I am changing my nightstand gun to a 629 Mountain Gun. I reload my range ammo but I want to buy a few rounds of good defense ammo. Its for a single family home situation with neighbors close by. I don't think penetration is a big issue but I want to go with special as opposed to magnum. I am considering Critical Defense ammo. Any suggestions? Thank you.

I have no experience w/Critical Defense ammo, but Both the Federal 200gr SWCHP and the Winchester 200gr Silvertip HP perform well in my Specials, and I'd bet are somewhat less pricey.

Larry

I use Federal 200 gr LSWC in my 4" Charter Target Bulldog and Speer Gold Dot in my 4" M624.

Try to find Speer Gold Dot 200gr short barrel rounds, very nice.

Second on the Hornady Critical Defense, you can actually find them and even though they are somewhat expensive you won't need a lot of rounds to verify function and zero.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I too like the Hornady Critical Defense.
When I carry my Bulldog, it is loaded with the 165gr HTX Critical Defense.
Not too hard to handle in a small gun, so you should have no
problem with it in a 629 Mountain Gun.
Last price I saw them at was $18.00 for a box of 20.

Stu

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

I've never shot anyone with it, but the Blazer Aluminum is actually pretty decent in terms of short barrel velocity. And it's a Gold Dot hollowpoint bullet.

Since you reload, I use a 240 cast SWC and 5.3 grn of Red Dot. Velocity runs about 830 which means it kinda sorta duplicates a 45 acp load with ball ammo. But, with a better performing bullet.

The Hornady XTP is a 180gr round compared to their 165gr Critical Defense. You get a heavier bullet carrying a little more energy and at less cost than the Critical Defense. It's what I currently carry in my Ruger Alaskan Redhawk. I recommend it. Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Handgun :: Choose by Caliber :: 44 Special :: 44 Special 180 gr XTP®

__________________
Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Try 240 gr cast semiwad cutter with 6 gr Unique

Thanks to all, great info.

I've carried and shot Cor-Bon original:

Product# SD44S165/20
44 S&W Special
165gr JHP
1050fps/404ftlb

out of my S&W 696 for many years with absolutely no issues. Never shot anything with that load, but that gun has killed whitetails with heavier handloads.

From what I have seen and read, the Speer 200 grain Gold Dot is the best " Stopper ", in this caliber. The Corbon load get's high marks as well. If it were me, I would go with the Gold Dot.

Nope. In sanctioned calibrated gel/4 layer denim tests the Speer .44 Spcl. Gold Dot does not open up out of a snubby. It's a loser in short barrels. The (unavailable for now) Win. Silvertip & Corbon DPX both worked fantastically.

Remember, this was OUT OF A SNUBBY and not uncle Roy's 7.5" Blackhawk. As well, pay no attention to water jug tests as they are a worthless barometer.

Have had a Charter Arms Bulldog for 5 years and have always kept Winchester 200-gr Silver Tips in it. I shoot them well in it and although nearly any 44 Spl load will do ok at close range, I lean towards the STs in an HD load.

I AGREE WITH BIGDOC. THIS IS THE WAY TO GO. IT IS ACTUALLY IN A CCI BLAZER CASE, NOT BRASS. BEAUTIFUL AMMO, THAT WILL DO THE JOB W/O OVER PENETRATION…..

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.