Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-11-2010, 07:32 PM
440turner 440turner is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: metro detroit
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc

I just got a bag of 240 lead swc's with no gas check for my 44 mag and want to make some plinking loads. I have a few loading manuals and I have a page from Speer that has this bullet listed with 6.5 to7 grains of Unique, all the other books I have list the starting load for this bullet at about 10 grains. My question is, has anyone else loaded these similar bullets to the lower amounts? Im thinking about loading a few batches at the 7 grains of Unique does anyone think that I will see any issues? The gun im intending on shooting with this load will be my 629-1 made in 89'.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-11-2010, 10:09 PM
LuddhaBuddha's Avatar
LuddhaBuddha LuddhaBuddha is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 10 Posts
Default

That is basicly a .44 special load which is fine should shoot great in your 629.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 07-11-2010, 10:31 PM
running iron running iron is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: N.Az
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I have done a lot of research on this subject for my 629 with the 8 3/8" barrel. For me, I like to keep the loads around 850 fps. These are in order of accuracy I use; 6.5 grs. of 231 or hp38 then 6grs. of WST, then 7grs. of Auto Comp. The Unique loads you use are good ones too. I just like the area around 850 fps, both in 44 mag. cases and 44 Special cases. I just use 1/2 to a grain less in the 44 Special case to get the most accuracy. I don't know why, but that's what I have found over the years.
__________________
AM-Tracks 66-69
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-11-2010, 10:45 PM
Kevin G Kevin G is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 846
Likes: 291
Liked 1,671 Times in 279 Posts
Default

I like 7.5gr Unique.
Kevin
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 07-11-2010, 10:45 PM
440turner 440turner is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: metro detroit
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I just primed 150 cases and plan to load them in the next couple of days, I think im going to stick with the 7 grains of Unique as I stated above.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-11-2010, 11:21 PM
dg101win's Avatar
dg101win dg101win is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 353
Likes: 233
Liked 135 Times in 45 Posts
Default

Last year I started using 8.0of Unique with cast 240swc's and they work great for me. However they are not used in a S&W---sorry guys--- my only 44 mags are Rugers. Old Model Super Blackhawk and a 50th Anniversary Flattop.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-12-2010, 12:26 AM
Marksman Marksman is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Indiana USA
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 3
Liked 186 Times in 100 Posts
Default

I like 7.5 gr. Unique, 9.0 gr. for a little more umph. Both are nice loads and are accurate in my M/29's.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-12-2010, 01:32 AM
dla dla is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 326
Liked 468 Times in 278 Posts
Default

I don't see an issue. But I wonder if you want to be down in the 800fps range and then jump up to 1400fps with real ammo. Your POI is going to shift considerably. Your 629 is plenty heavy enough to be "soft" shooting with 1000-1100fps with a 240gr.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 07-12-2010, 03:28 AM
Ron H.'s Avatar
Ron H. Ron H. is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 33
Liked 249 Times in 118 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 440turner View Post
I just got a bag of 240 lead swc's with no gas check for my 44 mag and want to make some plinking loads. I have a few loading manuals and I have a page from Speer that has this bullet listed with 6.5 to7 grains of Unique, all the other books I have list the starting load for this bullet at about 10 grains. My question is, has anyone else loaded these similar bullets to the lower amounts? Im thinking about loading a few batches at the 7 grains of Unique does anyone think that I will see any issues? The gun im intending on shooting with this load will be my 629-1 made in 89'.
Sir, FWIW, I tried the load you describe during my own .44 mag experiments and was not impressed. Lots of smoke, only so-so accuracy. I found 8.5 grains of Unique with the cast 240 to produce less smoke and much better accuracy. Another sweet spot is 10.0 grains of Unique, though IMHO it's a little stout for plinking.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
__________________
Wishin' don't make it so.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 07-12-2010, 06:56 AM
alwslate alwslate is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,606
Likes: 3,693
Liked 7,174 Times in 2,997 Posts
Default

I have given up on light loads with Unique. Very position sensitive,
dirty and inconsistant velocities. I get good accuracy and consistancy
with 6.2 grs Bullseye and 250 gr cast bullets in my 4" 29-2 at 830 fps.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-12-2010, 07:31 AM
Mule88's Avatar
Mule88 Mule88 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Vandalia, Ohio
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 297
Liked 231 Times in 137 Posts
Default

My favorite .44 Mag plinking load is 8 gns of Universal Clays and a cast bullet from 215-250 gns. very accurate and burns cleaner that Unique.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-12-2010, 08:22 AM
Marksman Marksman is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Indiana USA
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 3
Liked 186 Times in 100 Posts
Default

When shooting on an indoor range I have loaded 3.5 gr. and 5.0 gr. of Bullseye under a 240/250 gr. SWC , I used a pea sized piece of Kapok to hold the powder back in contact with the primer. Either load is a real pussycat, useful when training ladies and younsters.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-12-2010, 08:43 AM
Bearcat74 Bearcat74 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Oneida, TN
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I use 5grs of Bullseye with the 240-250gr SWC.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-12-2010, 08:51 AM
440turner 440turner is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: metro detroit
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I do agree with the lots of smoke comment, anything to lesson smoke cloud would be best, Unique also seems to dirty my gun much more than other powders but I was lead to believe that the culprit for the smoke was usually the bullet lube. I have a container of Unique,Bullseye and also 2400 but I picked the Unique because it seems to meter better for me than Bullseye wich is what I have been using in my 45 acp loads. Im thinking about (3) batches of loads varying the powder from 7 to 9 grains, I will see what benefits each end of the spectrum on this load gives me, thanks for all the replies
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-12-2010, 02:25 PM
Snapping Twig's Avatar
Snapping Twig Snapping Twig is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 527
Liked 3,813 Times in 1,243 Posts
Default

To reduce smoke I tried to increase the load for more efficient combustion. That worked, but the smoke was still unplesant, so I investigated lubes and found White Label brand.

Looking over their offerings, I settled on BAC which is good to 2500fps. so I could also use it in rifle loads.

Using 7g W231, a cast 250g lyman 429421 and White Label BAC, I get much reduced smoke and a fine 900fps plinking load that can also be used to hunt.

Additionally, White Label sells this lube in bulk and an option to have it shipped in baggies to further reduce cost. Far better than Javalina or Lyman IMO.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-12-2010, 03:46 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
Banned
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hoosier Land!
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 587
Liked 576 Times in 307 Posts
Default

A have used as low as 4.5gr of Bullseye with a 210gr - 240gr LSWC for a super easy shooting round.

I have to admit though, most of my 44mag stuff is on the other end of the spectrum!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-12-2010, 03:47 PM
jubela#4 jubela#4 is offline
SWCA Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 691
Likes: 184
Liked 514 Times in 106 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin G View Post
I like 7.5gr Unique.
Kevin
+1 on this load.

I have used this for years and it has always given me good accuracy.

Having said that I have loaded some with 7.0 grains for my wife to use and they work fine also.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-12-2010, 04:19 PM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southwestern Ohio
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 209
Liked 1,195 Times in 457 Posts
Default

I have several .44 Specials as well as several .44 Magnums. I shoot them all.

Because of having the Specials, I don't need to download my .44 Magnums. If I want plinking loads or field loads I carry a .44 Special loaded with Skeeter's load of 7.5 grs of Unique behind a 250 gr Keith.

However, if I WANTED to shoot a similar load in the .44 Magnums, I would suggest that Titegroup should be an excellent choice. It is NOT position sensitive and according to Hodgdon's data, you should get about 850-900 fps in a 4-6" revolver. Keep in mind that Hodgdon's velocity shown is from a pressure barrel (not a revolver) so their loads will show somewhat faster speeds than you will realize in the "real world".

Dale53
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-12-2010, 04:29 PM
Last of the Mohicans's Avatar
Last of the Mohicans Last of the Mohicans is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 211
Likes: 4
Liked 69 Times in 30 Posts
Default

I'm getting good results with a little over 9 grains of Unique (it's a load I saw recommended by Brian Pearce in Handloader) in my 6" M29.
__________________
Don't know, don't care.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-12-2010, 08:06 PM
Davwingman's Avatar
Davwingman Davwingman is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 936
Likes: 9,932
Liked 1,800 Times in 329 Posts
Default

I use 8.0 gr. of 800X & 240 gr. swc or rn bullets for plinking loads in my both of my 629s. Works for me!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-12-2010, 10:56 PM
MikeD49 MikeD49 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: California
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

30 years ago I settled on 8.5gr of Unique or 8gr. of 231 with Lyman 429421 cast from wheel weights as my everyday load. These loads are good for 900fps in my 6 inch M29-2. Powerful enough to punch through the chest of Black Bears and pleasant to shoot all afternoon. Load was passed on to me from FrankV who is as good a sixgunner you could hope to meet and knows his way around a loading bench. Good Luck
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-12-2010, 11:17 PM
cp1969's Avatar
cp1969 cp1969 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 279
Liked 63 Times in 42 Posts
Default

8.0 gr Unique or Universal Clays; don't know the velocity but very pleasant to shoot, plus will go almost all the way through a washing machine at 100 yards. Lands with a real nice "thunk" and you can shoot them all day long without destroying your nerves.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-13-2010, 08:54 AM
440turner 440turner is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: metro detroit
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I have decided to "bump" up my charge to the 7.5 to 9 grains, I will try charges throughout this powder weight and see wich one suits me best, thanks again for all the replies
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-13-2010, 11:37 AM
Marksman Marksman is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Indiana USA
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 3
Liked 186 Times in 100 Posts
Default

In my experience 7.5 gr. of Unique is a load that I can shoot all day, 9.0 gr. has a little more punch but not enough to be uncomfortable. I usually take a box or two of both loads when I visit the shooting range with my M/29's.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 07-13-2010, 04:07 PM
Acorn1754 Acorn1754 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Longview, Tx
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

My favorite is 6.5 grains of Red Dot with a 240 Grain LCRN. It chronos at 960 fps out of my 10 5/8" 29-3 and shoots very clean.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 07-13-2010, 06:38 PM
Trooper224's Avatar
Trooper224 Trooper224 is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 878
Likes: 556
Liked 2,639 Times in 607 Posts
Default

A 240 grn. SWC over 8.0 grains of Unique has proven to be a very accurate load in my 6.5 inch 29-2. It's given me a perfect 500 out of 500 score in a local bullseye match, and it shoots to the same POI as my heavy load of a 240 grn JHP over 19.0 grains of 2400.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 07-14-2010, 11:21 AM
44Steve 44Steve is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Mentor,Ohio
Posts: 191
Likes: 3
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hi,Steve here. Be carefull of leading in the forcing cone. The hardness of none gas checked bullets have caused me broblems in the past with 44,mag loads.Rarely in 44spl.

Last edited by 44Steve; 07-14-2010 at 11:24 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 07-15-2010, 10:46 AM
VonFatman's Avatar
VonFatman VonFatman is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: KC Area
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 231
Liked 284 Times in 97 Posts
Default

Here are a couple I like and use...

240gr Laser Cast SWC
7gr. Tight Group
WLP
Mixed Brass
Firm Crimp
(outstanding load in 29-5 and ruger SBH)-new range load
970 fps w/S&W Model 29-5 six inch
1,000 fps w/Ruger 7.5 inch SBH


240gr. LFPBB Keith Style
8gr. Unique
Win Primers
Mixed Brass
Solid Crimp
FPS: 920 f.p.s.
(S&W 29-5 w/6")

240gr LSWC--Speer
7gr Unique
WLP
Mixed Brass
Medium Crimp
1.600 OAL
__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 07-18-2010, 11:45 AM
michael thornton's Avatar
michael thornton michael thornton is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NORTH ALABAMA
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 186
Liked 83 Times in 51 Posts
Default

my 44 mag plinking load is 8.0 gr of unique, 7.5 in 44 spec
__________________
WILL WORK FOR AMMO!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 07-18-2010, 02:16 PM
Joed49 Joed49 is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 651
Likes: 51
Liked 527 Times in 221 Posts
Default

For plinking I generally shoot 7.5 gr of Unique with a 250 gr LSWC bullet. Seems to shoot fine for me.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 07-27-2010, 09:17 PM
44caliberkid 44caliberkid is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

8 grs unique with 245 SWC outta 629-2 8 3/8 always did me good.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 07-27-2010, 09:52 PM
bmcgilvray's Avatar
bmcgilvray bmcgilvray is offline
SWCA Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 10,447
Liked 6,092 Times in 1,249 Posts
Default

8.0 grains of Unique with a 245 grain lead SWC gives 949 fps from my 8 3/8-inch Model 29 and fine accuracy. My favorite light .44 Magnum load.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 07-28-2010, 12:11 PM
canoe on the yukon canoe on the yukon is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Liked 36 Times in 10 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 440turner View Post
I just got a bag of 240 lead swc's with no gas check for my 44 mag and want to make some plinking loads. I have a few loading manuals and I have a page from Speer that has this bullet listed with 6.5 to7 grains of Unique, all the other books I have list the starting load for this bullet at about 10 grains. My question is, has anyone else loaded these similar bullets to the lower amounts? Im thinking about loading a few batches at the 7 grains of Unique does anyone think that I will see any issues? The gun im intending on shooting with this load will be my 629-1 made in 89'.
When you say "lead",I'm not sure if you have swaged (lead) or cast.

If pure lead,barrel leading may be an issue which is why you see very light loads listed by Speer in their swaged non jacketed 240 swc.

If cast,the bullet is probably much harder (alloy) and greater velocity can be acheived without leading issues.

This is why you're getting mixed messages.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 08-10-2010, 10:38 PM
tommy F tommy F is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 702
Likes: 1,360
Liked 122 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Tried 5.5 W231 with 245 SWC seated deep with light crimp on front shoulder with good results. Next load planned is 5 gr Titegroup for plicking with 629 4". 9 gr Unq is fine med load.

Tommy
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #35  
Old 08-13-2010, 02:54 PM
dla dla is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 326
Liked 468 Times in 278 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tommy F View Post
Tried 5.5 W231 with 245 SWC seated deep with light crimp on front shoulder with good results. Next load planned is 5 gr Titegroup for plicking with 629 4". 9 gr Unq is fine med load.

Tommy
See load data section - your TG load of 5gr is pretty light.

329pd information
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #36  
Old 10-09-2018, 04:31 PM
nitro-express nitro-express is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron H. View Post
Sir, FWIW, I tried the load you describe during my own .44 mag experiments and was not impressed. Lots of smoke, only so-so accuracy. I found 8.5 grains of Unique with the cast 240 to produce less smoke and much better accuracy. Another sweet spot is 10.0 grains of Unique, though IMHO it's a little stout for plinking.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
I've loaded more than one box of the Speer 240 gr SWC in the 44 Mag. Once you have her dialed, it's a really nice load, very little leading, if any at all, and pretty accurate. I've never found Universal (almost like Unique) to be all that good. Powder position is an issue, more so in the 44 mag case than the Spl case. I've settled on a 800+ fps load, (7.2 gr) of Trail Boss and a Remington 2 1/2 primer. With this powder, the Rem 2 1/2 is the winner.High single digit Es most of the time. It works in a slow twist oversized bore Marlin rifle as well as in Ruger Vaquero hip guns. Trail Boss is a low(ish) power powder, gives low velocity, but is higher in pressure than other powders, for equal velocity. It seems to be able to give soft lead bullets a gentle bump, without driving them past or over the rifling. The concave base on the Speer bullet helps as well, IMO. Funky bullet, but when powder/primer choice is right, it works well. Within reason, bore, groove and throat dimensions are not factors.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 10-09-2018, 05:08 PM
oink oink is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 2,312
Liked 3,010 Times in 1,251 Posts
Default

5.5 to 6 GR of 231 is sweet.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #38  
Old 10-09-2018, 05:31 PM
one eye joe's Avatar
one eye joe one eye joe is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 3,543
Liked 3,996 Times in 1,627 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 440turner View Post
I just got a bag of 240 lead swc's with no gas check for my 44 mag and want to make some plinking loads. I have a few loading manuals and I have a page from Speer that has this bullet listed with 6.5 to7 grains of Unique, all the other books I have list the starting load for this bullet at about 10 grains. My question is, has anyone else loaded these similar bullets to the lower amounts? Im thinking about loading a few batches at the 7 grains of Unique does anyone think that I will see any issues? The gun im intending on shooting with this load will be my 629-1 made in 89'.
IMHO---YOU SHOULD HAVE NO ISSUES WITH THE 7 GRAINS OF UNIQUE.....

THERE IS NO NEED FOR A MORE POWERFUL LOAD FOR PLINKING......
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 10-10-2018, 01:25 PM
venomballistics's Avatar
venomballistics venomballistics is online now
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: between beers
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 4,772
Liked 6,925 Times in 3,301 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 440turner View Post
I just got a bag of 240 lead swc's with no gas check for my 44 mag and want to make some plinking loads. I have a few loading manuals and I have a page from Speer that has this bullet listed with 6.5 to7 grains of Unique, all the other books I have list the starting load for this bullet at about 10 grains. My question is, has anyone else loaded these similar bullets to the lower amounts? Im thinking about loading a few batches at the 7 grains of Unique does anyone think that I will see any issues? The gun im intending on shooting with this load will be my 629-1 made in 89'.
the Devil is in the details.
The Speer data sounds a lot like the Hornady data, both of which are for a swaged lead SWC, not a cast SWC.
Using cast affords a little more room on the pedal
__________________
it just needs more voltage
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 10-10-2018, 06:55 PM
Fishinfool's Avatar
Fishinfool Fishinfool is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central PA
Posts: 4,550
Likes: 8,201
Liked 11,437 Times in 3,018 Posts
Default

Cool, an eight year old zombie post...

But, still a valid question. MY favorite mid-range .44 mag load is a 240 grain cast SWC over 6.5 grains of Red Dot and a standard primer. About 925 fps, depending on the gun. My real affection for this load is because of its consistency. If I try hard enough, I can find individual loads in my dozen or so .44 mag handguns that might be a little more accurate, but the Red Dot load is consistently accurate across the board in all my guns, and saves a lot of effort trying to work up loads for each gun that will at best, be fractionally more accurate than the Red Dot load.

Larry
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 10-12-2018, 06:49 AM
jmclfrsh's Avatar
jmclfrsh jmclfrsh is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 261
Likes: 27
Liked 338 Times in 94 Posts
Default

Thanks for the above tip. I have four Model 29s and was kinda dreading the process of working up a load for each one of them.

I’ll give that recipe a try and see how it goes as well in all of them.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 10-12-2018, 08:30 AM
stansdds stansdds is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,713
Likes: 19,282
Liked 11,738 Times in 5,351 Posts
Default

44 Magnum cases, large pistol primers (magnum primers not required), a hard cast 240 grain LSWC bullet and somewhere between 7.0 and 9.0 grains of Unique you will likely find a very accurate and very pleasant to shoot load.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #43  
Old 10-12-2018, 03:36 PM
venomballistics's Avatar
venomballistics venomballistics is online now
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: between beers
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 4,772
Liked 6,925 Times in 3,301 Posts
Default

while the zombie post specifically outlines components, since the shortages and other issues, Ive adopted a policy of using lighter bullets in these easy shooting "plinking" loads. Lead is as much a commodity as any other in this game.
Mine is a 215 grain SWC from Lee molds, powder coated, and propelled with unique, power pistol, or CFE pistol.
It's not a bad idea to diversify this load in terms of propellants. History has proven that "subject to availability" applies in a blink of an eye.
44 magnum is far too useful a cartridge to not invest some extra R&D into.
Options A, B, and C should extend into as much of the alphabet as practical and be engineered with a mind towards being employed off the range, not confined to the feral paper game often found there.
smoke em while ya got em and get that work done.
__________________
it just needs more voltage
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 10-12-2018, 09:02 PM
Qc Pistolero Qc Pistolero is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: 30min SE Montreal
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 150
Liked 1,540 Times in 841 Posts
Default

Unique is probably the powder that's the most appropriate for the most calibers in use today as it was yesterday.
I think that Unique and .44 Magnum are a most beautiful couple and go very well in the same combo;anything between 7 and 10 grains depending if you want ''bing'' or ''medium boom''will give you satisfactory velocity and accuracy.If not,I'd first look at the quality or mechanical integrity of the gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #45  
Old 10-13-2018, 07:25 PM
kennethdlarson's Avatar
kennethdlarson kennethdlarson is offline
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Mid-Atlantic USA!
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
Liked 57 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Try the 7.5 gr Unique load or 8.0 gr of Power Pistol. That should fill the bill.
__________________
N Frames = warm fuzzy!
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 10-13-2018, 07:43 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is online now
Member
44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc 44 Mag plinking load w/240 gr lead swc  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,022 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

I use to use Red Dot on 240SWC Hp. plain base. In 3screw SBH.
Shot good but was dirty load. Then we got Gas Check mold and
went to 2400 powder and a good bit hotter loads. Now I load the
SBH with 240 JHPs/ 22.5g of 2400- hunting load. In 29s cast
240s & Unique, target loads. I don't thrash 29s with hot loads or
any of my S&Ws.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
329pd, 44 magnum, 629, bullseye, crimp, m29, model 29, primer, ruger, skeeter, universal

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
.38 special plinking load with Bullseye ffr1910 Reloading 17 03-23-2016 01:06 AM
.30-'06 small game/plinking load? Ron H. Reloading 16 08-01-2011 06:32 AM
best load for 29-2 plinking 586nickel S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 11 04-07-2011 09:40 PM
Light Plinking Load In a 303 BruceHMX Reloading 8 05-12-2010 08:02 AM
Found my plinking load for Model 24-3 Patrick L S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 03-25-2009 09:21 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:51 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)