Don't know what happened but since i shortened barrel on SRH.44 mag from 9.5 to 6.5 the accuracy has changed dramaticly. I was pulling 2"-3" groups at 50 yards at rest with a flier now and then. Now it's shooting under 2" no fliers, same Hornady 240g with Burris fastfireII reddot. Didn't see any damage to left over 3" of barrel. Don"t know but i had second thoughts every time i took the gun on a hunt over the accuracy issues! Now i can get brave and try some of the more expensive heavier hunting bullits out there and not waste them. I've got a Raven .25acp,3" off that one might help! Two paper weights.

The muzzle end of the barrel has a HUGE effect on the accuracy. A crown that is just a little bit messed up or possibly some tool marks just inside the muzzle from where the barrel was screwed in could have been playing havoc with the bullets just before they exited the bore.

Regarding the heavier bullets, I have always found that the heavier bullets shot better out of my .44s. 300 to 320gr seems to be about ideal over a close to top end load of H-110

Speaking of muzzle crowns, is there a style or type that is better than another?

I have heard that the 11 degree target crown is the most accurate but don't have anything to compare against.

As long as it is a change for the better, enjoy! It could have been a constriction or bum crown, but a 3" barrel length change will affect velocity somewhat and along with the bullet weight/twist/powder/primer/etc you may have found the magic combination by accident.

HEY!!! QUIT SAYING PRIMER!!!! :-)

PRIMER,PRIMER,PRIMER, SORRY!!!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! I was totaly expecting that from s4s4u!!! :-)

No, they just need to be even, at right angles to the bore with no burrs.
Some are made because guys ram the muzzle into rocks, etc so they are reset deeper.