629-1 cast bullet question

10Mschwartz · Oct 13, 2018

Hello everyone. I’m new to the forum. I’ve been reading posts on the forums for a while. I recently bought a 629-1 that has been used very lightly. I have a Lyman mold that is supposed to be a 245 gas checked bullet but straight wheel weight alloy throws a 265 grain bullet. It’s powder coated as well. I was wondering if I load the powder charges for what the book says for a 245 gr bullet will that be too hot for an older Smith? I want to use it for plinking and occasional bear repellent in bear country with hot loads. Do you guys think this would be ok? Thanks!

arjay · Oct 13, 2018

For plinking you could start with 44 special data in a 44 magnum case and work your way up.The max charge you are comfortable with could be your bear load

cowboy4evr · Oct 13, 2018

I guess it depends on the age of your load manuals . Current data should be no problem for your gun . The early series 29's/ 629's are not the weak sisters you often hear . Current load data for that bullet (240 grs )is fine . I assume your are talking about the Lyman 429244 mold . You will find that 5-6 grs of faster powder , (Red dot , Bullseye ) etc makes a nice target load . 8.5 grs of Unique is an old favorite mid range load . 19 grs of 2400 powder will do all you need for a max load .
Remember , you can shoot 44 specials in your gun . They are fun to shoot and can do most of what needs doing . Your bullet and 7.5 grs of Unique in a 44 special case is an old favorite for about 900-950 fps . Have fun , Regards, Paul

apollo99 · Oct 13, 2018

If your casting a bullet in a 245 grain mold, and with your lead mixture it comes out to 265 grains, then use load data for a 265 grain bullet. While the extra 20 grains may not be a lot with .44 special data, or mild .44 magnum loads, it may be an over pressure situation in heavy .44 magnum loads. There is a lot of data for 265 grain bullets in .44 mag, I say give them a look before you start reloading.

cowboy4evr · Oct 13, 2018

If your 265 gr bullet had a longer shank ( the part in the case) than the bullet your are currently using , then over pressure could be a problem .
As it is , I would not worry about till you get into the upper max loads . Any of the loads I posted is not max for that bullet , be it 245 grs or 265 grs . I have been casting / reloading for the 44's for many a year . Truthfully I have never worried about weighing my bullets after I cast them . I just used current load data for the weight of the bullet stated by the maker . Remember , heavier bullets usually have more shank in the case , hence the reason for lighter powder loads . Regards, Paul

10Mschwartz · Oct 13, 2018

Thanks guys. The reason I ask is I used this exact bullet in my Blackhawk with a maximum charge of blue dot. When I shot I it had recoil like no other. It has never kicked like that before. I weighed the bullet on a hunch and was really surprised how much heavier it’s actual weight was. I used Lyman’s manuals cast bullet manual. I just don’t want to hurt a Smith they don’t make like that anymore. Thanks again

cowboy4evr · Oct 13, 2018

Blue Dot powder is a " magnum " shotgun powder . I have shot a fair amount of it in 44's and a max charge has quite a kick to it . I don't shoot over 14 grs nowadays . In fact 13.5 grs is more to my liking for everyday use with a 245 gr cast bullet . Increased velocity doesn't always equate to increased accuracy . Regards, Paul

loc n load · Oct 14, 2018

29’s

I have two 29’s that I bought in the 70’s, one has the 8 3/8’s bl and the other a 4” bl.
The Long barrel 29 I shot mettalic sil. with for years . It has thousands of 240 JHP over 20 gr of 2400 through it, I am taking it out this Friday to verify it’s zero for deer season. I have hunted with it for decades.
The four incher has had several thousand rounds through it as well, but these have been the Lyman 429421 over a healthy charge of Unique. I found early on that the slow burning powders in the shorter barrels produce a HUGE muzzle flash, and the Unique not so much.
Your 44 will serve you well, mine have.

629-1 cast bullet question

10Mschwartz

arjay

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