I've read some of the similar threads, but I'm curious for people's opinion based on some specific loads.

I am shooting 158gr lswc with 14.5gr 2400 and 240gr lswc with 19gr of 2400. Neither of these are max loads, but they are definitely real magnums. I am using the Redding Dual ring dies, and I don't think I am overcrimping or overexpanding the case mouths. And I am using Starline brass.

So, given these conditions, am I going to be "beating up" my 627 and 629 excessively, or can I continue with these loads? They are warm, but below max loads or factory ammo specs, and certainly accurate and fun to shoot. Also, now that a local range has opened, I'm probably going to be shooting about 800 rounds a month or so through these guns, so in a year they could potentially (if I don't shoot anything else, which I probably will) see five thousand or more. Should I get a spare of my favorite revolver???

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NRA Benefactor Member

You're definitely going to beat up your wallet.

I shot magnum loads only for years in my Model 28. The flame cutting was rather severe before it became self limiting and the blue is worn off in the cylinder flutes. I still shoot limited amounts of magnums in it, but mostly shoot midrange because it spits badly now and needs a rebuild.

I never found my Model 29 enjoyable enough to shoot tons of full bore loads.

The more magnums you shoot, the sooner it will need rebuild. Midrange loads should last literally ten's of thousands of rounds before rebuild.

Shoot 'em. They are not gonna beat up your guns any more than standard factory ammo. Besides, if you can afford to shoot 800 rounds outta each gun every month, I doubt that the cost of the guns is much of a burden. Besides, if you bought the guns new, the lifetime warranty will take care of any issues you might have.

Doc, I mean no disrespect, but I do not understand your concern. First of all, IF they wear out, you will always be able to buy another one at that time. And when that time comes, if it ever does, your then favorite gun may be something else entirely.

So my advice is to shoot your fine guns as much as you like with whatever loads you enjoy, and put the worries about the future to rest. (That will be $175, please. And, I'm sorry, but I do not accept insurance.)

I would expect my arthritic old hands and wrists to wear out under a steady diet of warm loads before my gun did. Fail-safe!

Don't worry.

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David Wilson

Good to hear. I was very happy with some 10 and 15 yard targets (although my mental concentration gave out sooner than the 240gr lswc with Unique 10gr). So I feel really good controlling such a powerful load.

Although time=money, I am happy with my reloading time. And shooting those loads for less than the people shooting wolf 9mm next to me is a bonus.

Who am I kidding, I will probably move on to the 460 and 500 S&W anyway. Hope my wrists hold out!

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NRA Benefactor Member

I don't see a problem since you are using 158 gr LSWC in your 27. If you were using 125 gr rounds driving them over 1500 fps then I would limit them.
Lets us know how they would.
Regards,
Howard

One of the most interesting posts I read on this site was a genious method to avoid flame cutting, simply wedge a small piece of single edge razor blade into the area that is usually flame cut. I have not found a reason to try it as shooting magnum loads does not appeal to me but it certainly made sense.

Shoot'em - yes get spares - I like to have a pair and a spare of my favorite model - enjoy them, that's why we buy'em

I would not worry at all with your stated loadings in your 629. The N frame is very strong and will handle these loadings with ease. The 357mag loadings should also be fine.

Who am I kidding, I will probably move on to the 460 and 500 S&W anyway. Hope my wrists hold out!

Recoil is cumulative. I shot a lot of hot 41's back many years ago. My wrists like 38s and .22 these days.

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Eccentric old coot

Also, I know that fast DA shooting will wear out an N frame faster because of the increased cylinder weight. I'm no Miculek, so no fears in that dept.

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NRA Benefactor Member

what is flame cutting anyways? I've never come across that term before, what does the flash from the powder your using burn the forcing cone?

and when it comes to magnum loads well theres a reason why all of my revolvers have pachmayr gripper grips on them, save for the 49 and the sentinel since they probably take and absorb more of the magnum shock than my hands do.

although I would imagine thats more the opposite with wood.

Burning through the top strap in a line over the cylinder gap. Searching on the 329PD or 357 Maximum specifically should bring up photos.

ah so that's what the proper term is for that, thanks for the info.

I've been shooting and hunting with one particular Mod 29 for over 35 years. I've used powder charges very similar to what you use with 240/250 grain cast bullets. No flame cutting or looseness has occurred nor has the gun ever required tune-up service or any kind factory attention. My hunting/shooting 29's are without any kind of performance enhancement parts.

My experience has been more with other peoples guns and ammo usage. It seems much attention is given to using bullets in the 300 grain area and people seem to want to load them up to 1400fps in a 6.5" gun. Those and many long barreled silhouette 29's have been the "shoot loose" victims I've commonly seen.

As for your 27.... It is a tougher cookie than the 29. The bullets are lighter, the pressures generated are lower and the gun is the perfect size to handle almost any reasonable diet of 357 loads. I've seen many 27/28's that have had over 10k rounds through them without any significant wear shown.

And don't hesitate to move up to a 500 at some point. I switched to one about three years ago to use as my primary hunting gun... It is all the good things actual owners claim it to be.....

JMHO

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Terry

Same here Iggy. Buttloasds of them! Shot my 57 loose from a couple cases of the old 210 gr. Remington and copious rounds of my hot handloads. I only shoot them for practice for hunting these days.

I have a 586 thats well past 20k rounds of light-medium .38's, plus some .357's and still going strong. Also have that model 57 that needed some factory work from shooting it loose and damaging the forcing cone. Since the rebuild I shoot only cast bullets with 7.0-7.5 grains of Unique through it for practice. Old recipe that works and doesn't cause wear on the old .41. When deer season approaches I shoot a few boxes of full powered loads to get back in the game.

Here's my cut. If you carry the round for hunting practice with the full load. If not take the grains down a few notches and enjoy shooting them S&W's for a long time.

They're your guns. Do what you want with them but be prepared to pay the piper with a steady diet of full loads, especially with the .44. They ain't much fun to shoot anyhow.

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V/R
Roger / SG

Well, I finally had a chance to chronograph some new loads, and I am very pleased with the 20.2gr of 2400 with the 240gr LSWC. It was going around 1240 from a 4" barrel.

I guess I will shoot these until the gun or my wrist gives out. Although the 44 Specials with 180gr RNFP bullets and the starting charge of Trail Boss were super soft and very accurate. Great having a gun that can cover all that difference in bullet weight and power.

Maybe I should get a spare? If it is the Performance Center V-Comp with the funky barrel, will that effect S&W ever having to repair it for me? Are those non-standard parts, which they will run out of once they discontinue the model? I really enjoy using the V-Comp, especially with the powerful loads.

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NRA Benefactor Member