44 Magnum Wetpack Test

[KCabbage]

I know this doesn't hold up to calibrated gelatin but I still feel it's a good way to compare the bullets to eachother.


MEDIUM: Two bunches of saturated newspapers bound with ductape and wrapped in bedsheet. First bundle had five layers of bedsheet while the second had one.

LEAD THROWING DEVICE: 6" .44 Magnum Desert Eagle, Glock 19 9mm

DISTANCE: Approx. 15 feet

KEY: LOAD - PENETRATION - EXPANSION - RETAINED WEIGHT - NOTES


(In order from least penetration to greatest –– Expansion measured from widest point)

–– 9mm Winchester 127gr. +P+ Ranger - 9" - .628" - 119gr.

–– .44 Magnum Hornady 180gr. XTP - 10" - .744" - 165gr.

–– .44 Magnum Winchester 250gr. Platinum Tip - 11" - .898" - 229gr.

–– .44 Magnum Corbon 180gr. JHP - 12" - .637" - 137gr..

–– .44 Magnum Remington 240gr. SJHP - 12.5" - .665" - 177gr.

–– .44 Magnum Winchester 210gr. Silvertip - 13" - .676" - 138gr.


*Since the 9mm Ranger round penetrates approximately 12.5" in calibrated ballistic gelatin I would add three inches of penetration to these figures for similar results.


Here are some chrono figures I took the weekend after. Ammunition was somewhat limited so I only tested one cartridge from each load except for the 9mm.


DISTANCE: 10 feet

TEMPERATURE: Approx. 20 Degrees Fahrenheit

ELEVATION: Approx. 1000 Feet

PISTOLS: 6" .44 Mag Desert Eagle, 4" 9mm Glock 19

CRONOGRAPH: F-1 Master Chrony


- 44 MAGNUM -

Fiocchi 200gr. XTP –– 1795 FPS
Fiocchi specs 1490FPS @ Muzzle from 7" barrel?

Fiocchi 240gr. XTP –– 1135 FPS
Fiocchi specs 1350 FPS @ Muzzle from 7" –– Low velocity makes sense since it doesn't fully cycle.

Hornady 180gr. XTP –– 1514 FPS
Hornady specs 1550 FPS @ Muzzle from Vented 7.5"

Corbon 180gr. JHP –– 1363 FPS
Corbon specs 1675 FPS @ Muzzle from 8.375"

Winchester 210gr. –– 1307 FPS
Winchester specs 1250 FPS @ Muzzle from Vented 4"

Remington 240gr. SJHP –– 1268 FPS
Remington specs 1180 FPS @ Muzzle from 4"

Winchester 250gr. Platinum Tip –– 1213 FPS
Winchester specs 1250 FPS @ Muzzle from Vented 6.5"


- 9mm -

Winchester 127gr. +P+ Ranger –– 1064, 1227, 1211 FPS Winchester specs 1250 @ Muzzle from 4"

[Jake'sDad]

You might want to try using another chronograph. Or I would avoid shooting that Fiocchi load altogether if it really chrono's 300 fps faster than spec, out of a shorter barreled, gas operated pistol.

[KCabbage]

That round was my first and only shot of the Fiocchi 200gr. and was the cherry popper of the Chrony. Everything else looks to be on par though. A little dissapointed the 127gr. wasn't closer to spec.

[Jake'sDad]

That round was my first and only shot of the Fiocchi 200gr. and was the cherry popper of the Chrony. Everything else looks to be on par though. A little dissapointed the 127gr. wasn't closer to spec.

The low round there would cause me to suspect the chrono as well.