Hello. I just joined this forum so I hope I am doing this right.
I have a S&W 629 4 1/4 " canadian edition.
I got 500 44cal .430" 180gr XTP bullets from Hornady in one of their give aways. I was wondering if any body had some load data for this bullet ?
Also, will this bullet perform well in my S&W?

I tried that bullet in my 629 Classic, but never got the accuracy that I got with the 240 grain version out at 100 yards. They shot fine at 25, but the accuracy didn't hold up at longer ranges like the heavier bullets. I don't remember my exact load, but I was using 2400 powder.

There is a lot of data available on line, go to the powder company web sights that you have their powder.

The 180's will work fine in your gun.

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John

Yeah, I've shot them in the old 29-3 I had before it got stolen and also in my present Desert Eagle and also my B92 Browning 1892 carbine. They shot (and still shoot) well for me. Like has been said, you can looking at the various powder companies and find some loading data for them. I know for a fact that Hodgdon's website has plenty of load data for the 180 XTP with quite a few different powders.

I had the same experience as diyj98. Seemed like a great bullet, but never grouped as well at 100 yds as the 240 XTP. Tested both weights extensively in Smiths, Rugers, and saboted in a Knight muzzleloader. A number of shooters like the lighter 180 gr bullet. Less recoil, higher velocity, less likely to over penetrate. The 180 gr XTP could be one of the best hunting bullets for deer sized game out to 50-75 yds, or so.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I shot a bunch of 180gr bullets over a caseful of WW296 many years ago. Accurate enough, but the POI was so much lower than the POA at 25 yards that I could not zero my 8 3/8" Model 29 so I gave up.

I have shot/loaded quite a few 180 gr. bullets in the last ten yeas. They preform well, especially in 44 Special and/or, 3" barreled revolvers. Blue Dot is my preferred powder when loading the .430 180 gr. XTP in either case.

Yeah, a bullet driven at higher velocities is going to have a lower POI.

Tried them years ago, pretty much agree with other post, accuracy just not there beyond about 25 yards

I was told by a tech that the 180 gr XTP was their 44 Special bullet. It will start to expand at 750 fps. The ones I used in the 44 Special were very accurate.

Might not be the best bullet for big game but I have no experience with them in that area. I would call Hornady for more info.