I had recently transferred to Europe 3 revolvers (preparing for retirement): 5.5 SBH, converted to Bisley and 7.5" RH, both in 44 Magnum, and also unfired 7.5" Old Army, all 3 stainless.
After all paperwork was finished, I invited friends to try them, since 44 Magnum is still bit rare bird in my native area (357 is common), and 44 Rugers they had seen only in movies and magazines. SA Rugers are completely unknown to them.
Well, they did fire them, and raised some questions. However, before going to comment them, I would like to discuss something else first.
Since I mentioned that I have ROA, I was looking for a suitable loads, using something else rather than just a led ball, felling that a bullet like 240-250 grains will be a better choice if I take it as a side arm in a hunt.
So, i started searching what is available on the net and found videos about testing loads using 3 different bullets and 2 different propellants, done by Mike Beliveau. Here are those most interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdauzEFXMNc (test No. 5), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_dwo2nThA (test No. 6). He was using some sort of LBT bullet, designed by Kaido Ojama, 255 grains.
Anyhow, if you look closer to those tests, you will notice that even very moderate load of 30 grains of FFFG gave in 7.5 ROA velocities of 744 fps, and penetration of 10+ jugs filled with water. If those jugs are about 8" wide, that is whooping 80" of penetration.
Assuming that going through flesh of any big game animal, penetration will be half of that one through water and plastic, that is still 40". Now, what animal has more than 40" across the chest, except largest bears and bulls?
If I remembered correctly, US Army specified that (at that time) new centre fire revolver round has to take down a horse on 100 yds distance, and 45 Colt was created to conform to those requirements. Well, used later by civilians in all kind of situations, standard 45 Colt load proved its reputation time and time again.
Now, back to my friends: they fired both 44 Magnum revolvers, first with ear protection, and after that, each of them fired one round without any protection, just to get feeling how 44 sounds in real situation. To make bit long story short, they told me that the blast is too much for them, they wish that the blast for the shooter is the same as from rifle, no more.
Well, after seeing those tests, I started thinking about my friends' comments, and 44 Special, and 44 Special Flattop, especially Bisley (also, one S&W 624-4 with 6" or 6.5 " barrel I missed), immediately came to my mind. 45 Colt in same revolvers also.
What is your experience? Do we really need those big boomers with ear shattering blast in the field for game less than grizzly?
P.S I do handload, so most likely I will download 44 Magnum.
After all paperwork was finished, I invited friends to try them, since 44 Magnum is still bit rare bird in my native area (357 is common), and 44 Rugers they had seen only in movies and magazines. SA Rugers are completely unknown to them.
Well, they did fire them, and raised some questions. However, before going to comment them, I would like to discuss something else first.
Since I mentioned that I have ROA, I was looking for a suitable loads, using something else rather than just a led ball, felling that a bullet like 240-250 grains will be a better choice if I take it as a side arm in a hunt.
So, i started searching what is available on the net and found videos about testing loads using 3 different bullets and 2 different propellants, done by Mike Beliveau. Here are those most interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdauzEFXMNc (test No. 5), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_dwo2nThA (test No. 6). He was using some sort of LBT bullet, designed by Kaido Ojama, 255 grains.
Anyhow, if you look closer to those tests, you will notice that even very moderate load of 30 grains of FFFG gave in 7.5 ROA velocities of 744 fps, and penetration of 10+ jugs filled with water. If those jugs are about 8" wide, that is whooping 80" of penetration.
Assuming that going through flesh of any big game animal, penetration will be half of that one through water and plastic, that is still 40". Now, what animal has more than 40" across the chest, except largest bears and bulls?
If I remembered correctly, US Army specified that (at that time) new centre fire revolver round has to take down a horse on 100 yds distance, and 45 Colt was created to conform to those requirements. Well, used later by civilians in all kind of situations, standard 45 Colt load proved its reputation time and time again.
Now, back to my friends: they fired both 44 Magnum revolvers, first with ear protection, and after that, each of them fired one round without any protection, just to get feeling how 44 sounds in real situation. To make bit long story short, they told me that the blast is too much for them, they wish that the blast for the shooter is the same as from rifle, no more.
Well, after seeing those tests, I started thinking about my friends' comments, and 44 Special, and 44 Special Flattop, especially Bisley (also, one S&W 624-4 with 6" or 6.5 " barrel I missed), immediately came to my mind. 45 Colt in same revolvers also.
What is your experience? Do we really need those big boomers with ear shattering blast in the field for game less than grizzly?
P.S I do handload, so most likely I will download 44 Magnum.