Summary:
Combinations of the X-Treme 200 gr jacketed round nose bullet with Unique powder were not outstanding loads. Below 8.7 gr powder, shots were weak with the S&W shooting extremely erratic large groups at 50 yards; groups improved as powder charges increased. The Ruger shot 25 yard groups of 2.8" and 3.6", about double the desired 25 yard group size. Low powder charges below 8.7 gr caused extremely dirty cases from insufficient force to expand and seal the cases within the S&W cylinder chambers. Performance improved in the S&W with higher powder charges delivering 50 yard group sizes of 6.25". 9.1gr of Unique provided 936 fps velocity from the Ruger 7.5" barrel. 25 and 50 yd groups were shot from a mechanical revolver vise. Velocities were measured at 10 ft with a CED 101 chronograph.
Load Ballistics
Load: #872
Powder: 9.1 gr Unique
Bullet: 200.0 gr X-Treme RN Plated
Brass: FC
Primer: Fed 150
Ruger Group: #859, Velocity: 936 fps, Count: 6, ES: 217, Group Size (in): 2.80, 6 shots @ 25.0 yds
Ruger Group: #860, Group Size (in): 3.6, 7 shots @ 25.0 yds
Ruger Chronograph Velocities: 1005,949,963,981,927,788