44 magnum ballistics gel test: Big Bore goodness!

Published on February 27, 2021
Duration: 8:52

This video features a ballistics gel test of various .44 Magnum handloads fired from a late 1970s Ruger Super Blackhawk. The instructor, with apparent experience in firearms, tests four different bullet types: 180gr JHP, 240gr Hornady XTP, 240gr Speer Deep Curl, and 255gr hard cast. The test focuses on penetration depth and wound channel characteristics, with velocities recorded via chronograph.

Quick Summary

A .44 Magnum ballistics gel test evaluated four handloads from a Ruger Super Blackhawk. The 255-grain hard cast bullet penetrated 32 inches, while the 180-grain JHP failed catastrophically. The 240-grain Hornady XTP and Speer Deep Curl offered moderate penetration with good expansion and wound channels.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction: Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum
  2. 00:43Handload Ammunition Overview
  3. 02:42255gr Hard Cast Bullet Test
  4. 03:38240gr Speer Deep Curl Test
  5. 04:48240gr Hornady XTP Test
  6. 06:22180gr JHP Bullet Test
  7. 07:47Bullet Recovery and Analysis
  8. 08:36Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What .44 Magnum bullet types were tested in the ballistic gel?

The video tested four .44 Magnum handloads: a 180-grain semi-jacketed hollow point, a 255-grain hard cast wide flat nose gas check bullet, a 240-grain Hornady XTP, and a 240-grain Speer Deep Curl.

What was the penetration depth of the 255-grain hard cast .44 Magnum bullet?

The 255-grain hard cast bullet achieved 32 inches of penetration, passing completely through both ballistic gel blocks without expanding, creating a straight wound channel.

How did the 180-grain semi-jacketed hollow point .44 Magnum bullet perform in ballistic gel?

The 180-grain JHP bullet experienced catastrophic failure, with jacket-core separation, resulting in only about 12.75 inches of penetration and significant fragmentation. It was deemed too light and fast for hunting.

What firearm was used for the .44 Magnum ballistic gel test?

The ballistic gel tests were conducted using a late 1970s, three-screw Ruger Super Blackhawk with a 7.5-inch barrel, chambered in .44 Magnum.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from The Gun Dungeon

View all →