I'd like to know the answer to this myself, and I'm hoping some one has a definitive answer. I have a virginian dragoon in .44 mag, stainless, 71/2 inch barrel. If I remember correctly the gun writers tooted it as equal to the Ruger in strength. I'm shooting 22 grains of 2400 behind a 240gr laser cast bullet with no problems. 20gr gives me good accuracy and I can't perceive that much difference and I don't think a deer will either so that will be my load. Hope some one can answer this one for us, this is a nice alternative to Ruger for those that like something a little different, although it will have to be used, they don't make them anymore. They've got coil springs like the Ruger as well. They were made in .357, .41, .44, and .45 calibers. very nice guns in my opinion.