Ammo Choices for 44 Magnum

[Bigman]

Hello Everyone.
I have a question about what weight bullets to shoot in my 2 different S&W 44 magnums. I have a 29-2 and a 629-3. So far since 44 ammo is hard to find where I live, I have only been able to find some 44 Magnum in 240GR FMJ and some 200GR JHP. A friend of mine had the best intentions, and he gave me some 44 magnum ammo, but it is loaded with 300GR some are FMJ, and part is JHP. I am wondering if shooting the 300gr will do any harm to either of these two guns. I have read that the 300gr should be shot in rifles for this caliber and some of the Ruger Super, and Regular Redhawks. Can someone shed some light on which ammo will be ok for my guns. I would rather be careful, with both guns. Thanks for any help...Ray

 

[Quakertown]

The heaviest bullets I shoot in my 29-2 is 255gr lead SWC's. I reload, so I have a lot of options. If it were me, I wouldn't shoot the 300gr bullets.

 

[Mule88]

If its reloaded ammo, I would avoid it. If its factory ammo your gun should do fine unless its stated for ruger or freedom arms only on the box.

 

[sw282]

lf it were not for reloaded ammo l could not afford to shoot.

 

[TAROMAN]

lf it were not for reloaded ammo l could not afford to shoot.

Me neither, but not with someone else's reloads.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

I wouldn't shoot the 300 gr ones either.

I stick to 240 grs personally. Maybe try to trade off the 200gr and 300gr

 

[kwselke]

Any of the loads are fine in the 629-3 and if used sparingly in the 29-2. The 29-2 is older and does not have the Endurance Package set of engineering changes. In other words, it may shoot loose if fed a steady diet of top end .44 Mag ammo.

 

[Badquaker]

300g loads are dependent on the load. I used to shoot a fairly stiff load out of a 6" Dan Wesson. They are intense. It was very effective for making people step away at an open style outdoor shooting range. Use slow burning powder, and it throws massive flames.

 

[M29since14]

I wouldn't use 300-gr ammo in either gun. I wouldn't use any handloaded ammunition made by others, regardless of bullet weight. That's just not a good idea.

My experience is that the 300-gr ammunition is likely going to shoot high in your guns anyway. You probably won't be able to bring them to zero at any ordinary distance.

I don't see anything wrong with either the 200-gr HPs or the 240-gr FMJs for the guns you mention, assuming the ammo is from a reputable company. CCI Blazer 200-gr JHP is among the most accurate .44 Magnum ammunition I have used.

If the 240-gr FMJs are from a European manufacturer, it may be loaded to high velocity, thus not as pleasant to shoot as most U.S. .44 Magnum ammo. Might check into the velocity before you buy if you are not fond of additional recoil.

 

[Bigman]

Hello To Everybody, and I do appreciate all the advice. The 240gr and the 200gr ammo are from Ga. Arms. The 200gr ammo is rated at 1650 FPS, and I need to check the 240gr. I have know idea about the 300gr ammo, but the man who reloaded the ammo has been a reloader for over 30 years and I have known him for the last 25 years. Again thanks for the advice, I beleive I will stay away from the 300gr ammo.I trust the man that loaded it, I just don't want to take a chance with my guns..Ray

 

[sw282]

l shot IHMSA for years and on many occasion l have fired ammo loaded by others. Never a problem from doing so. l trust theirs as much as my own,however l wont shoot ammo loaded by a stranger or novice

 

[Fishinfool]

Bigman

If you have limited availability of ammo in your area, you might want to check some of the bigger retailers on the net. Most will list velocity of the load for sale, or it can be found on the makers web site. Lots of cast and jacketed ammo in the 200 to 240 grain weights out there that are loaded to mid-range velocities, making for pleasant target ammo.

Larry

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Any of the loads are fine in the 629-3 and if used sparingly in the 29-2. The 29-2 is older and does not have the Endurance Package set of engineering changes. In other words, it may shoot loose if fed a steady diet of top end .44 Mag ammo.

Certainly I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I am under the impression that the "Endurance Package" does nothing to improve the strength or endurance of the revolver, but only insures that it will not malfunction. Like kwselke, I am also under the impression that the issue is not safety, but only premature loosening if on a continuing diet of heavy loads.

 

[cowboy77845]

Sounds like some of those hot loads you mention would be fine for a 44 mag rifle.
Someone also said something about 125 gr. 357 rounds in a Mod 19 or 66 not being a good idea. Are they ok to use in a rifle? I bought a couple of boxes and paid was not aware of a bullet weight problem.

 

[M29since14]

Certainly I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I am under the impression that the "Endurance Package" does nothing to improve the strength or endurance of the revolver, but only insures that it will not malfunction.

SCSW3 mentions that heat-treatment of the frame and yoke apparently changed at the -2E ECO in the 629 and presumably continued on from there, so maybe there were changes that improved strength but, overall, that was always my understanding. I thought I was the only one here that thought that!