OK, I have chilled out...

The 9x23 load with 124 gr. bullet is getting only 1176 FPS, which is almost exactly what I got with the handloaded 9x19. I got to the point where increases in powder charges gave no increase in velocity or difficulty in extraction, so it appears I have reached the point of diminishing returns in the 2" barrel.

I don't think that any increases in length of the 9mm cartridge case will give any appreciable increases in velocity, at least out of the 2" barrel. They would most certainly give lower pressure, but the velocity just isn't there, at least from the velocity figures I have seen so far. It looks as though you can burn only so much powder in a 2" barrel.

By the way, does anybody make a true 2" barrel .357 Magnum?

Dave Sinko

"By the way, does anybody make a true 2" barrel .357 Magnum?"

Not sure but I love my 2.5 DW

The loss of velocity due to blowby is part of the compromise. I was disappointed with some of the results but at the same time I was quite surprised and impressed at others. The real stand outs for me were the Federal 115gr +P+ at 1174fps and the WWB 115gr FMJ at 1096fps out of the Taurus 905. To me that speaks volumes about the efficiency of the 9mm in properly chambered short barreled revolvers.

__________________
Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Anybody who is impressed by the 9x23 should stand in awe of the old .38 Special! After all, what is the 9x23 anyway? Is it not just a tapered rimless .38 Super with a thicker web so that the caseheads don't blow out in an autopistol? The thicker web reduces case capacity that much more, and the J Frame with its offset cylinder stop notches does not require thicker brass to stand the higher pressures. So, we have the .38 Special which towers above the 9x23 with far greater case capacity and the ability to handle heavier bullets. Frankly I'm amazed that so many shooters look down on the .38 Special.

And how can anybody think that moonclips are a disadvantage with the 9mm revolver? Obviously I'm a huge fan of the .38 Special cartridge, but out of a J Frame with a 2" barrel I believe the better choice is the 940 precisely because it uses moonclips. The ballistic advantage of the .38 Special is not all that great out of the short barrel but the quickness and certainty of the moonclip loading and extraction of moonclipped 9mm are the deal breaker for me.

I never owned a 547, but I'm willing to bet that any load which ties up my 940 (inferior brass or too much fast powder) will lock up a 547 just the same.

Dave Sinko

Hornady critical defense use low flash short barrel propellant.they advertise 1200 fts 400 ft-lb with the 125 he flex tip.

Has anyone checked this values in a 60 or other S&W 2 1/8 in barrel?