Model 29-3 Ammo

walker8424 · #1 08-09-2020, 12:33 PM

Got my new to me Model 29-3 Friday. Put about 12 rounds of .44 Specials through it. No problems. Now, at some point I would like to put a couple magnums through it. I didn't realize the different ammo's out there. I'm kind of a pistol, revolver newbie. I don't want something to hot, so what would be a good load to get?

robertrwalsh · #2 08-09-2020, 12:40 PM

If you want serious Rhino Rollers, Buffalo Bore or Corbon is not a bad way to go. It will be unpleasant to shoot. Don't spend a lot of money on a lot of it. You may wish you hadn't. Nothing wrong with .44 special or even moderate .44 magnum unless you are out to kill something that might kill you first.

biku324 · #3 08-09-2020, 12:55 PM

Stay with 44 special until the revolver is your friend. Then any magnum standard like American Eagle or Winchester 'white box' 240 grain loads.

Do NOT get the Remington 180 grain SJHP - those have horrifying recoil and muzzle blast; those are true flinch-makers.

RGNewell · #4 08-09-2020, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertrwalsh

If you want serious Rhino Rollers, Buffalo Bore or Corbon is not a bad way to go. It will be unpleasant to shoot. Don't spend a lot of money on a lot of it. You may wish you hadn't. Nothing wrong with .44 special or even moderate .44 magnum unless you are out to kill something that might kill you first.

Amen

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walker8424 · #5 08-09-2020, 02:18 PM

Thanks guys.

stansdds · #6 08-10-2020, 06:54 AM

The Model 29-3 does not have the durability enhancements of later versions of the Model 29/629. It will take a life time of shooting 44 Special to significantly wear a Model 29/29-1/29-3/29-3. For full power 44 Magnum, steer clear of the 180 grain bullets, they are the 44 Magnum equivalent of 125 grain JHP 357 Magnum ammo. With bullets of 200 to 250 grains at normal 44 Magnum velocity, the early versions of the Model 29 hold up pretty well, but remember that the Model 29 is the lightest 6-shot 44 Magnum revolver out there. Just like with the K-frame 357 Magnums, magnum ammo will accelerate wear. I would not use boutique ammo that advertises velocities that exceed loads by Federal, Remington, or Winchester.

Should you ever decide to take up reloading your own ammo, the 44 Magnum is a great cartridge for reloading. Big bullets, big cases, big primers, and those big cases like being filled with medium burning rate powder. 44 Magnum cases and 240 grain cast lead or powder coated cast lead bullets and 8.0 to 10.0 grains of Unique go together like carrots and peas. Or butter beans and corn. Or pork chops and applesauce. Or steak and potatoes. Darn! Now I'm hungry.