I have always bought factory WInchester supreme gold partions for my S&W 629. But would like to to load some hotter loads. Being this is the only revoler I own, I dont shoot it much. I use it mostly for deer hunting. I have heard how the Smith is not as strong as other pistols. I.E. the ruger seems to be the strongest. Is there a velocity to stay under with the smith to prevent damage to the gun?? I have data up to 1540 fps with a 250 grn bullet. Any info on from others would be great. Thanks

Wow! 1540 fps is a very stiff load even from a 7.5" barrel. I don't think I would use it in my pistol. I seriously doubt Bambi would know the difference between a 1200 or a 1400 fps load even at 100 yards.

Regarding the 629, I doubt any maximum book load would hurt it for limited hunting use.

I use the .44 Mag. for deer hunting, but I limit it to around 100 yards. And it is coming out the end of a Ruger SBH with a 7-1/2" barrel.

My load?

Sierra 240 grain JCH, CCI-350 primer, 25.8 grains of H-110 all pushed into a very tightly crimped piece of Remington brass.

Haven't had a deer walk away yet, after one shot...

[This message has been edited by ricciardelli (edited 11-06-2001).]

[This message has been edited by ricciardelli (edited 11-06-2001).]

STEVE....Peak loads will accelerate wear in any revolver,regardless of make and model.I'd recommend reduced loads for practice and reserve peak performance loads for zeroing,familiarization and actual business.For years,my regular day to day load in the 44mag revolver is 8.5gr of unique behind a 250gr cast SWC.Yes,I use heavy loads too but I use them sparingly out of empathy for the mechanism.Treat your revolver accordingly and it should last you a very long time.

I hunt with a 629 and 2x Burris.

This year I'm trying the new 250 Nosler Partition -HG over H110.

Lots of the load manuals used the M29 for testing data. Find one and use that data conservatively and you should be safe.

Steve Y:

You willbe very impressed with the performace of the nolser HG partion. I have shot the winchest factory loads since they came out, they shoot well I am loooking to load my faster then winchester. I have had great luck on whitetail out to 100 yrds with the load. Bullet weight retention is approx 85% + I weighed one most pass through. This was a shot one going away on a nice buck. It went in right rear hip pass through hip anr left front shoudler coming to rest just under hide. Bullet looked just like the pictures and weighed approx 235 grns. It dumped that deer in its tracks.