A 245 gr swc (Keith ) HG 503 with 17.0 grs of 2400 in a 44 special case does approx 1200 fps and only generates approx 25K psi as verified by Brian Pearce using HP White laboratories from a 4" barrel . Your early model 629 will handle that load and more comfortably . In a magnum case , 20 grs of 2400 powder would be my limit using the Keith bullet . If you use a std 240 gr (anybody's ) swc then I would limit my loads to 19 grs .
For target loads , I like 6.5- 7.0 grs of 700X , Red Dot , Bullseye or Titegroup using a 240 gr cast bullet for about 900-950 fps . Mid range loads using Unique calls for 8.5 grs with the same bullet for about 1000-1050 fps . I personally use WSF , 9.0 grs is my mid range load . 8.0 grs of HP38 / W231 is also a very nice " everyday " carry load using 240 cast bullet . Your 44 is not a " weak sister " handgun . It just isn't made for shooting EK's " hot " load nor heavy bullets loaded hot continuously . Have fun and enjoy loading for your 44 . Regards, Paul
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