Dave Wilson's 32 S&W Long BE-86 Data Analysis

I couldn't figure out what the optimum load was. What was it?

Bill

Greetings All,

The purpose of my testing BE86 was to find out what charge produces what velocity.

There is no published data from the manufacturers.

Useful velocities for 98 HBWC bullets in the 32 S&W Long range from 600-775 FPS.

The lower velocity rounds will offer less wear and tear on a autoloading pistol, provided accuracy is acceptable.

Alliant graciously sent me a sample of BE86 and Sport Pistol to conduct my tests.

Accuracy was not the primary concern.

I did include test targets fired at 50 yards as a reference.

Something to note from the data is that the chart of velocity/charge is quite nearly a linear equation. That is, you can extrapolate a load in between data points and come very close to a desired velocity.

Cheers,

Dave

It would be interesting to look at the correlation between the extreme spread, and standard deviation, of the velocities and group size. This asks whether group size is affected by how consistent the velocities are.

A report from a non-match pistol at 25 yards found no correlation:   https://americanhandgunner.com/exclusive-consistent-velocity-accuracy/

Yes, that's what I was looking for. Thank you for doing that analysis.

The article I cited found no correlation between velocity ES or SD and group size, when tested in a non-match-grade gun.  The question remained if a match quality gun, or barrel fixture, would be a better tool for assessing this relationship. Your analysis appears to answer that question - there is no relationship even with a barrel fixture.  Good to know. Thanks.