Clear Ballistics Gel Tests

Chasing The 44-40

USE AT OWN RISK...for discussion purposes only!!!

Back around 2014 I performed several tests using clear ballistics gel. Some of the videos are currently on the youtube channel, YouTube Video Link .

Later pressure tests, I used a strain gauge pressure testing system on some loads and have included them below.

Don't forget the Targets page. 2012, 2013, 2014 targets is where you may find some of the below loads tested for accuracy.

Test 1 - Shot 1

Too much power at impact for this 44 Special designed bullet

Test 1 - Shot 2

Not enough power at impact to expand this 44 Magnum designed bullet properly.

Test 1 - Shot 3

Too little expansion from this 44 Magnum designed bullet.

Later Strain Gauge testing yielded the following pressures.

16gr of 2400 with a 200gr Speer JHP #4425 yielded 9,000psi

10gr of Unique with a 200gr Hornady XTP yielded 15,400psi

10.2gr of Unique with a 200gr Speer JHP #4425 yielded 15,000psi

Test 2 - Shot 4

This 44 Special designed bullet performed well at 805fps impact velocity

Test 2 - Shot 5

This 44 Special designed bullet performed well at 800fps impact velocity

Test 2 - Shot 6

This 44 Magnum designed bullet faile to expand in this test.

Test 2 - Shot 6A

This modern cast 44-40 black powder designed bullet failed to deform during impact.

Gel Block

Penetration examples, length of two gel blocks

Uberti "Cattleman"

Large cavity vs small cavity hollow point.

Strain Gauge testing 8.5gr of Unique with a 200gr Speer JHP #4425 yielded 11,363psi @ 1,164fps from a 20" barrel.

TEST 3, Shots 9-11, These hand cast bullets were sent to me by John Kort and, at his request, loaded to his specifications for testing .

Test 3 - Shot 8

Test 3 - Shot 9

Test 3 - Shot 10

Test 3 - Shot 11

Strain Gauge testing 40gr of FFg Swiss with about .21" powder compression and Lyman 427098 yielded 9,000psi in Starline brass and 14,300psi in original 1880's unheadstamped, Semi-Balloonhead cases and 13,000psi in various WRA and REM-UMC headstamped cases.

Test 3 - Shot 12

The following are considered High Pressure loads and are not suitable for Weak Action rifles or any normal frame Single Action revolver.

Strain gauge testing with 20gr of 2400 with a 200gr Speer JHP #4425 yielded 15,600psi while a Sierra 210gr JHC yielded 19,500psi both in the 1,650fps range from a 20" barrel. These are considered "High Velocity" loads replicating Winchester's 1910 thru 1945 factory HV loads. After WWII and by the 1960's, both Winchester and Remington factory HV loads were neutered...dropping back to about 1,300fps and NOTED safe for all firearms on the cartridge box labels. For official use, refer to Lyman's 49th Handloading manual for Strong Action, Group II Rifle hig pressure loads.