Hello everyone. I’m new to the forum. I’ve been reading posts on the forums for a while. I recently bought a 629-1 that has been used very lightly. I have a Lyman mold that is supposed to be a 245 gas checked bullet but straight wheel weight alloy throws a 265 grain bullet. It’s powder coated as well. I was wondering if I load the powder charges for what the book says for a 245 gr bullet will that be too hot for an older Smith? I want to use it for plinking and occasional bear repellent in bear country with hot loads. Do you guys think this would be ok? Thanks!

For plinking you could start with 44 special data in a 44 magnum case and work your way up.The max charge you are comfortable with could be your bear load

I guess it depends on the age of your load manuals . Current data should be no problem for your gun . The early series 29's/ 629's are not the weak sisters you often hear . Current load data for that bullet (240 grs )is fine . I assume your are talking about the Lyman 429244 mold . You will find that 5-6 grs of faster powder , (Red dot , Bullseye ) etc makes a nice target load . 8.5 grs of Unique is an old favorite mid range load . 19 grs of 2400 powder will do all you need for a max load .
Remember , you can shoot 44 specials in your gun . They are fun to shoot and can do most of what needs doing . Your bullet and 7.5 grs of Unique in a 44 special case is an old favorite for about 900-950 fps . Have fun , Regards, Paul

If your casting a bullet in a 245 grain mold, and with your lead mixture it comes out to 265 grains, then use load data for a 265 grain bullet. While the extra 20 grains may not be a lot with .44 special data, or mild .44 magnum loads, it may be an over pressure situation in heavy .44 magnum loads. There is a lot of data for 265 grain bullets in .44 mag, I say give them a look before you start reloading.

If your 265 gr bullet had a longer shank ( the part in the case) than the bullet your are currently using , then over pressure could be a problem .
As it is , I would not worry about till you get into the upper max loads . Any of the loads I posted is not max for that bullet , be it 245 grs or 265 grs . I have been casting / reloading for the 44's for many a year . Truthfully I have never worried about weighing my bullets after I cast them . I just used current load data for the weight of the bullet stated by the maker . Remember , heavier bullets usually have more shank in the case , hence the reason for lighter powder loads . Regards, Paul

Thanks guys. The reason I ask is I used this exact bullet in my Blackhawk with a maximum charge of blue dot. When I shot I it had recoil like no other. It has never kicked like that before. I weighed the bullet on a hunch and was really surprised how much heavier it’s actual weight was. I used Lyman’s manuals cast bullet manual. I just don’t want to hurt a Smith they don’t make like that anymore. Thanks again

Blue Dot powder is a " magnum " shotgun powder . I have shot a fair amount of it in 44's and a max charge has quite a kick to it . I don't shoot over 14 grs nowadays . In fact 13.5 grs is more to my liking for everyday use with a 245 gr cast bullet . Increased velocity doesn't always equate to increased accuracy . Regards, Paul

I have two 29’s that I bought in the 70’s, one has the 8 3/8’s bl and the other a 4” bl.
The Long barrel 29 I shot mettalic sil. with for years . It has thousands of 240 JHP over 20 gr of 2400 through it, I am taking it out this Friday to verify it’s zero for deer season. I have hunted with it for decades.
The four incher has had several thousand rounds through it as well, but these have been the Lyman 429421 over a healthy charge of Unique. I found early on that the slow burning powders in the shorter barrels produce a HUGE muzzle flash, and the Unique not so much.
Your 44 will serve you well, mine have.