Initial firing report.
Went out to some BLM land west of Grass Valley. Shot both 246 RNL factory and 200 grain GDHPs over 6.8 of WW231. Even though the 6.8 loads were near max, the felt recoil was significantly less than the 246 grain factory loads. Recoil from the 19 oz. little revolver was very manageable, and certainly no worse than a 38 snub nose with +Ps. Besides, the 200 grain GDHP "flying ashtrays"open to about .70 caliber. 38s may expand, but 44s never get smaller!
The 6.8 load gives about 875 FPS from a 4" barrel, so with as fast as the WW231 burns, it should still be over 800-825 FPS from the 3" barrel. On single action, the 200 grain GDHPs shot centered, but several inches below POA at 10 yards. Interestingly enough, on double action, they were dead on the money at 10 yards! I was able to bounce a pop can with ease at 10 yards, off-hand. After I load some 246 RNL with 6.0 grains of Unique, I'll see what it does on paper. For now, I am confident my little belly gun will "terminate any lethal threat with extreme prejudice!"