as to what powders to use.
Next we have reformed cases from the various rifle cartridges like 308, 30-06, 243 and the like. When you first make a new case from one of these, it is best advised to fire form it with a low powder charge. If you don’t it will cause very high pressure spikes. When seating the bullets you may notice that the noses of the bullets are deformed from the seating plug and the case will swell around the bullet. You may also see a shaving of lead when using non-jacketed bullets. This is from the case not being to spec. Fire forming will correct this. I must stress using the lowest powder charges when fire forming new brass. You will see the reason for this demonstrated in the test farther along. How deeply you ream your case will also affect capacity and pressures. Some (like myself) only ream a case just deep enough to seat the bullet without any case bulges, or approximately 0.10 below the bottom of the seated bullet. Others may ream the case to the bottom of the case itself. Some say that reaming all the way to the bottom of the case helps in standardizing the cases.
Using different components will change the performance and pressures. This will also be demonstrated later on in the testing portion. Changing the case, bullet, seating depth and even the primer will cause changes even if you use the same powder charge.
Next we have powder choices. It is best advised to use the slower powders. The faster burning powders like Unique will slam the bolt back, which is very hard on the lugs at both ends of the bolt and the lugs in the barrel. Slower burning powders with a fuller case work the best. I will demonstrate this shortly in my first testing of the Ramshot powder. When I first started loading W296 I started the same way as in testing the Enforcer powder.
Primers are also an important point to discuss. Using standard pistol primers with large charges of slow burning powders is not recommended. This is mainly due to the fact that you may not burn all the powder from one shot to the next. You might try increasing the charge to get the desired results but over charging the case will surely cause a pressure spike and will eventually result in disaster.
It is best to use MAGNUM primers with the slower burning powders. Using rifle primers is not recommended, as they will cause a pressure spike because they make the powder to burn too fast. Reducing the charge to try and get rifle primers to work will also cause a pressure spike and an inconsistent powder burn.
I’m sure there are more, but being hand loaders, I hope that we all use the safety rules that are well established.
Test Results In the Kitchen
(At the loading bench)
This testing was started because we were looking for a cleaner and better powder to use in the 44 Auto Mag, or, as some would say “The Magic Silver Bullet”. Many loads work well, but we continue to keep looking for the one that is a little better.
We decided to check the case capacities to establish what we will call a “Good Case Fill” for the four different types of brass we used. Also included here is the case capacity of a standard R-P 44 REM. Mag case.
We used W296 powder as a media to measure the case capacities. Keep in mind that all cases are the same length i.e. 1.294-1.295” except for the 44 REM. Mag case. It has a maximum length is 1.285”. Remember it is a shorter case!!!
Case Capacities:
REM. 44 Magnum Case: 39.0grs
CDM Brass: 35.7grs
Norma Brass: 38.7grs
Star-Line Brass: 38.5grs
R-P 308 cases reformed: 35.3grs Note: (after fire forming)
Note the differences in the case capacities between the cases. They may not seem like much but they do make a lot of difference. You will see this later in the field-testing. Yes, the Norma and the Star- Line brass are very close to the 44 REM. Mag case, but remember, the 44 REM. Mag is a revolver cartridge.
Now by using this information, the information gathered from the various loading manuals and from the Ramshot loading manual on the Enforcer powder, it was determined that the Enforcer powder is a very close match to W296. I decided to start loading for a cycle test with 16.0grs of Enforcer powder. I increased the load in ½ grain increments verifying that the slide would lock back. I only loaded one round of each going up to 19.0grs of Enforcer powder. Remember this was the first test of loads to determine what will cycle the gun.
Range test results- Ramshot Enforcer Powder- Star-line Brass
16.0grs—locked slide back————-velocity 1054fps
16.5grs— slide did not lock back—– velocity 870fps
17.0grs—slide locked back———— velocity 1023fps
17.5grs— slide locked back———— velocity 1000fps
18.0grs— slide locked back————-velocity 928fps
18.5grs—-slide locked back———— velocity 1005fps
19.0grs—-slide locked back———— velocity 1108fps
Note the roller coaster velocities. This is a direct result of poor case fill. The powder moves around too much and does not burn evenly. The jumps in velocity are what we call “SPIKING”.
I decided to use 18.5grs of Enforcer to start with and to go up to 20.0grs. Because I will be using Sierra bullets for my test and not wanting to reach 36,000psi, 20.0grs would seem to be the “MAX.” I would use this powder with caution trying to not exceed 30,000psi.
Now for more cooking
I made up 25 reformed R-P 308 cases reamed only deep enough to seat the Sierra bullet without any case bulging, (about .100 below the base of the bullet when seated). The noses of the bullets deformed when seated due to the fact that the cases were not fire formed yet and were a tight fit even though I expanded the case and case mouth with the expander die and plug. These were also once fired 308 cases when I started. Now then, like I said, I decided to start at 18.5grs of Enforcer powder. I loaded up 4 sets of 4 rounds each starting with 18.5grs and increasing the load by 1/2gr until I reached 20.0grs. I know what your thinking here, Hey what about using the lowest powder charge to fire form!
“Remember this is a test” and I felt it would be in the best interest to show what happens here. You WILL be greatly surprised at the next 2 trips to the range!
TEST (1) R-P 308 cases fire forming 18.5grs-20.0grs Enforcer powder, Win. LP (primer) for STD or mag loads, Sierra 240gr JHP, OAL 1.600, barrel length 6 1/2in
Do NOT use the highlighted loads for fire forming
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs
(1) 1171 1236 1276 1350 Fps
(2) 1194 1277 1273 1307 Fps
(3) 1197 1232 1302 1329 Fps
(4) 1192 1279 1292 1311 Fps
All other cases were fire formed at 18.5grs. These tests were to show that the pressure increases quickly in un-fire formed cases and become excessive. You may think that these velocities are normal in your Model 29, but that is a revolver! Barrel lengths are measured differently between Auto loaders and revolvers. Auto loaders, your chamber is part of the barrel and in a revolver it is not.
The next test uses the same brass after fire forming, and the same loading specs. You will see a big difference between the 2 sets of data. And we used 5 loadings for each group instead of 4. I didn’t want to beat up my gun too badly.
TEST (2) R-P 308 cases reformed and fire formed
All loads are the same as the first test, bullet, oal, primers, case length, powder charges and barrel length.
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs(MAX) 20.0grs (NOT RECOMMENDED)
(1) 1146 1211 1245 1272 Fps
(2) 1162 1226 1259 1264 Fps
(3) 1157 1210 1246 1268 Fps
(4) 1155 1226 1232 1265 Fps
(5) 1148 1234 1258 1285 Fps
NOTE: The velocities are now lower but more consistent. This is due to the fact that now the reformed cases are uniform in dimensions inside the cases as well as the outside and are now to the 44 Auto Mag specs. The lower velocities also mean that the pressures are lower too. This is the reason for fire forming your brass after reforming and reaming from your favorite rifle brass. I cannot stress enough to use low powder charges in this process.
Also now that the cases are fire formed, the bullets will seat better and not deform the soft lead noses of the bullets being used.
NOTE: I had my seater plug reworked to where the soft tipped nose of the bullet does not contact the inside top of the plug. Instead it makes contact on the copper jacket so it does not deform the tip and I get a better OAL when seating the bullet. Remember here that I am using Sierra 240gr JHP’s, and they have a soft lead tip and a sharp angled ogive. Other bullets like the Speer 240gr GDHP bullets have a rounded ogive tip and a rounded seater plug will not deform the tip as long as the radius matches fairly closely.
Our next test is with the same R-P 308 cases and all loading components are the same except that we are changing the bullet to a Speer 240gr GDHP. This bullet is shorter in length than the Sierra by about .040 of an inch. Which means we will have more space inside our case after seating the bullet. This will make a difference in velocity.
TEST (3) R-P 308 cases reformed and fire formed, Win. LP for STD or mag loads, Enforcer powder, OAL 1.600, case length 1.294-1.295, Bullet- Speer 240gr GDHP (Gold Dot hollow point)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs (MAX)
(1) 1084 1166 1222 1235 Fps
(2) 1147 1183 1224 1257 Fps
(3) 1103 1161 1186 1224 Fps
(4) 1092 1171 1209 1209 Fps
(5) 1128 1171 1186 1228 Fps
Notice the lower velocities again. This is due to the fact that the Speer bullet is shorter than the Sierra. We have less bullet seated in the case and more room for the powder to move around which creates less pressure and poorer ignition. This just goes to show what a change in one component will do.
So far we have now looked at using reformed brass from R-P 308 cases, before fire forming, after fire forming and what a simple change in the bullet will do. Remember though, any change in components will make your results change, for better or worse.
For the next test we will be using Star-Line brass and Enforcer powder.
TEST (1) Star-Line Brass, OAL 1.600, Sierra 240gr JHP, Ramshot Enforcer Powder, Win. LP for STD or magnum loads, case length 1.294-1.295
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs (MAX) 20.5grs (TOO HOT)
(1) 1112 1174 1185 1191 1261 Fps
(2) 1119 1161 1182 1222 1275 Fps
(3) 1109 1145 1186 1232 1274 Fps
(4) 1109 1167 1187 1248 1273 Fps
(5) 1119 1165 1211 1243 1280 Fps
Note (1): A larger sampling group would yield more consistent velocities, but this is only a small test to give you an idea of performance.
Note (2:) 18.5grs is probably a little on the low side for the larger capacity cases I.e. Star-Line and Norma.
For those who might consider seating the bullet deeper to compensate for the larger capacity cases, i.e. Star-Line and Norma, I did this test too. This is not recommended because you will be increasing the pressure which at different levels you will give you different results, one result being excessive pressures.
This will be my dedication page. This page is to either say thanks for reading this far before going to the loading tables a few pages farther along, and not hitting the loading bench with the stated loads thus far. To those that just skipped over everything and went to the loading tables and the loading bench and are screaming that the loads contained are junk, or you have broken your Auto Mag and are now just reading this and cussing me, I
say to you, YOU SHOULD HAVE READ ALL THE INFORMATION FIRST STUPID!!!! I thought about making this page 2, but if you were going to skip thru everything and go to the loading tables you wouldn’t have read it any way.
All information here was not done in a lab under controlled parameters, and with all the fancy testing equipment like in all of your published reloading manuals. However I did my best to gather all the information I could and used the reloading manuals as guides, as well as talking to a few ballistic guys at Western Powders. I did research as much as possible into everything I could in determining what to use and how much. Every loading manual uses its listed bullets and other components in a controlled atmosphere with pressure testing equipment and far far more ballistic knowledge than I have. All I can say is that I did my homework with what was at hand and available to me. As stated so many times before in published loading manuals of all manufacturers, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK, NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE OR INJURY FROM USING ANY OR ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY OF THESE PAGES !!!!
NOTE: In all the rest of the tests, the only changes made will be in powder charge, type of powder and type of brass. Everything else is the same.
OAL: 1.294-1.295
Primers: Winchester LP for STD or magnum loads
Bullet: Sierra 240gr JHP
Barrel length: 6 ½
Powder (1): Ramshot Enforcer
Powder (2): W 296
Brass (1-4): R-P 308 cases reformed and fire formed
CDM
Norma
Star-Line
From the kitchen to the range
Test: Ramshot Enforcer and R-P 308 cases (6.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs (MAX) 20.0grs (TOO HOT)
(1) 1146 1211 1245 1272 Fps
(2) 1162 1226 1259 1264 Fps
(3) 1157 1210 1246 1268 Fps
(4) 1155 1226 1232 1265 Fps
(5) 1148 1234 1258 1285 Fps
Avg: 1153 1221 1248 1270 Fps
Test: Ramshot Enforcer and Star-Line brass (6.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs (MAX)
(1) 1112 1174 1185 1191 Fps
(2) 1119 1161 1182 1222 Fps
(3) 1109 1145 1186 1232 Fps
(4) 1109 1167 1187 1248 Fps
(5) 1119 1165 1211 1243 Fps
Avg: 1113 1162 1190 1227 Fps
Test: Ramshot Enforcer and CDM brass (6.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs(MAX)
(1) 1161 1174 1227 1269 Fps
(2) 1169 1175 1244 1254 Fps
(3) 1159 1184 1224 1268 Fps
(4) 1167 1196 1233 1256 Fps
(5) 1174 1186 1214 1291 Fps
Avg: 1166 1183 1228 1267 Fps
TEST: Ramshot Enforcer and Norma brass (6.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs
(1) 1092 1147 1186 1226 Fps
(2) 1091 1113 1197 1234 Fps
(3) 1116 1113 1169 1249 Fps
(4) 1092 1135 1200 1233 Fps
(5) 1100 1106 1214 1227 Fps
Avg: 1098 1122 1193 1233 Fps
Note (1): If you have been paying attention you will notice that the larger capacity cases yielded slightly lower velocities and the cases with the smaller capacities have the MAX load warning. The 308 cases and the CDM cases are the low capacity cases and the Norma and Star-Line brass are the high capacity cases.
Note (2): If you haven ‘t noticed yet, averages have been put in because this is all you see in the published reloading manual. Believe it or not! As a reminder, no two guns will yield the same velocities or performance for the same load. They maybe close or they maybe far apart, Believe it or not.
In the next set of loading data, the only changes made were in the powder used and the starting and top loads in the different types of brass. Now all loadings will be done with W296 powder. These are the only changes!
Test: W296 and R-P 308 cases (6.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs(MAX)
(1) 1142 1165 1197 1267 Fps
(2) 1103 1197 1227 1249 Fps
(3) 1097 1142 1201 1234 Fps
(4) 1114 1175 1219 1239 Fps
(5) 1128 1137 1225 1253 Fps
Avg: 1116 1163 1213 1248 Fps
Test: W296 and CDM brass (6.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs
(1) 1114 1169 1186 1261 Fps
(2) 1139 1172 1214 1260 Fps
(3) 1121 1208 1178 1267 Fps
(4) 1127 1141 1154 1234 Fps
(5) 1130 1163 1201 1259 Fps
Avg: 1126 1170 1186 1256 Fps
For the next 2 sets we increased the powder charges because of the larger case capacity. This will give you a MAX LOAD and a PUSHING IT LOAD. Neither one is recommended for consistent shooting. Maybe the PUSHING IT LOAD could be used for long-range hunting. This would be your Maximum load and is unsafe for any Auto Mag in poor condition. For people who choose to use the PUSHING IT LOAD, I will say a prayer !!!!!!!
Test: W296 and Norma brass (6.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs 21.5grs 22.0grs
(1) 1034 1068 1117 1176 1231 1278
(2) 1070 1123 1113 1174 1233 1265
(3) 1089 1133 1167 1232 1259 1263
(4) 1081 1150 1143 1195 1238 1261
(5) 1109 1105 1146 1203 1233 1273
Avg: 1076 1115 1137 1196 1238 1268
Test: W296 and Star-Line brass (6.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs 21.5grs 22.0grs
(1) 1095 1098 1163 1209 1236 1267
(2) 1094 1128 1153 1190 1242 1223
(3) 1077 1091 1157 1187 1196 1259
(4) 1077 1121 1158 1186 1208 1222
(5) 1056 1098 1127 1208 1214 1263
Avg: 1079 1107 1151 1196 1219 1246
So there you have the loading tables for the 44 Auto Mag with a 6½ inch barrel. It was an interesting process. It was some where in here that I shot my chronograph right in the LED display and had to buy another one. I sent it down range about 30ft and in 5 or 6 pieces. But hey, I like my new one better.
And a NOTE for all those who are really particular about testing, the temperatures for all testing were done between 70 and 80 degrees.
NOTE: The slower powders are a little sensitive to temperature. The cooler it is the lower the performance, the higher the temperature the better the performance to a point. But don’t try to make-up loads for cooler and hotter temps. This is not wise as you could over do it and disaster will be your buddy.
Next stop, back to the kitchen to reload again and for a barrel change. The next sets of data will be shot from an 8½ inch magna ported barrel. This will be the only change. The loads that you have seen so far will be repeated but in the longer barrel. And I think we named that section right.
Can you say,
HOLY SHIT !!!!!?
In this next section, all case data, powder charges, primers, OAL and bullets are the same as in the previous loading tables. The only thing we changed here was the barrel length from a 61/2 inch barrel to an 81/2 inch barrel. I am not going to repeat the title of this section because it may be offensive to some, but those were the first words out of my mouth when I looked at the LED readout on my chronograph.
I was greatly surprised at the result with the longer barrel. I knew that there would be some velocity increase, but not near what I got.
So for those who like having all the information re-listed for quick reference at the beginning of this table here it is.
TEST: 44 Auto Mag
Test gun: TDE El Monte 44 Auto Mag
Barrel length: 8 ½ inches Magna Ported
Bullet: Sierra 240gr JHP
Brass: R-P 308 cases reformed and fire formed
CDM brass
Norma brass
Star-Line brass
Case length: 1.294-1.295
OAL: 1.600
Primers: Winchester LP for STD or mag loads
Powders: Ramshot Enforcer (by Western Powders)
Winchester W296
The first loading tables will be done with the Enforcer powder, 18.5grs – 20.0grs. The 20.0 grain loads will be considered as PUSHING IT loads and are not recommended except for maybe a hunting load. The 20 grain loads should only be used in an Auto Mag that is in very very good condition.
The test is also done in 2 groups based on case capacity. The R-P 308 and the CDM brass are very close to the same and will be listed first. The Star-Line and the Norma brass have a larger case capacity and are grouped together. The loads are increased by .5grs (½ gr.)
I have not mentioned this yet but if you own a Contender chambered for the 44 Auto Mag cartridge, the “Pushing It loads”, should be safe because the Contender is made for HIGH pressure cartridges and can take the punishment.
Now I take you from the kitchen to the Range.
TEST: Powder- Ramshot Enforcer and R-P 308 cases (8.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs(MAX) 20.0grs(TOO HOT)
(1) 1272 1312 1328 1406 Fps
(2) 1254 1288 1368 1377 Fps
(3) 1256 1275 1350 1402 Fps
(4) 1278 1316 1333 1367 Fps
(5) 1256 1321 1337 1355 Fps
Avg: 1263 1302 1343 1381 Fps
TEST: Powder- Ramshot Enforcer and CDM Brass (8.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs(MAX) 20.0grs(TOO HOT)
(1) 1261 1297 1348 1383 Fps
(2) 1268 1307 1342 1384 Fps
(3) 1254 1318 1337 1368 Fps
(4) 1259 1311 1332 1381 Fps
(5) 1278 1320 1349 1400 Fps
Avg: 1264 1310 1341 1383 Fps
Note the velocity increases, just from changing to the 8 1/2in barrel, this was exciting!!!!! And the velocities were more even in each group. This was due to the fact that the powder had more barrel to burn in.
Star-Line and Norma brass continued on next page to keep them together.
TEST: Powder- Ramshot Enforcer and: Star-Line brass (8.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs(MAX) 20.5grs(TOO HOT)
(1) 1283 1241 1290 1340 1380 Fps
(2) 1260 1251 1293 1330 1380 Fps
(3) 1290 1253 1316 1344 1375 Fps
(4) 1250 1257 1305 1340 Error Fps
(5) 1263 1293 1298 1322 1366 Fps
Avg: 1269 1259 1300 1335 1375 Fps
TEST: Powder- Ramshot Enforcer and Norma Brass (8.5” Bbl.)
18.5grs 19.0grs 19.5grs 20.0grs(MAX) 20.5grs(TOO HOT)
(1) 1253 1294 1313 1334 1396 Fps
(2) 1244 1254 1300 1341 1406 Fps
(3) 1240 1265 1277 1341 1407 Fps
(4) 1233 1235 1289 1313 1403 Fps
(5) 1204 1267 1324 1321 1407 Fps
Avg: 1234 1263 1300 1330 1403 WOW!!!!
I did not expect to hit 1400fps at all.
I know, I know, you are wondering about the first 2 loadings of the Star-Line brass. Don’t ask me, I just shot the bullet through the chronograph. All loading was done one set of 5 at a time using a Dillon digital scale. I don’t know what happened. Maybe I miss-marked them when I loaded them. This gets a little confusing after a while. I’m only HUMAN!
Back to the kitchen to reload, but now with W296. This will be the only change made, and these are the final loading tables.
Test: Powder- W 296 and R-P 308 Cases (8.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs(MAX)
(1) 1240 1287 1316 1340 Fps
(2) 1234 1269 1305 1361 Fps
(3) 1246 1297 1289 1359 Fps
(4) 1228 1284 1325 1357 Fps
(5) 1232 1275 1303 1366 Fps
Avg: 1236 1282 1307 1356 Fps
Test: Powder W296 and CDM brass (8.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs(MAX)
(1) 1223 1251 1338 1322 Fps
(2) 1196 1279 1312 1359 Fps
(3) 1221 1228 1291 1342 Fps
(4) 1203 1297 1290 1330 Fps
(5) 1178 1247 1304 1333 Fps
Avg: 1204 1260 1307 1337 Fps
Test: Powder W296 and Norma brass (8.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs 21.5grs(MAX)
(1) 1217 1236 1284 1333 1364 Fps
(2) 1195 1253 1277 1332 1375 Fps
(3) 1221 1266 1267 1320 1374 Fps
(4) 1179 1232 1279 1283 1349 Fps
(5) 1215 1246 1285 1317 1359 Fps
Avg: 1205 1246 1278 1317 1364 Fps
Test: Powder W296 and Star-Line brass (8.5” Bbl.)
19.5grs 20.0grs 20.5grs 21.0grs 21.5grs(MAX)
(1) 1209 1272 Error 1317 1370 Fps
(2) 1191 1259 1274 1320 1357 Fps
(3) 1199 1280 1295 1325 1371 Fps
(4) 1180 1273 1282 1318 1356 Fps
(5) 1208 1289 1291 1330 1355 Fps
Avg: 1196 1274 1285 1322 1361 Fps
Last test;
Bruce sent me six rounds of Cor-Bon ammo to test in my 6.5” barreled gun. He had already put a proper taper crimp on the rounds so I didn’t have any chambering problems. Now I’m no light weight. I’m 5’9” and 180 pounds, but it shook me all the way to my spine and gave me a headache. The results show the Cor-Bon ammo to be very consistent and right at the stated 1450 FPS. The first round was used to site in the gun and the speed wasn’t recorded.
TEST: Cor-bon Ammo (6.5” Barrel)
(1) 1452 Fps
(2) 1483 Fps
(3) 1455 Fps
(4) 1450 Fps
(5) 1449 Fps
Avg: 1457 Fps
So there you have it folks, one weekend ballistic warriors work. I hope you enjoy the data taken from these loads as much as I did shooting them. This typing stuff is for someone else. I spent more time putting this work together than I did loading it and shooting it. Remember, exercise caution and be safe. Shoot a lot and have fun.
I will try to answer questions that anyone may have if asked. Just try and put them plainly and simply. If I don’t know, that’s what I’ll tell you. If I do have an answer, I’ll do my best to keep it simple.
My e-mail is: quakkers@flash.net
ENJOY
Lat”R”
Barry
Much thanks goes to Bruce Stark who donated much of the brass, Cor-Bon ammo, the 8 1/2in barrel and his vast knowledge of the 44 Auto Mag.