When I was a younger man I actually carried my 6.5" 629 Classic as my defense gun. I was taught to carry it "reverse Mexican" style (butt-forward, strong side, IWB with no holster).

When I first got into the gun I was enamored with velocity so I went with Remington's 180gr SJHP (R44MG5). It's listed in their catalog at 1610 fps out of a 4" vented barrel. It's a real boomer.

Then a friend of the guy who got me into the .44 shot a deer in the shoulder with that load and had it exit the same side it entered so I decided to go a bit heavier.

IMO the 240 grainers had too much recoil so I settled on the Remington 210gr SJHP (R44MG6). It was rated at 1450 fps out of the 4" barrel.

The 180s had already impressed me with their accuracy and I found the 210s to be even more accurate. I figured this was due to the bullet being a bit longer.

Sadly, Remington no longer factory loads the R44MG6 but I have a handload that very closely duplicates it and the SJHP bullet is still available as a reloading component.

It's a great bullet. Fortunately I've never had to use it for self defense but it's fun to blow up gallon jugs of water with. The splash radius is close to 20 feet: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1159624218
Still reasonably accurate too: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1159624218

If I just had to have factory loaded I would either go back to the 180s or give the WW Silvertips a try.