My post in the Baltimore Confiscated Gun thread and some of the replies got me really thinking about this. Like most people, I really like the idea of a PCC that uses the same mags and bullets as my handgun. I don't however want to experience failure of the round (core/ jacket separation etc) because I pushed the rounds faster than they were designed to go.
This is a standing question I have about ammo construction. Those rounds were designed for a handgun. Will the extra barrel length have any impact on how well the bullet performs?
give this site a try iirc, up to a point, longer bbls increase muzzle velocity
Good question and line of inquiry ! The answer is maybe , sometimes , it depends , and probably .
The bottom line comes down to velocity , both muzzle and impact . Start searching published and individuals on the internet with velocity charts of loads from pistol and carbine , and you'll quickly see Carbine velocities are a total wild card .
If handloading , slow for caliber powders in the neighborhood of Blue Dot will give major velocity increases , fast powders approaching Bullseye hardly any . Factory loads you'd pretty much have to chronograph that particular lot of ammunition to see what you get . Arbitrary numbers ( but close enough for discussion ) are that Carbine vs service length pistol velocity difference could range from 100- 400 fps increase .
At the bottom end of that range , it would be shooting standard pressure of whatever , would be similar to the +P version of same projectile from service length pistol .
( Me pontificating ) Most premium grade Bonded or controlled expansion duty type ammo of 124 and heavier , will probably do * not terrible * from carbine .
( Me pontificating) XTP of 124 & heavier will probably do better out of Carbine than pistol .
( Me pontificating , plus exhibiting prejudice ) Most 147 gr will do better from Carbine than pistol . Trivia - The very first 147 gr load to achieve LE popularity was the W-W 147 OSM
It was actually developed and intended for SMG use , until FBI repurposed it for their Handguns .
( Me pontificating ) It's probably only those light bullet loads with a reputation for fragmemting or otherwise gross under penetration from pistols , that should purposefully be avoided in Carbine .
And of course , distance is an issue . IF the inherent greater practical accuracy of a shoulder weapon is being utilized to stretch out to 50 , 75 , 100 , whstever yards , impact velocities can be back down to those of pistols at ( average interpersonal ranges ) .