Barrel Length

[Totin'a10]

Good morning,

Another beginner question for you kind, patient experts. What barrel length maximizes the .44mag potential? I've heard that longer isn't necessarily better for handgun rounds, thought I'd better check here! Thanks, be safe.

[BNoz01]

Some rounds, such as a 45 ACP, don't benefit much from longer than pistol-length barrels.  Others, such as 9mm+P, benefit greatly.  So, it all depends.  

I've worked with the 44 Mag round a lot.  While I can't quote velocity figures off the top of my head, I can state matter of factly that it does benefit greatly from carbine length barrels (over pistol length barrels).  I'd subjectively guess the optimum barrel length for fully loaded 44 Mag rounds to be in the 18 - 20 inch length.

Keep in mind that pistol calibers generally use faster burning powders than cartridges intended for rifle length barrels.  But if a lot of that powder is burned outside the barrel (i.e. muzzle flash), then it could benefit from a longer barrel.


B. Noz.

[papajohn428]

If I remember correctly, (which is never a sure thing) I read somewhere that most straight-walled shells will attain their top velocity in a barrel of 16 to 18 inches.  After that, they stop accelerating and start slowing down due to friction. fatigue, boredom, and PMS.  

Which also explains why short barrelled guns are so much LOUDER.  :shock:  I once had a 357 Maximum rifle barrel of 22 inches.  I used to headshoot bunnies with it using 38 wadcutters, and with that longish barrel and so much less powder, the gun didn't go BANG, it was more like (foop).  No earplugs needed!  
PJ