Heaviest loads for a 329PD, Night guard .44 mag, or 329PD back packer?

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I bought the .500 to carry in the woods. There are times that I cant run a shoulder rig i.e. social outings with liberals.

I have very strong arms and wrists but dont want to blow the gun up or have the bullets jump their crimp.

What makes the 329PD back packer different from the night guard?

Can the 329pd 4 inch, 329pd back packer, or the night guard .44mag work with heavy loads?

Heavy .44 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Heavy .44 Magnum +P+ Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

I am also considering the Ruger Alaskan .454 casual. This seems too large as I also carry a .45 or 10mm Glock. Would the ballistics out of a .454 2 inch casual be better than a .44 mag 2 inch or doesnt it matter in a short barrel?

Ruger® Super Redhawk® Alaskan Double-Action Revolver Models
 
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I use Garrets 310 gr LBT at about 1100-1150 ? made for the 329 PD. It is a reduced load but I think it will still get the job done.The 329 is a great outdoor carry gun. If you need more power you need a rifle or shotgun??
 
I carry 6 1970's series Norma 240 gr. steel jacketed, Power Cavity rounds, in the second speedloader, with my 329PD. Years ago, those were clocked well into the 1400 ft./sec. range through a 4" M-29. If, whatever is eating me, wants to chew on 5 of those, the 6th one is for me. I am sure I won't mind the recoil at all.

Yes, you can pick them up with a magnet. Yes, the recoil is horrendous. If Peterson, of Peterson Publishing Company can put down a polar bear with a nickle, 6 1/2", M-29; back in the late 60's, they are good enough for me. Took him 3 rounds but, his weren't contact shots either. If I have to use them, mine will be contact shots.
 
Will any of those revolvers handle heavier loads than the others or are they all the same? Whats the max I could go without having crimp jump or damge to the gun.
 
dla said:
Here's info on my 329pd you might find helpful.

S&W329pd Information
Click to expand...

What exactly is the shield part that needs to be replaced every 1000 rounds? Would a night guard .44 mag handle heavy loads better and not need this part replaced every 1000 rounds?

Is the 329pd worth the extra size over the night guard?
 
It is a steel piece directly about the forcing cone on the barrel, where it protrudes through the frame. It is placed there to prevent flame cutting of the top strap. Very necessary on scandium framed revolvers.

A 1000 round count isn't set in stone, but it is a very accurate number. Most that own the super lightweight revolvers will never get close to the 1000 rd. count. Alot of wear can be attributed to what kind of ammunition, or powder that you are using, if handloading.

H110/Win. 296 powder seem to be major contributors to this. 2400 powder, not so much. I have about 1800 rounds through my 329PD, with stiff loaded 240 grainers over 2400. No marks, no etching.
 
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE 329.

If Tim Sundles (the owner of Buffalo Bore) says don’t do it, then DON’T DO IT! He has pushed the edge of the envelope and knows of what he speaks.

Any handgun is a compromise – regarding the 329:

The .44 magnum isn’t the ideal Grizzly cartridge, but in the hands of the average shooter, most handguns aren’t. It is a weapon that can be carried on your person while leaving your hands free for other activities. It can be carried unobtrusively and virtually unnoticed. It will always be with you no matter what activity you are performing. At contact ranges (unless hunting, an “encounter” will most likely be at contact range) it may just save your life.

The feature (light weight in this case) that makes the 329 so desirable for all day, every day comfortable carry is also the feature that makes it more difficult to load for, shoot comfortably/accurately and leads to increased repair frequency.

“Crimp jump” can be a problem with the 329 --, heavy for caliber bullets (300gr +) worsen this problem (depending upon velocity and nose design). I have loaded and shot 300gr Keiths, and 325gr WLNGCs at 1,050 fps in the 329– these bullets have a longer crimp to nose length (the nose of the bullet is closer to the cylinder face) and (depending on the exact nose design) with minimal bullet movement can impede cylinder cycling. For everyday carry, I have settled on a hard cast 260gr WFNGCs at just under 1,300 fps. The Wide Flat Nose has a shorter crimp to nose length than other designs, which gives an extra margin of safety when it comes to crimp jump tying up the gun.


I live in Montana and the 329 has been my all day, every day carry gun for the last 5 years. I’ve shot around 8,000 rounds of 240-260gr bullets at 1,100 to 1,300 fps thru 2 guns. They have been sent to S&W for wear related repairs on several occasions (all at no cost to me). For my purposes, the 329 provides the best compromise of weight to power -- I don’t leave home without one.


A couple of things to consider if you choose the 329.

1. Make sure the ammo you chose doesn’t exhibit “crimp jump”.
2. There have been reports of the internal lock engaging under recoil.
3. Some ignition problems due to short firing pins have been reported.


Everyone is different, but heavy guns just don’t work for me for all day carry.

FWIW,

Paul
 
I carry a 329NG backpacking in black bear country, and a Ruger Alaskan when camping off of vehicles where the extra pound of weight doesn't matter. The Hogue Tamer grips on the Alaskan and the weight of the gun, make it an absolute pussycat to shoot, and the Pachmyer grips on the light NG do a good job as well. Both have 2.5" barrels, and I load Hornady 240gr XTP's. I prefer lighter/ faster bullets with short barrels, because a heavy/slower bullets just doesn't have enough time to get going from a short tube.

I have a .454 Alaskan as well. Here again I load the 240gr Hornady. If you are worried about velocity loss from the short tube, remember that a .454 from a 2.5" barrel has more umph than a .44 from a long barrel, but that is a lot of gun to drag around for hiking/backpacking!
 
And.....I picked the NG over the other 329 models because of the excellent night sights (most bad things happen at night!), and the Pachmayr grips which help tame recoil and are much more compact. Fits nicely in a medium size fanny pack, which is the way I prefer to carry outdoors, because of excellent protection from the elements (dust, dirt, mud, rain). The 4" PD is certainly very light and an attractive choice, but the extra barrel length puts it over the top for backpacking or any reasonable concealment.
 
I wonder if my M&P 340 will need work at 1000 rounds since I shoot magnums in it
 
Paul105 said:
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE 329.

If Tim Sundles (the owner of Buffalo Bore) says don’t do it, then DON’T DO IT! He has pushed the edge of the envelope and knows of what he speaks.

Any handgun is a compromise – regarding the 329:

The .44 magnum isn’t the ideal Grizzly cartridge, but in the hands of the average shooter, most handguns aren’t. It is a weapon that can be carried on your person while leaving your hands free for other activities. It can be carried unobtrusively and virtually unnoticed. It will always be with you no matter what activity you are performing. At contact ranges (unless hunting, an “encounter” will most likely be at contact range) it may just save your life.

The feature (light weight in this case) that makes the 329 so desirable for all day, every day comfortable carry is also the feature that makes it more difficult to load for, shoot comfortably/accurately and leads to increased repair frequency.

“Crimp jump” can be a problem with the 329 --, heavy for caliber bullets (300gr +) worsen this problem (depending upon velocity and nose design). I have loaded and shot 300gr Keiths, and 325gr WLNGCs at 1,050 fps in the 329– these bullets have a longer crimp to nose length (the nose of the bullet is closer to the cylinder face) and (depending on the exact nose design) with minimal bullet movement can impede cylinder cycling. For everyday carry, I have settled on a hard cast 260gr WFNGCs at just under 1,300 fps. The Wide Flat Nose has a shorter crimp to nose length than other designs, which gives an extra margin of safety when it comes to crimp jump tying up the gun.


I live in Montana and the 329 has been my all day, every day carry gun for the last 5 years. I’ve shot around 8,000 rounds of 240-260gr bullets at 1,100 to 1,300 fps thru 2 guns. They have been sent to S&W for wear related repairs on several occasions (all at no cost to me). For my purposes, the 329 provides the best compromise of weight to power -- I don’t leave home without one.


A couple of things to consider if you choose the 329.

1. Make sure the ammo you chose doesn’t exhibit “crimp jump”.
2. There have been reports of the internal lock engaging under recoil.
3. Some ignition problems due to short firing pins have been reported.


Everyone is different, but heavy guns just don’t work for me for all day carry.

FWIW,

Paul
Click to expand...

Maybe the ruger alaskan would be better since wear related problems arent an issue...
 
I think it boils down to what are you going to do with it. If you are gonna carry it alot, and shoot sparingly, easy answer: S&W 329PD. If you are going to shoot it alot, and carry it less, Ruger Alaskan. Your nerves will last alot longer.

Paul 105 has reason to carry his everyday, because of his locale. I carry mine everyday, because of feral hogs, right outside the door. You will have to decide for yourself.

If you need that kind of horsepower, you are going to need it now, not later. If your handcannon is sitting in the house, or inside your truck, its not gonna matter how much you wish you had it in your hands. The animal, beast, bad guy is not going to wait for you to go retrieve your equalizer.
 
Instead of trying to par a couple of ounces off of a handgun, why not jump to a 629 Mountain Gun? Not much more in weight, has a 4" tube, is stainless and will handle most 'sane' .44M loads without bullets jumping crimp on heavy loads.
I have both a Ruger Alaskan and a Mountaing Gun in .44M and if you really want a snub nose .44M, go with the Alaskan. If you want a longer barrel, go with the MG. I have shot a couple of Sc hand guns and they ARE NOT pleasant to shoot, in fact, I would call them down right brutal.
The first thing I would do BEFORE shooting a MG or Backbacker is order the Hogue X frame grips from S&W (the same Hougue's they put on the 500/460 Smiths). They do a great job on felt recoil.
 
I can tell you, carrying a standard duty weapon or off duty weapon for 30+ years can really tell on you. Ounces, not pounds are the ones that get you. This does have something to do with my 12 knee surgeries, and one back surgery.

If there is pound or pounds difference in weight. You just won't carry it. If there is ounces difference, you will. If you do that long enough, the body soon learns to scream about it. Or parts inside you, begin to fail.

I started law enforcement, when it was revolvers and leather. I finished law enforcement when it was tactical tupperware, and nylon. I carried Colt Delta Elites, S&W M-19 snubs, Colt Python snubs, 4" Colt Pythons, 4" S&W M-57, S&W M-469, S&W M-5904, Detonics MC 1, S&W M-1006, and M-1026, Lightweight Colt Commanders, and even a first generation S&W M-629 3", finished up with a Glock M-20, and Glock M-29. Oh, there was a Sig P-229 in there too.

I like 31 ounces of fully loaded.44 magnum, in a Bianchi M-111 Cyclone holster, on a double thickness 1 3/4" STIFF, belt. That, I can tolerate. Its getting to the place, my Colt Delta Elite, or my S&W 1026is too much weight. I could always go to my Glock M-29 10mm. But, when a boar hog wants to put me on the lower end of his food chain, the 329PD, is really comforting.
 
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The wife and I both carry 4" 44 Mags in the field. We started with standard 4" S&W's.

We now carry 4" S&W Mountain Guns.

I have a couple of friends with the 329's.

If I had one I would carry either a handload with a hard cast 240/250gr bullet at around 1100 fps or so. As for factory ammo, I have shot the Federal Cast Core 300gr loads in a 329 and that is what I would carry as a factory ammo for bear protection.

In the 329 the Federal Cast Core kicks less ["hurts" less] that the standard full power 240gr Mag loads.
 
I went thru asking myself similiar questions about the 329 and ended up with another 629 (dash 4) Classic 5" instead. Yep, it's heavy! I shoot 285 WFNGC hardcasts @ 1230 fps and recovery time is pretty quick. The right belt REALLY helps ---- I use wide layered nylon with a hard plastic insert between the layers.

PS Since I now have to think about Griz out here on the prairie in addition to in The Bob Marshall, I've taken to wearing a 4 5/8" Ruger in 44 Special around the farm. it weighs 41 oz. and shoots a 250 grain WFNGC Hardcast @ 1050 fps. Just another option.
 
I’m not trying persuade anyone, just relating my experience.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works best for you in your specific circumstances.

I can put up with the wear related issues, It’s the weight that I have a problem with.

Ruger’s Website lists the Alaskan’s weight as follows:
Alaskan .44 Mag = 45 oz
Alaskan .454 C = 44 oz

On my electronic scale S&W’s weigh (unloaded and Hogue 500s):
629 Mtn Pistol .44 Mag = 39 oz
625 Mtn Pistol .45 Colt = 37 oz
329 PD .44 Mag = 25 oz (empty) 29 oz (loaded w/260WFNGCs)

That is from 3/4Lb to 1 1/4Lb more for the above listed handguns vs. the 329 PD. That is a lot of additional weight to carry all day every day, even more so if you are in mountainous terrain above 5,000 ft. For this old body, it makes a huge difference.

I’ve tried all different kinds of carry – shoulder holsters, cross draw, inside the waist band, dedicated belt/holster rig, wide belts, narrow belts, etc., etc. I can do many of these for limited periods of time – just not all day for multiple days.

I’ve settled on the 329 in a Simply Rugged sourdough pancake carried on a Milt Sparks 1 ½” gunbelt threaded thru my pants loops and positioned over my right kidney – for me this has proven to be the best compromise. For sure, everyone is different and what works for me won’t necessarily work for others.

Here's a picture of one of my 329s and the much used holster:

033.jpg


044.jpg


Here are my three most shot handguns -- all of which have had repairs (6" Freedom Arms .475 Linebaugh, 4 1/4" FA M97 .45 Colt and the 329).

4754544-2.jpg


Threads without pictures just aren't quite as much fun. Too much time on my hands I guess -- it's a rainy wet, miserable day here.

FWIW,

Paul
 
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Paul105 said:
I’m not trying persuade anyone, just relating my experience.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works best for you in your specific circumstances.

I can put up with the wear related issues, It’s the weight that I have a problem with.

Ruger’s Website lists the Alaskan’s weight as follows:
Alaskan .44 Mag = 45 oz
Alaskan .454 C = 44 oz

On my electronic scale S&W’s weigh (unloaded and Hogue 500s):
629 Mtn Pistol .44 Mag = 39 oz
625 Mtn Pistol .45 Colt = 37 oz
329 PD .44 Mag = 25 oz (empty) 29 oz (loaded w/260WFNGCs)

That is from 3/4Lb to 1 1/4Lb more for the above listed handguns vs. the 329 PD. That is a lot of additional weight to carry all day every day, even more so if you are in mountainous terrain above 5,000 ft. For this old body, it makes a huge difference.

I’ve tried all different kinds of carry – shoulder holsters, cross draw, inside the waist band, dedicated belt/holster rig, wide belts, narrow belts, etc., etc. I can do many of these for limited periods of time – just not all day for multiple days.

I’ve settled on the 329 in a Simply Rugged sourdough pancake carried on a Milt Sparks 1 ½” gunbelt threaded thru my pants loops and positioned over my right kidney – for me this has proven to be the best compromise. For sure, everyone is different and what works for me won’t necessarily work for others.

Here's a picture of one of my 329s and the much used holster:



Here are my three most shot handguns -- all of which have had repairs (6" Freedom Arms .475 Linebaugh, 4 1/4" FA M97 .45 Colt and the 329).



Threads without pictures just aren't quite as much fun. Too much time on my hands I guess -- it's a rainy wet, miserable day here.

FWIW,

Paul
Click to expand...

Good composition on the solo 329 pic!

Seriously, I think there are a lot of "what if'ers" who object to the 329pd. Here's a typical set of "what ifs":
  • What if I decide to shoot zillions of armored Grizzly killing loads? (which they never will)
  • What if I need to beat a weasel to death or drive a tent peg? (which they never will)
  • What if I decide to shoot at steel? (which they never will)
  • What if somebody finds out that I'm a total wuss and can't handle the recoil? (which they won't)

:)

You and others have quite eloquently explained the purpose of the 329, but human nature is such that anytime a lot of money is involved, folks will hesitate and ask the dumbest questions.
 
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