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Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
Interesting video. All I will add is that it would have been much more valid to have fired the two different kinds of ammunition out of the same revolver. There are certainly revolvers, due to varying bore diameters, cylinder mouth diameters, barrel to cylinder gaps, and other factors that will generate higher, or lower velocities than others, even of the same make and model.
One thing I picked up on was his choice of S&W for the .38 Special and Ruger for the .357 mag. Seems kind of insignificant until we learn about one recent, very important change at S&W: they began switching their barrel production method over to EDM machining of the rifling. They have been roundly criticized for the results - significantly decreased velocities as compared to similar revolvers from other manufacturers. The American Rifleman made note of this when they tested the new five shot .44 mag on the "L" frame. Others have noted this as well.
Conversely, Rugers are known for their tight chamber mouths and minimum diameter bores, both of which lead to increased velocities. I've noted this in my own Rugers.
Here are a few .44 magnum revolvers. Interestingly, the Ruger Blackhawk on the bottom, with its 3" barrel, generates the highest velocities of the bunch. Kind of unusual, yes, but they are out there:
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Anyway, I'm not completely refuting his results. .357 mag ammunition will certainly generate more velocity out of the same gun than .38 Special, even out of the little snubbies. I'm just saying his results may be a bit exaggerated due to his use of different guns.
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Yes, mixing makes isn't prudent for sure. If you look at some of his other videos, he has no sponsors and is only using guns he or someone in his circle of friends owns. This is refreshing to me, because it keeps him independent and he doesn't just flash up the latest and greatest fad guns, but it does lead to some comparisons that could be done better. If he had a gun shop sponsor, he could just walk in there and pick the perfect pair for the comparisons ...
I used to carry a .357 L frame in the woods when rifle hunting. Heavy and seemed redundant and I stopped. Then I had a close encounter with a cougar at night while my rifle was strapped to my pack.
That changed my mind and I now carry a side arm again in that wilderness. But still, I chose a .44 special snub nose over the L frame because it is so much lighter and easier to carry.
G