629 4" Performance Info

[BgDnTx]

I currently have a 629 in 6.5 inch, a Redhawk in 7.5 inch, and a Bisley Flattop chambered in 44 Special. I am looking at buying a 629 in 4 inch, and I want some info on what to expect from this revolver.
When I started reloading 44, I was always on the hot side, but after a couple of years have calmed down a bit and now go for accuracy, efficiency in performance, and comfort to some degree. My application is target and hunting.
To narrow the comments a bit, I am talking 200g and 240g SWC in the Magnums. (The Bisley 44 Special I mostly shoot for target fun 200g around 900 fps + or -)
I would like your opinion on this:
Using 200g and 240g SWC, and using fps as the measurement – what do you consider a "standard load" the "sweet spot" and "full power" loads that I should aim for or expect out of this 4" barrel?
Thanks

 

[fredj338]

I have a couple 4" 44mags. The M29 is by far my fav. I dont abuse it with full power loads but one could. With 240gr @ 1000fps, pretty much my std load. If it goes with me as a bear gun, it gets a 270gr @ 1150fps or 300gr @ 1100fps.
I used to shoot max loads all the time, 200gr @ 1300fos, 250gr @ 1200fps, but just beats the gun up.

 

[BgDnTx]

I understand the beating up the gun. And I agree. Guess that begs the question of how fast can we go without undue stress? Also seems you are holding around 1100 fps or so with the exception of the bear hunt.
And what is your recipe to achieve those 1200-1300 fps loads? With that heavy round, that's pretty impressive from a 4" barrel.

 

[apollo99]

As you probably know all 629s are not created equal. The -3,-4 and beyond are able to take a little more "abuse" due to the enhancement upgrades, and the advancements in metallurgy. That being said, from what I've gathered is the older 629s are good to go with the 240 grain and under loads even hot ones. When you start getting into heavier weights at high pressure it tends to shake thing loose in the older models. Probably will catch up to the newer and enhanced model as well. My favorite load 240 grain JHP 1200FPS. For lead SWC I do 200 grain at 1100 fps, 240 grain at around 1000 fps.I do use the hardest cast lead I can find. One day I'm going to try a few of the heavier weight bullets in my reloads, just curios I guess.

 

[BgDnTx]

Thanks apollo99, this will be a new model and I understand your comments on better materials. Guess I'm a little concerned about abusing the gun after reading some posts on the forum, hence the questions. But good to know I can expect to load fairly standard and maybe a little hotter loads without a problem.
I mostly want to shoot a good standard load, but every so often like to sit in my recliner at night massaging my wrist after a shoot.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I use 215gr(my own cast)bullets in my 629-1in 8 3/8.I launch them at 1250FPS which is my soft plinker.I guess the equivalent with a 240gr would be between 1000 and 1100FPS.The heavies I keep for my other 44s.
Back to the S&W,Unique and Power Pistol will easily get you these velocities without overstressing the gun.
Have fun!
Qc

 

[BgDnTx]

Thank you Qc Pistolero - Unique I have, I've seen Power Pistol come up in discussions and probably need to invest in some.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Thank you Qc Pistolero - Unique I have, I've seen Power Pistol come up in discussions and probably need to invest in some.

Before using Power Pistol,I had inquired right here and was granted with quite a few useful comments.But as a rule of thumb,start low.PP is quite a loud barker,more so than Unique and might be a ''nuisance'' at indoor ranges.But otherwise,it is as accurate as Unique.
But to tell you the truth,in the name of simplification,when my 4# of PP will be used up,I think I will only keep Unique.
Of course,for full throttle loads,H110 is still my favorite!
Qc

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I have had the occasion to visit twice with the great J.D. Jones when he was visiting us here at B&M Rifle HQ. He has as much experience with 29s as anybody I know of. He says as a matter of fact that he has seen many 6-6 1/2 inch 29s shoot faster than 8 3/8th guns. And on several occasions 4s shoot even faster. Of course he is talking about the same identical load in all 3 guns. This grand old gent will tell you there are few absolutes when dealing with specific loads in different barrel lengths. I prefer 4s. They are, for me, more difficult to shoot, but, far more portable. Enjoy your new 4 inch.

 

[BgDnTx]

Thanks Lee's Landing Billy. Nice to get some info that the 4" is a good choice. I long ago decided that in many handguns a barrel from 4" to 6" is a reasonable choice. Shorter or longer has only a few plus or minus qualities over the 4"-6" length. I've concluded, at least for me, shorter for carry, sure. And longer for accuracy at 50-100 yd ranges, fine.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I too have shot 44's for years . I currently have 3 S&W's , 2 model 29's and a 629 . I have 2 with 4" and one 6" barrels . All of my 44's have the endurance pkg . Current " hot loads " are considerably less stressful (weaker ) than the loads of " yesteryear " . So I would not be worried about even shooting the max loads of today , even in the older ones that don't have the endurance mods . I will also tell you that IMR 4227 , the slowest magnum powder recommended for handguns is much easier on the firearm and on you . I have shot several 8 # bottles and my guns are as tight today as the day I bought them . You will loose about 100fps in velocity vs W296 /H-110 . But the accuracy is right up there , as good as it can get and like I said , it's much easier on you and the firearm.
A good 240 gr cast bullet from any commercial caster , sitting on top of 8 grs of W231 / HP-38 is a good everyday carry load that will run at about 950-1000fps . It is accurate , easy on recoil and will " dispense " about anything you need it too , within reason ( grizzlies excepted ) .
For a little less recoil , a 215-225 gr cast bullet will perform very well also . I have shot a boatload of 215gr cast bullets sitting on top of 8 grs of unique in a 44 spl case with great success . I found that powder charge was very very accurate , mild recoil and had plenty of power for what I needed it for . I have been told , that load will produce again, about a 1000fps velocity , but it's using a little lighter bullet . I hope this has helped you . Those Smith's in 44's are not " weak sisters " like the internet wants you to believe . Good Luck

 

[Vortec MAX]

I was having a hard time deciding between the 4" and the 6.5", so I got the 5". Actually, my wife got it for my wedding anniversary. My 629 Classic is one of my very favorite guns.

My favorite load is 10.0 grains of Unique under a Berry's 240 GR THP ignited by a CCI 350 (Magnum) primer. I have probably sent 600-700 of those downrange now.

Mike

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I too have shot 44's for years . I currently have 3 S&W's , 2 model 29's and a 629 . I have 2 with 4" and one 6" barrels . All of my 44's have the endurance pkg . Current " hot loads " are considerably less stressful (weaker ) than the loads of " yesteryear " . So I would not be worried about even shooting the max loads of today , even in the older ones that don't have the endurance mods . I will also tell you that IMR 4227 , the slowest magnum powder recommended for handguns is much easier on the firearm and on you . I have shot several 8 # bottles and my guns are as tight today as the day I bought them . You will loose about 100fps in velocity vs W296 /H-110 . But the accuracy is right up there , as good as it can get and like I said , it's much easier on you and the firearm.
A good 240 gr cast bullet from any commercial caster , sitting on top of 8 grs of W231 / HP-38 is a good everyday carry load that will run at about 950-1000fps . It is accurate , easy on recoil and will " dispense " about anything you need it too , within reason ( grizzlies excepted ) .
For a little less recoil , a 215-225 gr cast bullet will perform very well also . I have shot a boatload of 215gr cast bullets sitting on top of 8 grs of unique in a 44 spl case with great success . I found that powder charge was very very accurate , mild recoil and had plenty of power for what I needed it for . I hope this has helped you . Those Smith's in 44's are not " weak sisters " like the internet wants you to believe . Good Luck

Cowboy,your words about 4227 are just what I've experienced.This leads me to your 8 gr HP38load as a good one to experience as a soft load.Thanks!
Qc

 

[Nemo288]

8 grains of Unique under just about any bullet including the 240 cast/plated/coated in the magnum brass is a very good, standard, "mid-load".
You can substitute Universal if you want easier metering, availability and cleanup. No flakes under the star.
My 4" 629-2 MR is as tight as the day it was re-built at the factory (long story) right after I bought it new around 1990.
Still a handful with full-out loads (24-296/240-JHC) but still tightest S&W magnum I own.
You will love the 4" 629.
You will also love I-4227. I shoot a ton of it in the 445.
I have given up on ball powder. (Another long story).

 

[MJFlores]

Cowboy,your words about 4227 are just what I've experienced.This leads me to your 8 gr HP38load as a good one to experience as a soft load.Thanks!
Qc

8 grains of HP-38 under a 240 grain Berry's plated flat point is my favorite range load. It's a mild magnum, but not a slouch either.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

8 grains of HP-38 under a 240 grain Berry's plated flat point is my favorite range load. It's a mild magnum, but not a slouch either.

Still got over 5# of 231left overI kept it for small caliber loading.But since many mentionned it in .44Mag soft loads,I will give it a try!
Qc