44 Magnum Ballistics Gel Results

[Moparman485]

Hello all! Below are all of my results for the 44 magnum. Please see the associated card to see the ammo type, velocity, firearm, and penetration information. Please feel free to also add any results you may have had, as this could possibly turn into a library of sorts with multiple contributors to help people pick which ammo to stock up on, and what ammo is all hype. In the case of non-factory ammunition that is tested, please bear in mind that you only use the listed load data at your own risk. Safe in my guns does not mean safe in yours. I am also open to testing any ammunition that you may have (factory or non) but if it is non-factory, I will need a breakdown of your load data/process before I pull the trigger on it. If you have an interest in that, PM me and we can discuss. If nothing else, please enjoy the results, they were certainly fun getting!

Gel data: 20% ballistic gel made from Knox unflavored gelatin (and for the money minded, great value unflavored gelatin powder also works fine), and a few drops of cinnamon oil to help keep mold down and prolong the life of the gel (plus cover the wet dog smell of the melting gel).

Also, I don’t pretend to think that this method is the best, most scientific, or even preferred method, but it felt a bit wasteful to just hold onto the data without sharing it with others. So here it is! Enjoy

 

[Moparman485]

240gr Hornady XTP

 

[Moparman485]

240gr Nosler JSP

 

[Moparman485]

300gr Hornady XTP
Note: just in case you happen to feel so inclined, this is a very stout load. It is painful to shoot in even my 7.5 inch Ruger Blackhawk and I do not recommend you just “jump in” to this load data. It is a very potent load and I’ve seen it drop many game animals, but beware, this is a true magnum loading, so proceed with absolute caution as always. When developed, this load was at book maximum, but is now well over the book maximum.

 

[Moparman485]

PMC Bronze Hunting 180gr JHP

 

[KroyWen]

Thanks, that’s a lot of work. Appreciate you sharing your data.

 

[Moparman485]

Barnes 225gr XPB in a pistol

 

[Moparman485]

Barnes 225gr XPB in a carbine

 

[dennishoddy]

Amazing the carbine and the pistol in your last post are almost the same penetration.
Looking at the load data, it's the same powder and the same powder weight in both firearms.
That tells me the LIl Gun has expended all of its energy in a pistol length barrel.
It's a powder I've never thought of using as I always use H-110 for magnum loads and Unique for mild loads that mimic .44 special.

 

[Moparman485]

Amazing the carbine and the pistol in your last post are almost the same penetration.
Looking at the load data, it's the same powder and the same powder weight in both firearms.
That tells me the LIl Gun has expended all of its energy in a pistol length barrel.
It's a powder I've never thought of using as I always use H-110 for magnum loads and Unique for mild loads that mimic .44 special.

Yep. I went with Lil’gun because it’s less flashy, less “loud” and usually less snappy. I wanted a “stout but pleasant” load for the pistol and carbine. This fit the bill perfectly. At 1600fps, that’s enough energy to drop any game in Oklahoma easily. Very pleasant in the carbine and great in the pistol. Still stout, but not neart as “ouchy” as my 300gr load above