Big-Bore Revolvers by Max Prasac

Author:Max Prasac [Prasac, Max]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4402-2860-5
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2012-07-24T21:00:00+00:00

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

We spent a lot of time in the last chapter talking about larger-than-standard bullets, bullet design, and other factors that affect terminal ballistics on game. But is it possible to have too much of a good thing?

In many instances, we’d tend to answer that question with a “Yes.” There are good weight ranges for optimum penetration (assuming the nose profile is also optimized), but there is definitely a tipping point—both literally and figuratively. When the bullet is too heavy for the caliber, it can also be subsequently too long for the twist rate. Too, the case capacity of the cartridge is compromised, thereby limiting the velocity potential for stability and creating a whole chain of compromises. Arguments about optimal weights abound on Internet forums, so we decided to put some commonly held beliefs to the test. We performed a number of tests involving heavy-for-caliber bullets in two popular calibers, the .44 Magnum, and the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum—both ends of the big-bore revolver spectrum.

The first testing we performed used the ubiquitous .44 Remington Magnum. The chosen extreme was a 405-grain hardcast lead bullet with a WFN-like nose profile designed for use in a .444 Marlin rifle (same bore diameter—think of it as a .44 Magnum on steroids) and Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk .44 Magnum revolvers. The decision was made to use load data that had been thoroughly tested and vetted previously, this data featuring a stiff load—as stiff as the limited case capacity allows, due to the massive bullet on top of it—of 2400 powder.

Keep in mind that this is a Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk proposition only. No other production .44 Magnum revolver features a cylinder long enough for this bullet, as it must be loaded to the second crimp groove in order to create enough case capacity for any meaningful velocity. A Smith & Wesson Model 29 will chamber this load, as will a Colt Anaconda, but the end of the bullet sits nearly flush with the end of the cylinder. There is absolutely no room for the slightest movement of the bullet out of the case (the dreaded pulled crimp), or it will tie up your revolver.

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