Semi-formal ammo testing in ultralight revolvers

[Greybeard]

Figured some of y'all might have interest in the results of a little "playin" we did last night.

Dec. 15, 2009 Chrono work and "crimp slip" testing (LW, Rich, Alyscia)

Chronograph set at max distance (about 20') to minimize muzzle blast from 2" barrels causing failures to read. Chronograph instructions also indicate that, with subsonic velocities, muzzle blast can reach the measuring device just before the bullet and cause malfunctions. This appears to be true, as the only time we got a reading on all 4 of 4 shots was with the 357 ammo.

"Crimp slip" testing procedure. Loaded five rounds from each box in each revolver. Fired four rounds, then checked round number 5 against another cartridge from the box. In all instances, the bullet in round number 5 had moved forward just slightly out of the case.

Revolvers used: Ruger LCR (approx. 13.5 ounces) and Smith and Wesson 340PD (approx. 12 ounces)

Ammo: Speer Gold Dot 135 grain (short barrel: product #23921) 38+P.
Ruger LCR: Chrono malfunctioned with 3 of 4 rounds. 818 fps recorded on 1 round from LCR.
S&W 340; fps: 752, 840, 856

Ammo: Hornady 110 Grain 38+P Critical Defense.
Ruger LCR; fps: 877, 888, 956
S&W 340; fps 875, 909, 882

Ammo: Corbon 125 grain DPX .357 Mag.
S&W 340; fps: 1,047, 1,076, 1050, 1021

Coincidently, the Corbon 125 grain DPX in .357 Mag. slipped the least from the lightest gun. (Micrometer would be nice compared to our visual inspections.)

[AEA]

Last night?
Jan. 15, 2009 Chrono work and "crimp slip" testing (LW, Rich, Alyscia)

Otherwise, good. Thanks for the info!

[Greybeard]

Thanks. Not enough coffee yet. Or too much. Fixed it.

[Greybeard]

When also correcting date on web page, I came across some more info. on some 9mm testing with the Gold Dot ammo that may be of interest to the semi-auto and/or "energy/momentum" enthusiasts.

4-26-08 Gold Dot 124g 9mm+P Short Barrel (product #23611)
Lonnie's PM-9 (2 3/4") 1,104 fps
Tracy's CW-9 (3 1/4") 1,183 fps
Lonnie's Glock 19 (3.85") 1,222 fps

It appears the Gold Dot "short barrel" in 9mm with a bullet that only weighs 1 grain less than the Corbon 357 load above is appreciably faster than from the 2" snub, even from the Kahr 2 3/4" barrel. With a lot less "ouch" on the back side!

[Zee]

It appears the Gold Dot "short barrel" (product #23611) in 9mm with a bullet that only weighs 1 grain less than the Corbon 357 load above is appreciably faster than from the 2" snub, even from the Kahr 2 3/4" barrel. With a lot less "ouch" on the back side!

Thanks for the translation. I understand "ouch."