Model 29-3 strength??

[Cleveland48]

I've been reloading for 44 mag for several years now mostly heavy loads in ruger blackhawks. My load for my 29-3 has been 10.0 grains of unique behind a 240 - 250 grain hardcast bullet. I no longer have my rugers, but am looking for good hunting load for my model 29. I'm pretty positive the 29-3 is before the endurance package ?? I have no desire for the 300 grain plus bullets in this gun. My loads would possibly be 18.0 to 20.0 grains of 2400, with 240 grain xtp or 240 - 255 grain hardcast. I know this is not a very hot load for 44 mag standards guessing 1250 fps in my 8 3/8" barrel maybe more. Will a pre endurance package smith hold up with this load? I do quite a bit of shooting leading up to deer season. I just don't want to shoot her loose cause she is in pristine condition. Thanks for any advice.

[BaldEagle1313]

I'm no moderator, and I understand your question specifically targets the 29-3, but you might get more eyeballs looking at your question if you were to ask it in the Reloading section. They have back and forth on reloading specifics all the time.

Just a thought.

Regards.

[Hillbilly77]

The earlier 29-3's do predate the endurance package, but I read that some of the later -3's have it (it started around 1988).

I'm not familiar with your powder (I use Win 296), but if you're not loading at max, I'd think you should be ok.
I wouldn't lose too much sleep about a bit of wear.

The good news is that if you do shoot it loose, it is a modern gun and parts should be available to fix it.

[Dennis The B]

The reloading manuals usually have sections for revolvers like the Model 29, and then those like the Ruger Super Blackhawk.

The loads for the Model 29 are indeed lighter. Look at the amount of metal left in the cylinder walls compared to the Super Blackhawk. That should tell you that really stout loads in Model 29's will shorten the life of the revolver.

[BigBill]

I would try different loads to get the best accuracy. I use 2400 with jacketed bullets. Using 20grs of 2400 isn't too bad.

[BLUEDOT37]

I've shot a ton of 17.0gr/2400 with 240/250gr cast lead bullets in my 29-2 over it's 30+ years. Also some loads a lot hotter that have been reduced in manuals nowadays. The one problem I noticed that developed was excessive endshake. Fixed that with two bearings/shims.

The more you shoot it the looser it will become over time, that's just a fact. I've set 20.0gr/2400 as my upper limit in my 29-2 but mainly limit it to 16 or 17gr/2400 anymore. I use my 629-6 for full loads. 2400 is my favorite powder for cast loads in the 44 Mag.

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29-2


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[Cleveland48]

Thanks guys for all the replies. And I apologize if this should have been in the reloading section. 2400 has always been very accurate for me in other 44 magnums, only problem is finding some more of it around here.