I want to reload for it. 90% will be light target loads using 200gn soft lead (cheapest), 5% medium defensive loads maybe 200gn XTP (knockdown), 5% hunting loads using 240 or 300 gn hardcast lead gas check bullets (penetration).
On the hunting loads, can I load to published load data without worry of harming the revolver? DOnt know how old it is but I expect it should shoot factory 44 mag OK or reloads to published standards.
I was going to get a Ruger for durability but I did not like the finish, the trigger or ejector rod roughness on any of the models I picked up.
See remarks in the front of the Nosler loading manual. I am NOT an engineer, and I don't know shit from my own experience (I make it a point to avoid scientific experiments involving blowing up my own revolvers, and I can't get my friends to volunteeer theirs), but everyone who seems to know anything says the M29 is for medium loads. It is NOT a SRH, or even a Super Blackhawk.
I have one, and I have a 629. I love them because they work nice, they fit my hand, and they can be carried concealed. But they are compromises, even for handguns. I believe (but don't know) that you wouldn't blow one up with a few rounds. But I don't suspect it would last for long using heavy 300gr loads.
Your revolver, your hand, your choice.
[This message has been edited by Recono (edited 01-14-2002).]
Posts: 2272 | Location: PDR of Massachusetts | Registered: 23 January 2001
Brad I have a S&W 629 and Ruger Super redhawk, I had an old S&W 29 which we shot a lot of hot load in and it got real lost. Know in my S&W 629 I will not shot over 24.5gr of WW296 with a 240gr bullet and for a 300gr Hard lead bullet I use Vihtavuori oy N110 17.6gr. I have shot a lot of this loads in my 629 and it is still doing good. The Rugers pistol will take a diet of heavier load without losting up
Brad, I noticed you are going to load defense rounds for your new pistol. I have been told many times, never use handloads for defense!!! The lawyers will have a field day in court with you.
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[This message has been edited by tundrarules (edited 02-02-2002).]
Posts: 130 | Location: Central U.S.A | Registered: 21 December 2001
Despite the advent of the newer powders, in my experience there is no better load for hunting than Elmer Keith's old recipe: 22 grains of 2400 behind the Keith 255 grain (Lyman or RCBS) cast semiwadcutter!!
You're correct to view the mod 29 differently than the Rugers et al, but it is a .44 mag and certainly handles those loads. Many have had thousands of 300 grain loads pounded through them, without blowing up. They just tend to wear out mechanically. Have at it with 250 grain loads, and save the 300's for serious work. good shooting.
This is what I put threw my MOD.29 24.5 grains of H110 cci mag 350 primer and a 240 grain hornady XTP or rem jsp this is the top end load and I only use this for hunting but the gun handels it fine you will need a good crimp with this load and it would probly due real good as a defence load and should be about one of the best hunting loads around
As for handloads for defence and lawyers this is my only thought better tried by 12 than carried by 6
I've put hundreds of top end loads (25 gr H110 with 240 gr Hornady JHP) through my 8 3/8 inch S&W 29 and have not loosened it up at all yet. That is the heaviest bullet weight I've ever used so I can�t comment as to the durability with the heavier bullets. I have never really seen the need for a heavier bullet anyway. If I did I get a Casull and it would be a Ruger. I think many folks look at the S&W and the Rugers side by side and think that the S&W must be weaker because it is a bit smaller than the Rugers. This would be true if exactly the same steel were used to make the S&W and the Rugers. It is possible to make a lighter handgun with higher strength steel and still have the same durability or resistance to fatigue failure. I�m not saying the Rugers are junk. I like the Rugers, the scope mounting system on these guns is great! Mounting a scope on a Smith is a pain. I�ve just always liked the way that S&W fits my hand and have found that the Smiths have better triggers right out of the box and are easier to hit with.
A .44 mag carry gun! Do the bad guys ride around in armored cars where you are from?
For what its worth....I have killed several deer with .44 Special loads out of a 6 1/2" M24 and same length 29. I was shooting 245 grain #429421 Lyman SWC's cast fairly hard. They go IN then OUT and 100 feet later you find your buck with both lungs deflated.
After ruining a few 29's with heavy loads as well as seeing a mess of our LE issued 28's loosen up after a steady diet of magnums; I would go a bit easy the majority of the time and save the full power loads for hunting.
I am toying with the idea of filling my cow elk tag this year with a .44 mag and will use the 245 grain Keith bullets. Punch a hole in both lungs and you quickly have game on the ground.
FN
Posts: 950 | Location: Cascade, Montana USA | Registered: 11 June 2000
So Frank, I take it that you think shot placement is more important than having the heaviest load known to mankind? Interesting concept, maybe more hunters should try it.
abnrigger- You said that mounting a scope on a 629 is a pain. I just bought one off a buddy today with an 83/8 bbl. Was thinking along the lines of an Aimpoint, etc. It doesnt look like its gonna be easy, just what am I in for? Thanks, Mark
