Range Report Handgun velocity

[HOGGHEAD]

I want to put together an Encore handgun in 44 magnum. I have been looking at available barrels. The shortest TC barrel is 12". I would prefer an 8" barrel. I have also looked at a couple of used 10" Contender's.

What types of velocity differences do you think there would be between an 8", 10", and 12" barrel?? I will be shooting a fairly hot load with a 240 grain bullet that I cast. This velocity difference is not what is going to make my decision as to which barrel length. I was just curious.

If I buy a 12" factory barrel. Can I simply cut the barrel back to 8" and reinstall the front sight?? Or would the front sight still work with the shorter barrel?? Thanks, Tom.

 

[bohem]

Re: Handgun velocity

In a revolver (not really a fair comparison here) the difference between an 8" and the 9.5" that I have was 90ish fps using my 240gr RNcast, 12.5gr Unique load. From the 16.5" barrel on my dad's NEF Handi-Rifle that same load was almost 300fps faster.

The 12" can be shortened back to 8" and the sight installed. The concern that I have is that you are effectively raising the front sight as you push it further back on the taper. This is going to mean you're going to end up zero'ing the rear sight higher, which can make you run out of travel (it might also stop you from getting a zero if the sight doesn't have much travel).

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Handgun velocity

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 12" can be shortened back to 8" and the sight installed. The concern that I have is that you are effectively raising the front sight as you push it further back on the taper. This is going to mean you're going to end up zero'ing the rear sight higher, which can make you run out of travel (it might also stop you from getting a zero if the sight doesn't have much travel). </div></div>


That was my concern. The front sight on the Encore is not removable on the handgun barrel(I do not think). It would be simpler if it was just a bead, but it is not.

To complicate matters I just ran across a decent deal on a Model 25 Smith. Only drawback is that it is nickel.

I have been going back and forth between a 45 Colt and a 44 magnum. The other concern I had about the 44 magnum in the Encore or Contender was excessive muzzle flip. Tom.

 

[bohem]

Re: Handgun velocity

I don't know if you are settled on a single shot but I have the 9.5" Super Redhawk and it's a fantastic revolver, especially for the price. They make a 7.5" as well, you can get a Blackhawk in the blued version or just have the stainless SRH's coated.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Handgun velocity

I truly have not settled on anything yet. I prefer the 45 Colt over the 44 magnum. Mostly because I have considerably more components and molds for 45 Colt. I also believe the 45 Colt has slightly less felt recoil than 44 magnum. Or at least less muzzle flip.

I also have a 45 Colt Low Wall, and a companion revolver would be nice to go with the Low Wall.

And I have looked at the Ruger's. But I would probably go with a Bisley if I buy a Ruger. The SRH is just too big for me. And I honestly believe the S&W is a better shooter than the standard RedHawk, although I do believe the RedHawk is stronger than the S&W.

Oh well. I guess these are good problems to have. Tom.

 

[badbot]

Re: Handgun velocity

if you remount the front sight you can just use a file to shorten it.
cover half the file with tape, put file on work surface, invert gun and place rear sight on the taped area and front sight on the file teeth.
remove only the right amount.

 

[BG_Bashar]

Re: Handgun velocity

As for short T/C Encore barrels, Match Grade Machine will make you a custom barrel as short as 5".

I've only ordered one barrel from them (14" .45LC T/C Contender), but I've been very impressed. Excellent customer service too!

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Handgun velocity

I have one of the .44 10 inch barrels and it does not flip very bad at all. It is a weird barrel that came with the pistol when I bought it. It has a screw in choke and flip up sights. Pretty sure it was designed to shoot .44 shot shells but it would easily be able to shorten one and move the front sight back along the rail with not adverse effects.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Handgun velocity

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGGHEAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What types of velocity differences do you think there would be between an 8", 10", and 12" barrel?? I will be shooting a fairly hot load with a 240 grain bullet that I cast. This velocity difference is not what is going to make my decision as to which barrel length. I was just curious.

If I buy a 12" factory barrel. Can I simply cut the barrel back to 8" and reinstall the front sight?? Or would the front sight still work with the shorter barrel?? Thanks, Tom. </div></div>

I was getting high 1700's with a 10" desert eagle using 200g XTP in my 44 mag. Switched a few years ago to a 10" contender in 44mag and now push 240g XTP's around the mid 1200's with faster burning powders. The deer dont notice the difference.

If you want top velocity H110 and win 296 are a good starting point. I just got tried of the blast and tamed it down a bit, much more enjoyable now...

If your encore is a bull barrel you should be able to cut it back too any length you want and have the iron sight reattached with no ill-effects. However, having both a contender and a encore I can tell you the contender has a much better balance and feel than the encore. My encore now is just used for muzzleloading and I use the contender for handgunning in 17 mach2, 22lr, 223, 357, 44mag

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Handgun velocity

If it helps, I'm pushing a 240 grain XTP with a stiff load of H110 out of a 16" Marlin lever gun at 1760 fps. Also, if you cast your bullets and push them fast, you may get excessive lead build up at high speeds.