357 Revolver

Minimum power factor for Major in Standard Revolver is 170. You would therefore need a 170 grain bullet traveling at 1000 fps, or more likely, a 158 grain bullet traveling at least 1076 fps. .357 Magnum should be able to meet that easily. Most factory .38 Special OTH doesn't even make minor (125 PF).

As for 9mm, a factory-loaded 147 grain round probably will only get you a 140-145 PF, which puts it squarely in Minor.

PF=(bullet mass x muzzle velocity)/1000

Hope this helps.
 
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I don't know squat about Ipsick...but if a 147gr. bullet in a 9mm makes it...the 357 should make it easy.

To make a 147gr bullet meet the 170PF it would have to travel at 1157fps.

I believe most people using 9mm Major are using 115gr bullets at 1479fps.

Winchester 357 mag w/158gr bullet travels at 1235fps for a PF of 195.

You would need a load travelling at 1108fps to make a comfortable PF of 175.

I go over because I don't want the chrono and temperature to bring th PF below the required 170.

Forgot to add that using a 357 would put you in open and not standard major.
 
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Forgot to add that using a 357 would put you in open and not standard major.

Actually, acording to Revolver standard, there is no minimum caliber required for Major. This is according to the 15th edition rule book. So if you could shoot a revolver and make Major 9, you are still good to go. I personally would not, but it could give you the advantage to load 38 super to major and use the same ammo in an open gun that utilized the same cartridge. Though 38 super and 9mm revolvers that can handle that kind of pressure are kind of rare.
 
It should.. the following is from American Handgunner, Nov. 2001

Power Factors For Common Loads
Firearm Barrel Caliber Bullet Velocity Factor Open
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 110 gr. 823 fps 91 minor
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 125 gr. 885 fps 111 minor
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 158 gr. 788 fps 125 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 110 gr. 926 fps 102 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 125 gr. 944 fps 118 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 158 gr. 862 fps 136 minor
S&W 686 4" .357 Magnum 125 gr. 1,239 fps 155 minor
S&W 686 4" .357 Magnum 158 gr. 1,177 fps 186 major

Firearm Standard Production
S&W 442 minor minor
S&W 442 minor minor
S&W 442 minor major
S&W 686 minor minor
S&W 686 minor minor
S&W 686 minor major
S&W 686 minor major
S&W 686 major major
 
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