Smith and Wesson 44 Magnum M69 2.75 inch

[44MAG#1]

I hesitated to post this based on previous experience, but here goes.
On 8-05-19 I did a little test with the aforementioned firearm.
I loaded the one of two versions of the H&G 503 Keith type bullet that I have over 7.5 grains of Alliant Unique, fired by a CCI300 primer in new Starline 44 Special cases.
The average velocity from the 2.75 inch gun was 866 FPS with a SD 6.55 FPS and an ES 16.26 FPS. This is a load known as the Skeeter Skelton load.
With the same launch platform and the same components with the exception using Starline 44 Magnum cases 8.5 grains of Unique gave an average velocity of 879.2 FPS and SD 10.24 and ES 28.49 FPS. This is only a 13.2 FPS difference.
Both loads were tested on the same day back to back.
Now with this post, remember different lots of the same components will give different results and two different guns with the same barrel length will give different velocities with the same ammo.
Even chronoing the same gun and load on a different day can give different averages.
I am hoping my posting this will be informational.
If not please let me know. If not I will delete the post.

[osteodoc08]

That’s great info and goes to show how case volume and charge load play an important role.

How was your accuracy when comparing the two?

[rintinglen]

How is the barrel on yours? I ended up buying the Ruger 44 Spl GP100 after the leading problems I had with my M-69 4 inch. Fire-lapping and polishing didn't do much for me.
But I like the balance and feel of the S&W and have toyed with buying one. I just concerned with the prospect of getting another lead-pipe maker.

[gwpercle]

Interesting observations and actually just about what I expected . I don't have a chronograph so seeing the numbers was nice . The 44 Special load , 7.5 grains Unique with SD 6.55 and ES 16.26 is very impressive . Maybe old Skeeter had a good load worked out .

Only accurate loads are interesting ...what were the group sizes like ...was the Skeeter Special load more accurate than the 44 Magnum cased load or did the longer case make the magnum case load more accurate ?

Keep up the interesting report,
Gary

[44MAG#1]

gwpercle,

I sent you a PM.

[Groo]

Groo here
Clasic example of what a small difference in volume will do to a load ..
Just .1 in difference requiring a full grain adjustment