It was my understanding that the "200 gr Max Bullet Weight" etched on the barrel underlug was due to possible bullet-pull under recoil for the heavier bullets. Is this correct?

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

You are correct. Same goes for the 396

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213th FBINA

Brian Pearce said in Handloader Magazine #293 that S&W stopped adding that warning because they found that properly loaded 44 Spcl. ammo, no matter what the bullet weight was, didn't have that problem after all.

My 396NG does not have that warning.

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Waiting for the break of day

I have a 396 and a 296 and I think the bullet weight limit was as much for your hand as it was for bullet jump.

Same goes for my 2 325s.

If you shoot any of the big bore alloy guns with wood stocks and no gloves you are a true masochist. I got some big mitt that have lived a life of labor and a 230gr 45 acp in an 325 with wood grips give me more painful sting than I want.

This! I had some nice Ahrends cocobolo combats on my 325NG. They lasted one range trip. It’s got the factory Pachmyers on it again. Even 200 grain SWC’s were unpleasant.

Same with the 329
Don’t know what Smith was thinking when they shipped em with Ahrends.

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213th FBINA

Lost River Ammunition Co. loads a 185gr hardcast full wadcutter in a .44 Russian case and it is the first commercial round I have found that I am confident I can manage the recoil well enough to make a good quick follow up shot from my 296. About 750 fps from that platform.

I can stand shooting some of the commercial 200gr JHP stuff like the Gold Dots, but getting back on target quickly is out of the question for me.

I will not carry my own handloads.

As others mentioned, the 200gr limit was removed during the short production run. I have used 240 swc and xtp without difficulties in handloads. Factory 240 was ok, too.

It can definitely smack you around as it is a lightweight revolver, and the scandium/titanium can handle more than powder puff loads. Reloading allows one to find a balance that may not be available with factory loads.

Reloads are what I carry most of the time, but I use the 296 mostly when in the outdoors, not around town. There are some good factory 44 special rounds if one either does not reload or simply feels best to stick with factory loads for carry. May be hard to find all the time, though. Some factory options I liked are no longer made…

I don't think comparing factory 44 Special loads to factory 45ACP loads is a fair one.

SAAMI 44 Special max pressure is only 15.5k psi.

SAAMI 45ACP max pressure is 21k psi while 45ACP (+P) is 23k psi.

That makes a big difference in energy when comparing the same bullet weights.

The .44 bullets have cannelures/crimp grooves which aid in holding the bullet in place.

45ACP bullets, like other auto bullets, don't have them & rely on case-bullet tension only to avoid jump crimp.

Hot loads in lightweight 45ACP revolvers will definitely jump crimp.

I do have some hot handloads for my 396NG but I stick to lightweight bullets (180 or 200gr) in them.

LOL, there's not many revolvers I can handle, recoil-wise, nowadays with wood grips. My hands aren't tuff enough anymore.

Wood grips are just for show.

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Waiting for the break of day

Ive had both a M696, and a 396 Nightguard, and now shoot a 4" M69. From an accuracy standpoint, they all like 180-200gr bullets at around 800-900 fps.

The Nightguard really liked the 200gr Blaser Gold Dot and it is easy to get quick followup shots with. Between my brother and I we have about 1200 rounds of the stuff laying around. It's great for carry ammo and very reasonably priced when you can find it.

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Captain Dave Funk

Did you try any heavier bullets?

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213th FBINA

Yes; 240gr Gr XTP at 1000 fps, you know you touched off a lot of power with that load.

For the M69, I am shooting the heavier 260-280gr bullets at 950-1000fps. Incredible penetration with quick followup shots.

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Captain Dave Funk