quote:

Originally posted by uncle norman:
I know there are charts out there somewhere but I'm trying to find out how much velocity loss I suffer by using a 3" barrel .45 auto. Winchester lists their 230 gr XST at 880fps out of the muzzle with a 5" barrel. What am I getting from my 3"?

You'll get "enough to do the Job" as long as You put it just where it belongs!!! A Miss with a .50BMG isn't any different that a Miss with a .22LR! And, a proper Hit with a .22LR will do the job just like a .50BMG. People have been hit with a .50BMG and lived into their 80s - my Father-in-Law. And, I've dropped a 1,500 pound Steer with a single shot from a .22LR!

The bottom line when talking about "velocity loss" can only be relative if you take a single long barreled gun and start cutting an "inch" off at a time and measuring the velocity after each cut. Every gun and every caliber is different.

Same goes for the Question: "How much more velocity will I get from my "Such & Such" if I install a longer barrel?"

Different cartridges, different guns, different loadings, different barrels ALL equal only one thing "Differences".

You'll get "enough to do the Job" as long as You put it just where it belongs!!!

I've done a little research for you and so far found the two best loads for your 3" barrel are the 160gr. Corbon DPX and the 230gr.+P Winchester Ranger load. Those loads expanded and penetrated at least 12".
Many others failed to expand and penetrated beyond 18".
Am I good or am I good?
Take care

A few more loads:
Corbon 165gr. Powr'ball
Corbon 185gr.+P JHP
Federal Tactical 230gr.+P
Triton 165gr. quick shok
Triton 165gr.+P Hi-vel JHP

The rest is up to you!

Subtract 30 feet for each inch of barrel you do not have.