Date of test: June 30, 2008
Wind: 3 mph
Distance to F1 Chrono: 8 feet
Firearm used: Ruger SBH 4 5/8ths .44 Magnum
Table Top Bench Rest was used for support.
Test: 6 rounds were tested of each loading, the F1 Chrony sheet calls for 10 to get the over all average but I only shot 6 of each getting the lowest, and then the highest FPS of each of the loads, I still need to figure the average FPS of these loads tested.
Each load had been digitally weighed on the Frankford Arsenal 700 gr scale.
305-gr WFN GC, 430 dia, CCI #300 LPP with positive crimp
20.0 gr of H110
1) 1239 fps
2) 1214 fps L
3) 1239 fps
4) 1222 fps
5) 1234 fps
6) 1250 fps H
SD: .24
Load: 20.0 gr H110
Avg FPS: 1233
TKV: 23.05
ME: 1029.42 Ft/Lbs
21.0 gr of H110
1) 1298 fps H
2) 1273 fps L
3) 1288 fps
4) 1282 fps
5) 1297 fps
6) 1290 fps
SD: .24
Load: 21.0 gr H110
avg is 1288 fps
TKV 24.08
ME: 1123.31
Firearm Used: Marlin 1895G
I also shot 4 rounds of 45-70 using a 430-gr WFN GC, .4585 dia, Federal LMRP with positive crimp.
46.0 gr of IMR 3031
1) 1700 fps L
2) 1703 fps
3) 1714 fps
4) 1725 fps H
SD: .29
Load: 46.0 gr IMR 3031
Avg FPS: 1710.5
TKV: 48.12
ME: 2793.08 Ft/Lbs
As you can see one or two extra Kernels of powder can cause deviation even using a digital scale. With the .44 Magnum loadings I believe that 20.0 gr of H110 is plenty, and showed pretty much what I expected with lower FPS. 21.0 gr of H110 powder gives good FPS behind that 305-gr WFN GC Rim Rock Bullet, and with the 430-gr WFN GC for the 45-70 the FPS obtained is plenty to take down the biggest of our Montana critters.
Looks like either can kill anything MT throws at me!
