Gary Reeder
For those attempting those figures, go slow. In 4 loading
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 14:54

manuals 2400 is shown at a max load of 22 grains for 1350 out of a S&W model 57. And that was a 210 grain bullet. The 250 grain bullet was barely edging 1175 fps. I don't have the specs for a 265 grain but I would guess at close to the same figures. Even the 41 GNR that holds 8 to 10 grains more powder is only pushing 1500 fps in a revolver. Our revolver figures are purposely low in the Redhawk. If we print the actual fps we got at near a max load in the Redhawk in 41 GNR, those figures will almost touch 1900 fps and not all revolvers will handle that, at least not for long.

In the Redhawk, yes it is a super strong revolver, much stronger than an N frame S&W. The gist of this is don't push it. Hot loads with a heavy bullet in an N frame Smith is pushing it, anyway you look at it. Scotty has been loading for his Smiths for many years and knows what he is doing, but if he says 22 grains of 2400 is a good load, a loader new to reloading will say "if his gun will handle 22 grains mine will handle 24". And somebody gets hurt.
I am getting right at 2000 fps in the 41 GNR but that is in my little snubbie 8" TC barrel. In an Encore barrel I believe I could touch 2200 fps but why chance it. My load of 28 grains of 296 with a 210 has taken just about everything I ever want to kill, so why go batshit crazy and get hurt. And why post figures that might get someone else hurt. Take these figures with a grain of salt and go easy, watching for pressure signs and when you see a really flat primer or even a pierced primer you have reached the max that your revolver will handle so back off at least a grain. The gun will live longer and so will you.