This looks like a very affordable bullet for general purpose thin skinned game in the 44 magnum handgun. How do I figure the minimum velocity required for reliable expansion and build a load?

Nosler online reloading data velocity ranges from approx 1350 fps to almost 1800 fps (!) using different powders and loads from a 8.25" bbl. (see the data sheet here: http://www.nosler.com/nosler-l...remington-magnum-hg/)

My main hunting handgun is a 7.5" OMBH, so not too far off and I'd have to guess that the minimum velocity figure (based on a powder charge of 11.5gr of Unique) sets the factory idea for the minimum expansion velocity.

On the other hand, I can also use this bullet in a lightweight 3" 44mag that is my go-to general purpose carry gun, and there is no way I can use the 8.25" bbl figures as a standard.

Suggestions for a load that expands reliably for the short barrelled gun?

Nosler Sporting Handgun Bullets 44 Caliber (429 Diameter) 200 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point.

I would ask the manufacture Hornaday puts a small paper in their boxes listing the expansion ranges.

Or one could load some up an shoot it into water if it expands in water there is a good chance it well expand in flesh.

I think there's too much worry about expansion on something like a 44mag.
For SD 200 @ 1000 is more than capable even without expansion !!
For deer I would use a heavier bullet such as 225. Many of my deer have been taken with the old Speer JSWCHP and that with only one bullet recovered .More recently I use the Barnes all copper.Remember that many use a hard cast SWC for big game . I don't hear complaints there !

Like mete, I wouldn't worry too much about expansion. You are starting at 0.43" which may be considered pre-expanded before you ever pull the trigger.

Some information I have from a box of XTPS gives minimum velocities of 800 to 900 fps.

BTW that great old Speer -I think partof the reason they stopped making it was that at below recommended velocity it sometimes the jacket would separate from the lead !
Always helps to read instructions.
All but one deer had two holes, in and out which is a good idea !