I'm picking up a 329, mainly to be loaded w. 44 specials, and used as a carry gun, and occasionally as sidearm while hunting.

I've already ordered some CT grips for it, and a S&W 500 grip, for practice.

I might have it converted to moonclips by TK custom, haven't decided. I have ordered some speedstrips and a speedstrip holder.

I will be removing the Clinton lock as soon as I get it.

Now, has anyone tried the low-recoil 44 mag loads from Buffalo Bore? I don't really plan to ever shoot in w. many 44 mags, but for hunting birds in S. TX, I need something to deal w. those danged pigs.

Other ammo suggestions? Hopefully, I'll find some SJHP 44 specials for CCW purposes.

I do not have a 329 but I have shot a couple of my buddies.

I have also shot the BB "light Loads", in one and in a Mountain Gun.

They are still pretty thumpy in the 329.

One of my buddies and I agree the 300gr Federal Cast Core has less hand pain than the full power 240gr loads.

As to 44 Special carry loads the Federal lead, Speer and the Winchester Silvertip are not bad to shoot. If you want more "power" the Cor Bon 44 Specials are worth a look.

Also, do not forget to get some Speer shotshells for your 44, they work great for snakes, and small game too.

I have the Smith 357PD - that's the Ti-Scan framed .41 magnum, just like yours.

I handload so i spent some time tailoring the load to exactly what I wanted. My criteria was that I needed to be able fire 6 (and exactly 6) rounds in DA mode with complete control. So I'm looking for maximum power for 6 rounds.

In my .41 Mag (which is, I might add, exactly 1.5 oz heavier than yours due to the slightly beefier cylinder) that load is a 265gr. wide-long nosed gas checked hardcast at an estimated 1200fps. It's snappy and you definitely know you fired something.

I can fire 6 rounds in about 4 seconds and keep them all in a 4" group at 21 feet.

The point is to establish the criteria and then build the load to that criteria. I can get more power out of my .41mag but the controllability goes out the window fast.

Hope that helps!

PS: I found that the standard Hogue secondary grips are more than good enough for 6 rounds of fire. I found no need to get the S&W 500 grip - they are too big for my tastes for comfortable carry and, to be honest, don't make any real difference to me.

Thanks for the help. Mine has wooden grips, which I know will be a nightmare -- have to keep those esp. for Jeffeoso... Maybe put them on the 500 for him...
I have the standard hogues, and some rosewood ones, for my 625, I'll try them out on the gun -- does anyone have a set of LG207 Crimson trace grips? I bought those, w. the intention of using them to carry -- I couldn't find a compact laser grip for the gun. I may pick up some Eagle Secret Service grips as well -- if I can't handle them on the 329, I know I can on the 625.

The Crimson Trace Laser grips work great.
Especially on moving "targets".

If you get the Crimson Laser grips be sure and get the rubber ones, not the hard plastic.

I have both, the rubber are much more comfortable.

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
Thanks for the help. Mine has wooden grips, which I know will be a nightmare -- have to keep those esp. for Jeffeoso... Maybe put them on the 500 for him...

gee, thanks brad!
the x500 grips rock on mine 625-9

You might go over to smith-wessonforum.com and look around a bit. There has been quite a few discussions about the 329, some good and some very bad. I have owned or shot a 329, but have owned several other S&W 44's, so obviously can't give first hand experience.