I have this beautiful 629-5 that I just put a 2x Leupold on and would like to set it up for hog hunting. I am uncertain if I can use the heavier hunting loads in this gun. I use H110 and H108 in my Ruger SBH's. I know they can take the heavier loads, but what about the S&W's?

I loaded up some rounds with Unique and got some nice results, but will this powder be useful for a hunting load? Got the best groups with 9.5 grains (.385"). I don't want to screw up this gun and try loads that could hurt it or me.

Thanks,
Raf

If you have read any of my posts regarding my loads in the 44 you should not be surprised to learn that I use 20.7 grains of 2400 capped off by a 250 grain cast bullet in my S&W 629-5.

The 629-5 has the "endurance package" and any loads not higher than 40,000 psi should be fine. Tim Sundles, owner of Buffalo Bore assured me his loads were safe in my S&W.

The speer 270 grain gold dot soft point is one hell of a hog bullet if you would like a jacketed bullet. It would pair well with a heavy dose of H110.

David

I tried Unique in my 629 and DW it burns the outside of the cases. I will have to try the 2400 again.

Unique is a superb mid-range powder for large cartridges and one of the best for some other cartridges like the 45ACP. But whatever it's in, this is a DIRTY burning powder.

I've shot a ton of it in my life and don't plan to quit now even if it is dirty. It's just too dang good at what it does.

Did I read somewhere that Unique was THE first smokeless powder? I know it is an oldie for sure.

Can you recommend a good Unique load for the 44mag? DW 6",8",10" take your pick the 10" is to heavy to carry arround Deer Hunting especially considering it is Vent Heavy.

H108 is not a canister grade powder. It is, or has been up til now, been a bulk powder only. You can get some at Powder Valley.

I have a fairly stiff, but very accurate load for my 629, using H110. My impression is that though the 629 is not as strong as the Ruger, you can still shoot reasonably heavy loads, just not a steady diet of them. But then, I can't shoot a steady diet of heavy loads without it being less than fun.
peter.

I have used between 8.5 and 9.0 grains of both Unique and WW 231 behind a 240 grain cast bullet in my 44 mags. This load range will give me between 925 and 1000 fps depending on which revolver I am using. Also, I have found the WC820 Jeff Bartlett is selling on his site is a direct replacement for the older 2400.

Actually the H108 is the WC 820 pull down powder that I picked up along the way. It is a surplus powder from the government. I believe it comes from .30 carbine bullets. I called Hogdgon about the powder, because I was told it was really H110. They, the company, were the ones that told me it was in reality WC820, a bulk powder. They also sent me a data sheet on the powder that covered the .357, .44, and a few others.

After researching all the charts from different reload books, I usually look at the H110 loads and subtract three grains. A friend also told me the WC820 / H108 is similar to AA#9. I don't know for sure. I will use this powder till it is gone, and don't plan to buy anymore. The price was very good, but the formulas for reloads are a pain in the a$$ to reseach.

When I set up my loads I usually make up five to ten test loads of different grains. I normally start out at the lowest side and work my way up. I chrono and group test each load formula and go from there. My best loads for the WC820 and a 240 XTP bullet is 19.5 grains. For the same bullet, but with Unique powder I use 9.5 grains. I have also tried using a 240 grain cast bullet from a local company and came up with 11.0 grains of Unique and it looks like 20.0 grains for the WC820.

As with all reloads this is what works for me, using my equipment and my guns. Use these formulas with caution and always gradually work your way up. Test, test and then test some more with your equipment. But above all else, always remember to have fun doing it.