I carry a .44 mag Ruger SRH 7.5" when working in grizzly country. I know this is the minimum but couldn't afford the 454. I currently shoot Buffalo Bore's 305 cast at 1325 fps listed. Question is: I still have .25" or more from the bullet tip to cylinder end with these rounds. The books list max loads as 125% compressed. Is there any reason I couldn't lengthen the OAL of the cartridge out to the end of the cylinder and heat things up a bit?--there's plenty bullet length for a solid hold I think but I have to assume that the manufactures design the rounds shorter for a reason. Is run up important in a revolver?
Second, what is the absolute best I could hope for using this bullet? Is 1500 fps with a 300 grainer unreasonable?
Thanks for any help you can give.

snowcat
I use N-110 with a 300gr bullet and get over 1400 fps I will look up this load and post it for you

In a SRH, with a bullet that can be loaded out to the max the cylinder allows, 300 gr @ 1500 fps isn't unreasonable. Personally, I'd go for a 320-330 gr @ 1300-1400 fps. I believe Garrett makes a redhawk/srh only load that pushes a 320 gr 1400 fps.

Most guns have cylinders shorter then the RH/SRH, thats why factory loads appear short to you.

snowcat
My load is 300gr hardcast bullet
powder Vihtavuori N-110 19.3gr
primer Fed-150
Case Win
AOL 1.66
fps 1492
me 1482

I've been loading the 300 grain LBT in my SRH. I use 22 grains of H110 and crimp tightly in the cannelure. My chrono reads just over 1300 fps and the groups are under 1.5" at 50 yards. They also have a 320 grain bullet.

NoCAL

Thanks all. Great info. Hitting print and heading to the shop!

All I can say is OUCH!!!! I have a 310 gr cast bullet pushing just a hair over 1300 and that hurts just fine thank you very much. Slim

I lenghtened the 44 in my Thompson Contender and yes more power can be had by increasing case volume. But... the Contender is a single shot, I tried the same with my light weight 357 revolver (S&W #66) and the recoil was severe enough to move the bullets out from their crimped position (yes I crimped them purdy damn tight) and lock the cylinder. This was with jacketed bullets, and you said cast, so I'm just giving you a heads up on what "might" happen. Trial and error will tell, best of luck to you in the never ending search for more power.