40gn and 12'' or 60gn and 9''

[kohana]

I know there is value in barrel length as well as powder charge but this question is to pit the Uberti Walker against the stainless Pietta Rem Buffalo as a hunting gun.
Which would produce the greater fps with the same bullet 40gn-12 '' or 60gn- 9''
I'm interested as I want to spend my tax return on one or the other.
Bob

 

[rafterob]

Barrel length does not help velocity on a cap and ball revolver. It helps with distance accuracy. SO your 60 grain walker load is gonna kick but on that buffalo hunter. Now when it comes to hunting it depends on what you are going to hunt and what your state laws allow.

 

[aeatwood]

Depending on the game, either will do the job. But hitting to the sights will probably be easier if you have adjustable sights. The Walker will have more velocity. Personally, I would prefer the regular Target model - that 12" barrel is a PITA in the woods, holstered or not.

 

[Long Johns Wolf]

With due respect I feel barrel length and charge is only part of the equation. Proper adjusted chamber and rifling groove dia are important, too. Ran velocity tests through all kinds of .44 cal. C&B revolvers recently. Most were 1860 and 1863 pattern pistols but we had 2 3rd gen. included as well, Walker and Hartford Dragoon. You may want to consider the measurements found.
Walker: 9" barrel, rifling groove dia .452, chamber mouth dias .448, .449, .447, .447, .447, .449; 141 gr RB/.454 dia over 55 gr of CH2, V5 1270 fps.
Dragoon: 7,5" barrel, rifling groove dia .445 (!), chamber mouth dias. .450, .450, .450, .448, .447, .450; 141 gr RB/.454 dia over 45 gr of CH2, V5 956 fps.
The Dragoon was the only pistol in the test where the barrel groove dia was smaller than the chamber mouth dia. In all Italian and 2nd gen Colts the rifling groove dia was significantly larger than the chamber mouth dia, typically .458 rifling and chamber size