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  #1  
Old 05-04-2011, 03:48 PM
kip kip is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Default Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?

I bought the .500 to carry in the woods. There are times that I cant run a shoulder rig i.e. social outings with liberals.

I have very strong arms and wrists but dont want to blow the gun up or have the bullets jump their crimp.

What makes the 329PD back packer different from the night guard?

Can the 329pd 4 inch, 329pd back packer, or the night guard .44mag work with heavy loads?

Heavy .44 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Heavy .44 Magnum +P+ Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

I am also considering the Ruger Alaskan .454 casual. This seems too large as I also carry a .45 or 10mm Glock. Would the ballistics out of a .454 2 inch casual be better than a .44 mag 2 inch or doesnt it matter in a short barrel?

Ruger® Super Redhawk® Alaskan Double-Action Revolver Models
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Old 05-04-2011, 03:58 PM
J-FRAME J-FRAME is offline
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I use Garrets 310 gr LBT at about 1100-1150 ? made for the 329 PD. It is a reduced load but I think it will still get the job done.The 329 is a great outdoor carry gun. If you need more power you need a rifle or shotgun??
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:05 PM
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Sorry Garrets site says 1020 fps for a 4 inch. They have two loads that are hotter checked them out.
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:53 PM
dla dla is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Here's info on my 329pd you might find helpful.

S&W329pd Information
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Old 05-04-2011, 11:58 PM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I carry 6 1970's series Norma 240 gr. steel jacketed, Power Cavity rounds, in the second speedloader, with my 329PD. Years ago, those were clocked well into the 1400 ft./sec. range through a 4" M-29. If, whatever is eating me, wants to chew on 5 of those, the 6th one is for me. I am sure I won't mind the recoil at all.

Yes, you can pick them up with a magnet. Yes, the recoil is horrendous. If Peterson, of Peterson Publishing Company can put down a polar bear with a nickle, 6 1/2", M-29; back in the late 60's, they are good enough for me. Took him 3 rounds but, his weren't contact shots either. If I have to use them, mine will be contact shots.
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Old 05-05-2011, 12:03 AM
kip kip is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Will any of those revolvers handle heavier loads than the others or are they all the same? Whats the max I could go without having crimp jump or damge to the gun.
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Old 05-05-2011, 12:52 AM
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dla View Post
Here's info on my 329pd you might find helpful.

S&W329pd Information
What exactly is the shield part that needs to be replaced every 1000 rounds? Would a night guard .44 mag handle heavy loads better and not need this part replaced every 1000 rounds?

Is the 329pd worth the extra size over the night guard?
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Old 05-05-2011, 09:21 AM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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It is a steel piece directly about the forcing cone on the barrel, where it protrudes through the frame. It is placed there to prevent flame cutting of the top strap. Very necessary on scandium framed revolvers.

A 1000 round count isn't set in stone, but it is a very accurate number. Most that own the super lightweight revolvers will never get close to the 1000 rd. count. Alot of wear can be attributed to what kind of ammunition, or powder that you are using, if handloading.

H110/Win. 296 powder seem to be major contributors to this. 2400 powder, not so much. I have about 1800 rounds through my 329PD, with stiff loaded 240 grainers over 2400. No marks, no etching.
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Old 05-05-2011, 10:31 AM
Paul105 Paul105 is online now
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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SOME THOUGHTS ON THE 329.

If Tim Sundles (the owner of Buffalo Bore) says don’t do it, then DON’T DO IT! He has pushed the edge of the envelope and knows of what he speaks.

Any handgun is a compromise – regarding the 329:

The .44 magnum isn’t the ideal Grizzly cartridge, but in the hands of the average shooter, most handguns aren’t. It is a weapon that can be carried on your person while leaving your hands free for other activities. It can be carried unobtrusively and virtually unnoticed. It will always be with you no matter what activity you are performing. At contact ranges (unless hunting, an “encounter” will most likely be at contact range) it may just save your life.

The feature (light weight in this case) that makes the 329 so desirable for all day, every day comfortable carry is also the feature that makes it more difficult to load for, shoot comfortably/accurately and leads to increased repair frequency.

“Crimp jump” can be a problem with the 329 --, heavy for caliber bullets (300gr +) worsen this problem (depending upon velocity and nose design). I have loaded and shot 300gr Keiths, and 325gr WLNGCs at 1,050 fps in the 329– these bullets have a longer crimp to nose length (the nose of the bullet is closer to the cylinder face) and (depending on the exact nose design) with minimal bullet movement can impede cylinder cycling. For everyday carry, I have settled on a hard cast 260gr WFNGCs at just under 1,300 fps. The Wide Flat Nose has a shorter crimp to nose length than other designs, which gives an extra margin of safety when it comes to crimp jump tying up the gun.


I live in Montana and the 329 has been my all day, every day carry gun for the last 5 years. I’ve shot around 8,000 rounds of 240-260gr bullets at 1,100 to 1,300 fps thru 2 guns. They have been sent to S&W for wear related repairs on several occasions (all at no cost to me). For my purposes, the 329 provides the best compromise of weight to power -- I don’t leave home without one.


A couple of things to consider if you choose the 329.

1. Make sure the ammo you chose doesn’t exhibit “crimp jump”.
2. There have been reports of the internal lock engaging under recoil.
3. Some ignition problems due to short firing pins have been reported.


Everyone is different, but heavy guns just don’t work for me for all day carry.

FWIW,

Paul
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Old 05-05-2011, 11:15 AM
off road off road is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I carry a 329NG backpacking in black bear country, and a Ruger Alaskan when camping off of vehicles where the extra pound of weight doesn't matter. The Hogue Tamer grips on the Alaskan and the weight of the gun, make it an absolute pussycat to shoot, and the Pachmyer grips on the light NG do a good job as well. Both have 2.5" barrels, and I load Hornady 240gr XTP's. I prefer lighter/ faster bullets with short barrels, because a heavy/slower bullets just doesn't have enough time to get going from a short tube.

I have a .454 Alaskan as well. Here again I load the 240gr Hornady. If you are worried about velocity loss from the short tube, remember that a .454 from a 2.5" barrel has more umph than a .44 from a long barrel, but that is a lot of gun to drag around for hiking/backpacking!
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Old 05-05-2011, 11:22 AM
off road off road is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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And.....I picked the NG over the other 329 models because of the excellent night sights (most bad things happen at night!), and the Pachmayr grips which help tame recoil and are much more compact. Fits nicely in a medium size fanny pack, which is the way I prefer to carry outdoors, because of excellent protection from the elements (dust, dirt, mud, rain). The 4" PD is certainly very light and an attractive choice, but the extra barrel length puts it over the top for backpacking or any reasonable concealment.
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Old 05-07-2011, 10:05 PM
kip kip is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I wonder if my M&P 340 will need work at 1000 rounds since I shoot magnums in it
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Old 05-07-2011, 10:09 PM
kip kip is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul105 View Post
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE 329.

If Tim Sundles (the owner of Buffalo Bore) says don’t do it, then DON’T DO IT! He has pushed the edge of the envelope and knows of what he speaks.

Any handgun is a compromise – regarding the 329:

The .44 magnum isn’t the ideal Grizzly cartridge, but in the hands of the average shooter, most handguns aren’t. It is a weapon that can be carried on your person while leaving your hands free for other activities. It can be carried unobtrusively and virtually unnoticed. It will always be with you no matter what activity you are performing. At contact ranges (unless hunting, an “encounter” will most likely be at contact range) it may just save your life.

The feature (light weight in this case) that makes the 329 so desirable for all day, every day comfortable carry is also the feature that makes it more difficult to load for, shoot comfortably/accurately and leads to increased repair frequency.

“Crimp jump” can be a problem with the 329 --, heavy for caliber bullets (300gr +) worsen this problem (depending upon velocity and nose design). I have loaded and shot 300gr Keiths, and 325gr WLNGCs at 1,050 fps in the 329– these bullets have a longer crimp to nose length (the nose of the bullet is closer to the cylinder face) and (depending on the exact nose design) with minimal bullet movement can impede cylinder cycling. For everyday carry, I have settled on a hard cast 260gr WFNGCs at just under 1,300 fps. The Wide Flat Nose has a shorter crimp to nose length than other designs, which gives an extra margin of safety when it comes to crimp jump tying up the gun.


I live in Montana and the 329 has been my all day, every day carry gun for the last 5 years. I’ve shot around 8,000 rounds of 240-260gr bullets at 1,100 to 1,300 fps thru 2 guns. They have been sent to S&W for wear related repairs on several occasions (all at no cost to me). For my purposes, the 329 provides the best compromise of weight to power -- I don’t leave home without one.


A couple of things to consider if you choose the 329.

1. Make sure the ammo you chose doesn’t exhibit “crimp jump”.
2. There have been reports of the internal lock engaging under recoil.
3. Some ignition problems due to short firing pins have been reported.


Everyone is different, but heavy guns just don’t work for me for all day carry.

FWIW,

Paul
Maybe the ruger alaskan would be better since wear related problems arent an issue...
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Old 05-08-2011, 11:08 AM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I think it boils down to what are you going to do with it. If you are gonna carry it alot, and shoot sparingly, easy answer: S&W 329PD. If you are going to shoot it alot, and carry it less, Ruger Alaskan. Your nerves will last alot longer.

Paul 105 has reason to carry his everyday, because of his locale. I carry mine everyday, because of feral hogs, right outside the door. You will have to decide for yourself.

If you need that kind of horsepower, you are going to need it now, not later. If your handcannon is sitting in the house, or inside your truck, its not gonna matter how much you wish you had it in your hands. The animal, beast, bad guy is not going to wait for you to go retrieve your equalizer.
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Old 05-08-2011, 03:35 PM
batmann batmann is offline
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Instead of trying to par a couple of ounces off of a handgun, why not jump to a 629 Mountain Gun? Not much more in weight, has a 4" tube, is stainless and will handle most 'sane' .44M loads without bullets jumping crimp on heavy loads.
I have both a Ruger Alaskan and a Mountaing Gun in .44M and if you really want a snub nose .44M, go with the Alaskan. If you want a longer barrel, go with the MG. I have shot a couple of Sc hand guns and they ARE NOT pleasant to shoot, in fact, I would call them down right brutal.
The first thing I would do BEFORE shooting a MG or Backbacker is order the Hogue X frame grips from S&W (the same Hougue's they put on the 500/460 Smiths). They do a great job on felt recoil.
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Old 05-08-2011, 06:48 PM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I can tell you, carrying a standard duty weapon or off duty weapon for 30+ years can really tell on you. Ounces, not pounds are the ones that get you. This does have something to do with my 12 knee surgeries, and one back surgery.

If there is pound or pounds difference in weight. You just won't carry it. If there is ounces difference, you will. If you do that long enough, the body soon learns to scream about it. Or parts inside you, begin to fail.

I started law enforcement, when it was revolvers and leather. I finished law enforcement when it was tactical tupperware, and nylon. I carried Colt Delta Elites, S&W M-19 snubs, Colt Python snubs, 4" Colt Pythons, 4" S&W M-57, S&W M-469, S&W M-5904, Detonics MC 1, S&W M-1006, and M-1026, Lightweight Colt Commanders, and even a first generation S&W M-629 3", finished up with a Glock M-20, and Glock M-29. Oh, there was a Sig P-229 in there too.

I like 31 ounces of fully loaded.44 magnum, in a Bianchi M-111 Cyclone holster, on a double thickness 1 3/4" STIFF, belt. That, I can tolerate. Its getting to the place, my Colt Delta Elite, or my S&W 1026is too much weight. I could always go to my Glock M-29 10mm. But, when a boar hog wants to put me on the lower end of his food chain, the 329PD, is really comforting.

Last edited by blueknight7; 05-08-2011 at 08:49 PM. Reason: more information
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Old 05-08-2011, 07:19 PM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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The wife and I both carry 4" 44 Mags in the field. We started with standard 4" S&W's.

We now carry 4" S&W Mountain Guns.

I have a couple of friends with the 329's.

If I had one I would carry either a handload with a hard cast 240/250gr bullet at around 1100 fps or so. As for factory ammo, I have shot the Federal Cast Core 300gr loads in a 329 and that is what I would carry as a factory ammo for bear protection.

In the 329 the Federal Cast Core kicks less ["hurts" less] that the standard full power 240gr Mag loads.
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Old 05-09-2011, 10:49 AM
Larry from Bend Larry from Bend is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I went thru asking myself similiar questions about the 329 and ended up with another 629 (dash 4) Classic 5" instead. Yep, it's heavy! I shoot 285 WFNGC hardcasts @ 1230 fps and recovery time is pretty quick. The right belt REALLY helps ---- I use wide layered nylon with a hard plastic insert between the layers.

PS Since I now have to think about Griz out here on the prairie in addition to in The Bob Marshall, I've taken to wearing a 4 5/8" Ruger in 44 Special around the farm. it weighs 41 oz. and shoots a 250 grain WFNGC Hardcast @ 1050 fps. Just another option.
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Old 05-09-2011, 02:08 PM
Paul105 Paul105 is online now
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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I’m not trying persuade anyone, just relating my experience.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works best for you in your specific circumstances.

I can put up with the wear related issues, It’s the weight that I have a problem with.

Ruger’s Website lists the Alaskan’s weight as follows:
Alaskan .44 Mag = 45 oz
Alaskan .454 C = 44 oz

On my electronic scale S&W’s weigh (unloaded and Hogue 500s):
629 Mtn Pistol .44 Mag = 39 oz
625 Mtn Pistol .45 Colt = 37 oz
329 PD .44 Mag = 25 oz (empty) 29 oz (loaded w/260WFNGCs)

That is from 3/4Lb to 1 1/4Lb more for the above listed handguns vs. the 329 PD. That is a lot of additional weight to carry all day every day, even more so if you are in mountainous terrain above 5,000 ft. For this old body, it makes a huge difference.

I’ve tried all different kinds of carry – shoulder holsters, cross draw, inside the waist band, dedicated belt/holster rig, wide belts, narrow belts, etc., etc. I can do many of these for limited periods of time – just not all day for multiple days.

I’ve settled on the 329 in a Simply Rugged sourdough pancake carried on a Milt Sparks 1 ˝” gunbelt threaded thru my pants loops and positioned over my right kidney – for me this has proven to be the best compromise. For sure, everyone is different and what works for me won’t necessarily work for others.

Here's a picture of one of my 329s and the much used holster:





Here are my three most shot handguns -- all of which have had repairs (6" Freedom Arms .475 Linebaugh, 4 1/4" FA M97 .45 Colt and the 329).



Threads without pictures just aren't quite as much fun. Too much time on my hands I guess -- it's a rainy wet, miserable day here.

FWIW,

Paul

Last edited by Paul105; 05-09-2011 at 02:13 PM.
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Old 05-09-2011, 02:31 PM
dla dla is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul105 View Post
I’m not trying persuade anyone, just relating my experience.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works best for you in your specific circumstances.

I can put up with the wear related issues, It’s the weight that I have a problem with.

Ruger’s Website lists the Alaskan’s weight as follows:
Alaskan .44 Mag = 45 oz
Alaskan .454 C = 44 oz

On my electronic scale S&W’s weigh (unloaded and Hogue 500s):
629 Mtn Pistol .44 Mag = 39 oz
625 Mtn Pistol .45 Colt = 37 oz
329 PD .44 Mag = 25 oz (empty) 29 oz (loaded w/260WFNGCs)

That is from 3/4Lb to 1 1/4Lb more for the above listed handguns vs. the 329 PD. That is a lot of additional weight to carry all day every day, even more so if you are in mountainous terrain above 5,000 ft. For this old body, it makes a huge difference.

I’ve tried all different kinds of carry – shoulder holsters, cross draw, inside the waist band, dedicated belt/holster rig, wide belts, narrow belts, etc., etc. I can do many of these for limited periods of time – just not all day for multiple days.

I’ve settled on the 329 in a Simply Rugged sourdough pancake carried on a Milt Sparks 1 ˝” gunbelt threaded thru my pants loops and positioned over my right kidney – for me this has proven to be the best compromise. For sure, everyone is different and what works for me won’t necessarily work for others.

Here's a picture of one of my 329s and the much used holster:



Here are my three most shot handguns -- all of which have had repairs (6" Freedom Arms .475 Linebaugh, 4 1/4" FA M97 .45 Colt and the 329).



Threads without pictures just aren't quite as much fun. Too much time on my hands I guess -- it's a rainy wet, miserable day here.

FWIW,

Paul
Good composition on the solo 329 pic!

Seriously, I think there are a lot of "what if'ers" who object to the 329pd. Here's a typical set of "what ifs":
  • What if I decide to shoot zillions of armored Grizzly killing loads? (which they never will)
  • What if I need to beat a weasel to death or drive a tent peg? (which they never will)
  • What if I decide to shoot at steel? (which they never will)
  • What if somebody finds out that I'm a total wuss and can't handle the recoil? (which they won't)



You and others have quite eloquently explained the purpose of the 329, but human nature is such that anytime a lot of money is involved, folks will hesitate and ask the dumbest questions.

Last edited by dla; 05-09-2011 at 02:34 PM.
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Old 05-10-2011, 01:02 PM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer? Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?  
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Here is a picture of a well worn 1 3/4", double layer leather, Bianchi Contour belt, Bianchi model 111 Cyclone holster, my heavily carried 329PD, and a HKS Speedloader with 6 Norma Power Cavity rounds in it.

The second picture is for all those that say, the Norma Power Cavity is NOT steel jacketed. That is a magnet stuck to the Power Cavity jacket. So, that should put that myth to rest about Norma not making steel jacketed rounds, for handguns.
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  #22  
Old 05-10-2011, 01:50 PM
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What is the advantage of the steel jacket? I would think it would wear the heck out of the barrel threads. For the single minute I thought about buying a 329PD I was told repeatedly not to go above the standard 240 grain weight bullet and not to let that bullet have a listed velocity of more than 1400 or so feet per second. I know the scandium alloy is like a miracle but it just isn’t steel. Those same people also warned me that the cylinder would wear different since it’s titanium. It was something about the cylinder throats and the stop notches. And why they chose wood Ahrends and didn’t just ship wearing the X frame stock is beyond me. I love some Ahrends stocks but what were they thinking… Have all the nay sayers been proven to be incorrect or is Smith eating the repair bill on these guns???
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  #23  
Old 05-10-2011, 03:12 PM
Paul105 Paul105 is online now
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Blueknight,

The Bianchi Cyclone 111 is a fine holster – well built, compact, lightweight, flexible (strong side or cross draw) and has a good retention system.

I wear the Cyclone cross draw with the 329 when bow hunting elk (legal in Montana). It’s on a softer 1 ľ” belt positioned just above a bit left and slightly above my navel, held in place by some gloves in the left pocket of my hunting jacket. It is never covered by any clothing and I can get to it quickly with either hand. My son has a similar setup but with a different holster. Bow hunting elk in areas inhabited by large predators (grizzly, mountain lion, wolves, and black bear) is a bit more high risk than most other outdoor activities. The 329 is a real comfort.

Paul

Last edited by Paul105; 05-10-2011 at 03:19 PM.
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  #24  
Old 05-10-2011, 03:22 PM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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That is the point. Norma 240 gr. Power Cavity steel jacketed rounds do have a velocity of 1400+ ft./sec. There is your "or so, feet per second". They have a gilded copper wash on them, to protect the bore. Steel holds together better than a copper jacket, for deeper penetration. Something that I would think would be a good thing, when something large, furry, and mean decides to eat you.

I don't think anyone in their right mind would be going out to shoot 50 or 100 of those rounds anymore. Let alone out of a 329PD. They are just short of collector status. I have shot 2, out of my 329PD. They will definitely dot your i's and cross your t's. As I stated before, the recoil is horrendous.

If you read my previous post, I mentioned they were 2nd speedloader backup. That means, there is 12 rounds of 240 gr. Laser hardcast bullets, loaded up to a bit over 1200 ft./sec. before I go dropping a tactical nuke. When those go out the barrel, it will be a last resort situation. It will be when a serious incident just got real fatal.

Yes, Smith is eating the bill on these. Look on their website for the 329PD. Its says the "strongest" .44 magnum. The frame has been changed on mine. All on S&W, and it was for an internal lock, that didn't work properly. The internal lock is disabled now. My choice, and my responsibility, too.

As for the grips, they should be sued for what they put in the box. Ahrends are pretty. Yeah, pretty dangerous on this weapon. The rubber Hogue's with an open backstrap, is just rubbing your nose in it. I can and have done the Ahrends with my 240's, and Past recoil gloves, but, it still wasn't pleasant.
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Old 05-10-2011, 03:39 PM
blueknight7 blueknight7 is offline
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Paul,
I wore a lot of Bianchi leather through 30 years of law enforcement. Sometimes, I just fall back to something that seems like an old, reliable friend. I guess that is where I am with Bianchi.

I am still thinking about a Kydex or carbon fiber holster, just for the weight factor. It would be bloody stiff too, and super tough.

I am afraid the weight is always going to be a problem for me, because of my mis-spent youth, when I thought I was 10 ft. tall, invisible, and bulletproof. Found out about the bulletproof theory, about half way through the service. Found out a bit more about it, in law enforcement too.

Now that the knees are replaced, the back is flaring up again. I'm falling apart. But, I am a couple of months short of 60 too. I guess its time to fall apart.
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  #26  
Old 05-10-2011, 07:54 PM
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Thanks Blue, I have something to Google and learn more about now. And I doubt you are falling apart that bad or you wouldn't lug any gun around.
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  #27  
Old 07-18-2012, 12:36 PM
langsethnw langsethnw is offline
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Just a short note about 44 magnum loads in the 329PD. I have been reloading for rifles and handguns for over 30 years. I shoot many handguns and love my 329PD but never thought about hot loads in it. I have a older S&W 29-2 4" that digested everything I reloaded with no issues at all. I have put about 200 rounds through the 329PD, mixture of 255 gr. lead target and full house 44 magnum loads. While cleaning the cylinder after a days shooting, the cylinder yoke came right off the retaining pin. To my surprise, the yoke is two piece aluminum and the yoke is pressed onto the frame pin. The yoke metal had split at the junction so the yoke and cylinder came off in my hand. Handgun was shipped to S&W and returned in one week at no charge!! I'm not sure why this happened but I will not shoot full house loads anymore and stick to the Buffalo Bore recommendations of keeping 255 Gr. loads under 1300 FPS. It also reaffirms why almost all my handguns are Smith & Wesson;~)
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  #28  
Old 07-18-2012, 09:59 PM
358156hp 358156hp is offline
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Geeezzzzz... And I think my 629-2 MR is a hard kicker.
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  #29  
Old 06-16-2015, 11:48 PM
SteedGun SteedGun is offline
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Very good thread. Answered a lot of questions I have about my new 329pd. Thanks.
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  #30  
Old 03-06-2016, 09:42 PM
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Groo here
For loads in a light weight gun, Keith once said that
once you punch a hole through the target any extra speed
made hitting at long range easier or made more noise.
If this is to be a defense the range will be short.
The bullet needs to be tuff , have a flat nose , and going fast enough
to go through, more is just noise.
Given that a 45 Colt could go through a horse and get the "Ingin"
on the far side with a soft lead bullet [20 / 1 lead tin I think]
at 900+ fps, a 44mag hard cast at 1000fps from THAT gun should
do just fine.
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  #31  
Old 11-07-2016, 05:51 AM
SCriswell SCriswell is offline
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I have a 329 PD. I changed the front and rear sights on the gun and put the same ones that come on the Night Guard Series on it. I had the hammer shortened and thinned, and I Put a set of VZ round butt grips on it. I had a kydex inside the waistband holster made for it, and it conceals very well. I know it was a little bit of work, but I get a lot better ballistics from the four inch barrel. I don't think this gun needs adjustable sights. It is a carry gun, it is not for punching paper all day at the range.

Last edited by SCriswell; 11-07-2016 at 06:00 AM.
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  #32  
Old 11-07-2016, 07:58 AM
ScandiaTitan ScandiaTitan is offline
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Own several 329pd's: usually shoot 44spl for fun but have put Corbon dpx, hornady critical, federal hydrashock, et al... never had a problem, even 300-320grain loads.
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  #33  
Old 11-07-2016, 08:56 AM
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Guys, kip hasn't been here in 4 1/2 years...hope the bears didn't get him .
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  #34  
Old 11-07-2016, 10:09 AM
Pisgah Pisgah is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 358156hp View Post
Geeezzzzz... And I think my 629-2 MR is a hard kicker.
Contrary to popular belief, the 329 is not a hard kicker IF the shooter will take the time to condition his shooting hand and wrist properly before shooting. Here's how:

-- Lay your shooting hand and wrist palm-up on an anvil or other hard surface.
--In your other hand grasp a flat-faced 3-lb. hammer.
-- Briskly and repeatedly beat your shooting hand and wrist with the hammer.

Problem solved! ;-) :-)
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Old 11-07-2016, 11:13 AM
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I'm only somewhat recoil sensitive, but certainly wouldn't say I'm insensitive. The 329pd w/ factory target loads and the x frame grip is fun to shoot. Get the x-frame grip!

Tis an old thread but anyone with 329 out to read it...I'm looking forward to sourcing some of the heavy loads for hunting season.

Last edited by cleans up; 11-07-2016 at 11:17 AM.
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  #36  
Old 11-07-2016, 11:47 AM
dwever dwever is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul105 View Post
I live in Montana and the 329 has been my all day, every day carry gun for the last 5 years. I’ve shot around 8,000 rounds of 240-260gr bullets at 1,100 to 1,300 fps thru 2 guns. They have been sent to S&W for wear related repairs on several occasions (all at no cost to me). For my purposes, the 329 provides the best compromise of weight to power -- I don’t leave home without one.
Could you please advise what the wear issues were? How many times the gun(s) have had to be sent to S&W? It would seem that multiple trips back to S&W in 8,000 rounds for wear issues indicates the caliber and load is simply too stout for the platform.

I do not expect any wear issues from my Scandium N framed TRR8 and M&P R8 for the first 20,000 rounds each as the hottest .357 Magnum I'm sending down range is 158 grains at 1,240 FPS. It would be disappointing to be wrong on that.
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  #37  
Old 11-07-2016, 12:04 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
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I had one , 329PD . The factory grips do nothing to control recoil . When I got it , I was the 3rd owner . It came with a box of factory federal 44 mag ammo , minus 12 rounds . Each previous owner had shot 6 rounds and sold it . I sold it , again later .
But not because of the recoil but I began wondering how long S&W was going to support it with free rebuilds? By the time I sold it , the flame shield (under top strap ) was suffering flame cutting .
I took the money from that sale and used it to buy a real nice 629-4 , 4" . Yes, it's heavier but for my purposes , a " better fit " .
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  #38  
Old 11-07-2016, 12:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy4evr View Post
I had one , 329PD . The factory grips do nothing to control recoil . When I got it , I was the 3rd owner . It came with a box of factory federal 44 mag ammo , minus 12 rounds . Each previous owner had shot 6 rounds and sold it . I sold it , again later .
But not because of the recoil but I began wondering how long S&W was going to support it with free rebuilds? By the time I sold it , the flame shield (under top strap ) was suffering flame cutting .
I took the money from that sale and used it to buy a real nice 629-4 , 4" . Yes, it's heavier but for my purposes , a " better fit " .
Wow, sounds exactly like one I saw at a LGS here.
First owner fired six 240 grain WWB.
Second guy fired ONE 300 grain Buffalo Bore!
Like new, fair price, too.
I passed on it, however...
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  #39  
Old 11-09-2016, 11:35 PM
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3rdgeargrndrr 3rdgeargrndrr is offline
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i think you would be the limiting factor concerning the load,
how fast can you empty a cylinder in that featherweight and stay on target?
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Old 11-10-2016, 01:49 AM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
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Before I spotted that this thread dates from May of 2011 I was wondering what the hell kind of "social outings" required that level of firepower.

He must have socialized with some rough people.

Reminded me of a guy I met here who swears he carries a .44 Magnum Desert Eagle concealed because his .50AE is a tad cumbersome.
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Old 05-17-2020, 10:28 PM
JustDan JustDan is offline
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The gun can handle virtually any ammo within SAAMI specs - no +P stuff - but I also have a dozen 629 models and you shouldn't shoot the +P stuff in them either - they work in my Redhawks & Dan Wessons - but I simply like the older prelock Smiths better - ironically though one of my 5.5" Redhawks is my most accurate .44 mag - how odd is that. It's even more accurate than my Dan Wesson 744VH. I favor the 629-1 models though as the revolvers are made for iron target shooting - all set up to go right from the factory and the fit and finish are truly special. Unless you live in areas frequented by west coast grizzlies why would you need more than a good .44 magnum - most liberals just need a good puff of air.
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