A month or so ago, I traded into a nice 629-3. Last weekend I traded again for a 629-1, so now I have myself 2 nice 44 revolvers. My first question is, are these two revolvers built the same, or are there any differences in them? And as for ammunition, can most 44 magnum loads be used in these guns? Since 44 ammo is hard to find right now, I have got myself some 240gr, 200gr and a partial box of 180gr. I also have some 300gr but I have had a couple of the member to tell me to not use this ammo in my model 29-2, and I understand this, but what about using this in either of the 629-s. I want to say thanks for any help with these questions. My main concern is not hurt myself, or any of these guns. Ray

When target shooting I use 44special but for the most part the newer 44's should be able to take the abuse

I also have a 29-3, I like it very much. I have found that shooting the 44 special a good way to get use to the gun and control the traget position. It is a great gun but not an everyday carry. As far as I know any commerical 44 mag can be used.

Good luck and safe shooting.

300gr is a big round tho and would use caution. Not very fun to shoot.

Is there a list of the engineering changes that was done on the dash revolvers? I guess they went from 29-1 up to 29-10. But I been told the latest 29-10 is one of the toughest 29's ever produced. It can digest any 44 stout ammo. I still won't do it.

What barrel lengths did you get?

the 629-3 has the endurance package and should be fine to use with all of your ammo. the 629-1 is pre-endurance package and should be fine with all 240 gr. and lower. both sound like nice guns

Thanks for all of the help everyone. The 300gr ammo, I was not going to use it in any of my 44 revolvers. Another question asked was about the barrel length. Both the 629-1 and dash 3 have I guess 6 inch barrels, and my 29-2 has a 4 inch barrel. Again, thank you for the help, I will try and post some pictures of these guns tomorrow..Ray

If that 180g is the Remington UMC Ammo what it lacks in weight it makes up for in speed.

A 6" 629-6 Half Lug is my weekly shooter. Over 30K rounds since I bought it. My regular load might be called "Warm Factory 260g". There are wear issues like peening of the center shaft and screws loosen but I don't think there's a 44M DA/SA Trigger in production that comes close. SA has been a solid consistent 2 1/4 lbs for most of that 30K.

Mal Paso, first, Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the information about the ammo. It sounds like you have shot your 629-6 a lot. But that is what they are for. I don't own any safe queens, I shoot all of my guns. In the past I had owned a few Ruger Super Redhawks in 44 magnum, but I wanted to make sure of the loads that were safe to shoot in the 629's. One of the guys posted that the 629-3 like I have, have a enhanced package. I was wondering if you or one of the other members could explain about this for me? Thanks, and again welcome to the forum..Ray

Hey Ray - sounds like you did good on the trade! Congratulations and looking forward to the pictures.

Thanks Bigman! A 250g Keith SWC at 1350 fps is about my limit for the 629 for a muzzle energy of about 1000 ftlbs. 1300 for copper jackets. I ran Elmer's load across the screens at 1608 fps for a ME almost 1400 ftlbs and sticky brass told me I was over the limit.

I also have a Redhawk and an Anaconda in 44 Mag. Both hell for stout but you'll never get a Smith Trigger on a Redhawk and the parts available for an Anaconda is a short list. The 629 gets most of the range time.

Here is a link to a good article about the various 29 / 629 dash models and changes.

By the way, I have shot quite a few 300 grain cast bullets thru my N frames. The key is do not load them to red line, and make sure the seated bullet is not too long for the cylinder, and they do fine. Depending on load, you may run out of rear sight adjustment.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...48705608,d.dmg

Larry

Thanks for all the comments, and all the help. Ray