What were the factory ballistics for the 38/44 HD & Outdoorsman ammo?

What components do you use to duplicate the factory loads?

__________________
Dave
SWCA #2465

My recollection is a 158 gr at 1200 fps. I believe there is a thread here in which someone chronographed some ammo from the 1930s. One of the reloaders will be along shortly as to how to duplicate this.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Published data ran from 1115-1150 FPS. Depends on how completely you want to duplicate it, basically there were two bullets for the .38-44, 158gr Lead RN and a 158gr Metal-capped bullet called a metal-piercing bullet. The first is easy, the second impossible to find.

Start with 11-11.5 gr 2400 and a chronograph. Just remember the factory loads were shot in an 8 3/4" Model .357 Magnum, so shorter barrels will deliver less velocity. Actually 1115 is reasonable in the 6 1/2" Outdoorsman, one word. Or, as originally used "Outdoorsman's Revolver". 6.4 gr Unique or 6.8 gr 4756 will give you close to these figures, at least my Outdoorsman does, and it runs a little on the slow side.

Don't worry about which primer to use. Small Pistol, Small Pistol Magnum and Small Rifle will all give results that are statistically identical. Small Rifle usually gives better consistency than the SPM.

Simply start with a load in this range and chronograph it, varying the load until you get the velocity you are looking for. Just remember, contrary to what many have posted, the .38-44 is not a .357 Magnum.

My Outdoorsman gives the same velocities as most of my 4-5" revolvers do.

__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961