Some Chronograph data for 38 +P and 357 Factory loads

[Rule3]

Just some info as I was trying out the Comp Electronics Pro Digital. It was 12 noon and 93* F. Not a cloud in the sky.
Ten feet from muzzle. So FWIW here are some numbers.

Guns used SW M 640 2 1/8 barrel and a SW PC M 327- R8.

First the 357 data.

Handloads of 158 gr LSWC using 10.0 grs of Blue Dot. Not my favorite but trying to use it up. It works well at full loads.

From the 640 snub:
Avg 1136
ES 61
SD 22
A lot of "spitting" Maybe a mag primer would help but that's why I don't like Blue Dot.

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From the MP 327 5":
Avg 1277
ES 74
SD 24

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The following are from the M 640

357 mag

Rem Golden Saber 125 gr 357

Avg 1163
ES 49
SD 18

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Speer GD 158 gr 357

Avg 1046
ES 63
SD 25
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Some old Federal 158gr HV SJ soft point
Felt more than the numbers!

Avg 1111
ES 31
SD 11
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Now for the 38 Spl +P which is what I really wanted to test. All ammo is +P

Hornady CD 110 FTX +P

Avg 939
ES 58
SD 23
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Rem Golden Saber 125 gr +p

Avg 909
ES 39
SD 14
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Speer Gold Dot 125 gr +P

Avg 888
ES 20
SD 10
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Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P

Avg 824
ES 63
SD 26

So what does all this mean? I have no idea but it was fun.


Actually, I see no reason to carry the 357 mag loads as they are just to hard to control and follow up shots. I seem to like the Remington Golden Sabers 125 gr 38 Spl +P

Based on a previous thread you can see where the increase in barrel length of 3" made a 141 fps difference on my loads of the 158 gr LSWC. They where very nice to shoot out of the bigger gun.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for posting all that data. I know how much work goes into collecting it...

 

[LoneStar22]

OCD1
“So what does all this mean?”
You came across a point that many shooters overlook, that is for every inch reduction in barrel length muzzle velocity decreases by approximately 100fps. This is certainly good information to know if you carry a 2”-3” barreled handgun.
The SD and ES for your reload in both revolvers is close enough to say your reloads are consistent.
From this point onward your data is one sided. I would like to have seen results from your 327.
And since the remainder of your testing was with factory loads, how do your numbers compare to those of the factory. Granted factory tests are under controlled conditions, but I always like to see how results from my guns compare to factory data.
I agree with your comments about the Federal 158gr HV ammo. Some time ago I was shooting up the remainder of a box of the same ammo. When I touched off the first round I could tell these rounds were hot, and so did other shooters at the range. Even in bright sunlight a 4-inch flame was visible at the muzzle. Plus the report was loud enough to make you think I was firing a large caliber hand cannon!
Good job with your data collection.

 

[BE Mike]

Whenever someone posts chronograph results, some people always seem to want more. It could be a full time job, keeping the shooting public satisfied.

 

[LoneStar22]

Whenever someone posts chronograph results, some people always seem to want more. It could be a full time job, keeping the shooting public satisfied.

BE Mike,
If your comments were directed towards me, I am not sure why? My comment about there being no chronograph data for the M327 for other than the reloads was not to downplay OCD1 efforts to share data he collected. These were just my thoughts that data for the M327 would have been nice, but certainly not a necessity. I am well aware of the preparation and time necessary to run a chronograph test session. I have put in many hours at the chronograph bench.
OCD1 gave us very useful information, and I am not in any way complaining about his efforts.

 

[Rule3]

The main reason I did not test any of the factory loads from the 327 is simply due to cost. It's my stash I did not compare to any factory data as who know what they tested theirs in. A gun, test barrel??
I do not carry the 327(I would love to but it's a tad large for shorts and t shirt nor do I shoot factory ammo out of it. It's a tack driver with the 158 LSWC. I am going to load some up with 2400 today.

I post the factory ammo results mainly so folks can have a idea of what to expect out of duplicating factory loads in a snub nose and to compare 38 +P to 357 Mag.

I do not normally carry a revolver I like my pocket 9mm's but do on occasion carry one or put one in the car.

Many a discussion or argument at the gun shop over carrying 357 loads in a alloy frame snub which is brutal IMO. I do not care for it in the 640 steel frame but it's shootable.

Again, IMO it's not worth beating yourself up with the 357 in a snub. The 38+P is more than sufficient at close range. I do not think the extra 100 fps or so will make a bit of difference.

Next time out I will test to compare the 9mm in the 124 gr to see how it matches up to the 38 and 357.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Very interesting results. I carry a Mod 638 & wondered about velosity with my handloads. I don't have access to a chronograph. I use Bullseye because I have so much of it. Also 2400 & Titegroup.

 

[Rule3]

Very interesting results. I carry a Mod 638 & wondered about velosity with my handloads. I don't have access to a chronograph. I use Bullseye because I have so much of it. Also 2400 & Titegroup.

What bullet and how much BE are you using?. I can load some and let you know. (If I have a similar bullet) Either BE or 2400

 

[BE Mike]

BE Mike,
If your comments were directed towards me, I am not sure why? My comment about there being no chronograph data for the M327 for other than the reloads was not to downplay OCD1 efforts to share data he collected. These were just my thoughts that data for the M327 would have been nice, but certainly not a necessity. I am well aware of the preparation and time necessary to run a chronograph test session. I have put in many hours at the chronograph bench.
OCD1 gave us very useful information, and I am not in any way complaining about his efforts.

The comment wasn't directed at you Hoss, I was making a general comment.

 

[venomballistics]

thats some interesting real world data ... my favorite kind.
makes my 1330 FPS 150 grain 400 corbon look like its in good company and supports my vision of it as an effective game getter