[Gramps]

My apologies if this is kinda in the wrong sub. Has anybody seen any data comparing the different manufactures cartridges? Comparisons of accuracy, cost to shoot, muzzle blast, smoke and how dirty. I've seen some on muzzle velocity and muzzle force but that's about it.

I found this on a Desert Eagle site if anybody is interested.

[Bob Wright]

Of all the palaver spent on the subject, it really doesn't say too much.

There is no definitive comparison when used in the same gun and same conditions, and source of velocity measurements, etc. Its simply a statement of opinions.

Most men on these forums want far more detailed data, such as relative group size, velocity variations (extreme spread, standard deviation) and bullet expansion is some medium.

Bob Wright

[Gramps]

Exactly the kind of info that I was hoping that someone had ran across. It would seem that some where there should be more info for all of the time that this cartrdige has been around. Maybe I just haven't tried the right search words.

[Bob Wright]

Start with the Lyman reloading manual, and maybe Speer's. I think they usually give factory ammo performance to compare with the loading data.

Also, be aware that the standard test for most revovler ammunition is from a 4" vented test barrel, which can be wildly different than longer or shorter revolver barrels.

As far as the amount of smoke, muzzle flash, and residue, these things are of little consideration to most of us shooters.

The VERY BEST data you can have is your own log books, targets (I write in fairly large letters the date and loading data on my targets and photograph them) and records you might keep.

Thus:




My own log books record load data and my notes give me a good idea of penetration, expansion, etc.

Bob Wright

[Gramps]

Thanks! I was hoping to find a short cut to success but maybe it just doesn't exist. It's been 30 years (where the hell did they go) since I did my own loads but I enjoyed that aspect as much as I did shooting. I may not be able to do one without the other. The press, brass, scales and books are all gone, time to start over!

[Mark F]

Gramps,

Bob is correct... keeping your own records is far superior to "general" shooting data. I've been re-loading for 40 years now, and all the loading manuals will put you in the ball park, but nothing beats your own field tests.

For 357 plinking, I use factory 38 Specials. CCI Blazer ammo seems to be the best price for general paper punching. For my carry I use my own magnum re-loads.