Thread: 696 a novelty?
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Old 08-10-2018, 05:34 AM
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HamHands HamHands is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BLUEDOT37 View Post
If all you need, & want, is the power of a SAAMI spec 44 Special, then grab a 696.

If you want the option to up the power to something between a 44 Spcl & a 44 Mag (or higher) then a snubby M69 would be my suggestion.

The 396/696's have thinner forcing cones that are subject to damage if you try to make a magnum out of them. I've loaded my 396NG 44 Spcl to 22K psi handloads, & a little higher, without issues, but I reserve hot loads for the stronger 44s.

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That is one beautiful M69! Those are also going for ridiculous prices here and will continue to be out of sight. And you are right... the Forcing Cone is 50% thicker on the 69 and 29/629's compared to the 696's...

What weight/grain bullet and velocity are you loading the Specials that make 22K+ PSI? Sounds to be a sweet-spot load!
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