Calculated speed/ballistics for 44 Mag load

[mikemayberry]

Can someone with the computer program help me approximate the speed and particulars for a 44. Mag 240 gr. Hornady XTP over 17.6 grains of Alliant 2400 out of a 12 inch  Encore barrel.  Primer is Remington 2.5 Large Pistol.

Paperwork indicates it might be a smidge over 1300 fps.  Can't get to a chronograph yet.

Thanks,


Mike

[Questor]

Here's what I've experienced: My 44 magnum hunting load fired from my 6.5" 44 magnum revolver goes about 1300fps. From a contender with a 10" barrel, it goes 1600fps.  If your load data is from a manual that lists a real revolver as the test barrel, then I think you can expect a 300fps more in the Encore.  I don't think any computer program can give you a reliable estimate.

[mikemayberry]

Questor,

My manual is based on a 8.5 inch closed system barrel (not a revolver).  Probably some special rig they use for the test firing.

I knew I would be up from the 1300 due to the extra 3.5 - 4 inches of barrel but really did not know how much.

Just for sake of discussion, do you think the XTPs will mushroom properly at 1300 - 1600 fps.  How might they be different at 1700 and up vs. 12 and slower?

Remember, I'm just a beginning reloader and have not yet tried the hard cast.  I'm working up to a purchase of some though.

I must say that reloading a cartridge, shooting it, and hitting well with it is very, very satisfying.  

While I am not going crazy here, nor trying to make you crazy looking for every answer, I am interested in your experience so I can learn.

Thanks,

Mike

[Questor]

I used the XTP at 1600fps to take my first handgun deer at close range and it worked fine (i.e., it didn't blow up). I believe there may be a "magnum" version for higher velocities of things like the 454 Casull. I don't know if they make such a variation for the 44 magnum.  Call or email Hornady for their advice-- they know the bullets and will be able to advise the recommended velocity range.  www.hornady.com

The XTP is a fine bullet, but you are asking the right questions because each bullet is made for a particular operating velocity, and adding a couple of hundred feet per second can really make a difference.


I have a Lyman load manual, and they use a test barrel. I've found that the velocities they publish are basically fantasy.  The manual that I've found closest to reality is Speer. Hornady is excellent too.  They use real guns, not test barrels.  I thnk a manual like this is the next best thing to a chronograph so long as you're sticking with the data and components they publish (or at least close to the components.)

[jbtazgrabber]

xtp bullets are made to mushroom between 900 fps  to 1800  fps  according to hornady for a 240 gr hp/xtp bullet       i use a 200 gr xtp out of a h&r 445 supper mag  /a longer case than 44 mag/  20 in. barrel goes 2100 fps  bullet in book 750 to1650 fps is recomended for my 200 gr xtps even though im going faster than specs it makes nice exit holes but doesnt come. apart . no lost meati have yet to find a dear shot with  a xtp bullrt i loveum