I just had to have a 44 Magnum.

A few days ago I picked up a new 329 PD from my dealer - alloy frame, titanium cylinder, and a really cool front sight. I'm new to .44 Mag; the most powerful handgun I had previously is my 66-2 .357, so I'm working loads up carefully.

Right now I'm pushing a Hornady 240 gr LSWC/HP at 1000 fps which is all my Hornady manual allows, but even that is more energy than I develop in the .357. When I get some XTP's I'll take it up a step at a time.

So far, recoil is entirely manageable and I love the gun. Anybody else out there have one?
What's it like at higher energy levels, being such a light weight gun and all??

Steve

I just had to have a 44 Magnum.

A few days ago I picked up a new 329 PD from my dealer - alloy frame, titanium cylinder, and a really cool front sight. I'm new to .44 Mag; the most powerful handgun I had previously is my 66-2 .357, so I'm working loads up carefully.

Right now I'm pushing a Hornady 240 gr LSWC/HP at 1000 fps which is all my Hornady manual allows, but even that is more energy than I develop in the .357. When I get some XTP's I'll take it up a step at a time.

So far, recoil is entirely manageable and I love the gun. Anybody else out there have one?
What's it like at higher energy levels, being such a light weight gun and all??

Steve

CD; My "practice/self defense" load for all 44 Mags I have ever shot is 9.5 to 10 grains of Unique, with just about any bullet that you care to use. For hunting purposes, I use a 250 Keith, at 1250 fps. The 44 Mag has taken every game animal world wide with the 1250 fps load, and a 250 grain bullet, and if you feel you need more, you can push that to 1300/1350...but, its a waste of powder to take it any further unless you need to exceed that velocity to shoot longer ranges. I limit my pistol shots to 50 yards or so...for anything else, I use a rifle.

No personal experience here, my heavy gun is a .500 Mag but my understanding is that with max power loads, it certainly lets you know when you've pulled the trigger. Don