44 Dilemma

[ydennekb]

I've got a Model 29 on the way and it seems I've developed some pain in my elbow that seems very much like tendinitis. So now I'm thinking I should've bought a little heavier gun like the 629 Classic in 5" and I may end up trading for one if possible. For those that have shot both, is there a big difference in recoil characteristics?

For the record, I do not currently reload 44 magnum (or any pistol calibers) but had planned on it once I shot enough magnums to collect a decent batch of brass.

I really prefer the blued guns and have never been particularly recoil sensitive, but this elbow pain is pretty strong and I'd rather have a stainless gun I can shoot rather than a beautiful blued gun that I can't.

Thoughts?

 

[Topsarge]

I've got a 6.5" 629 and it is a pleasure to shoot with 44 sp. ammo. I've only fired about 40 rounds through it (non magnum) and I think the full lug with the extra weight really helps with recoil. It's very accurate too. I remember years ago when I had 29s, that they kicked more.

 

[67tempest]

Cortisone is your friend.

 

[patrickd]

I have arthritis in my wrist and had to downsize from my .44mag to a .357, Getting old just sucks.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

If in fact it is tendinitis, i.e. tennis elbow, this is due to over use of one group of muscles and tendons. This is usually the flexors which one uses to grip.
An old blacksmith cure for this condition is to use a strong rubber band on the outside of your fingers and thumb and then open or extend the fingers and thumb. Do this multiple times per day with the strongest rubber band you can use and the problem should go away in about 3 to 4 weeks. I know doctors will tell you steroids and bands around the arm
but these usually do not cure the problem.
The rubber band method cured mine and several of my blacksmith friends. Plus it is cheap.

 

[ridgewalker]

Do yourself a favor and just buy some brass. Starline is what I've used and it works fine. Then you can load mild loads for target practice and have lots of fun without the pain of shooting full power loads.

 

[sc1911cwp]

Do yourself a favor and just buy some brass. Starline is what I've used and it works fine. Then you can load mild loads for target practice and have lots of fun without the pain of shooting full power loads.

This is a good idea. Start small and get used to it and work up. No need to load Hot.

 

[cowboy4evr]

It's a straight wall case , easy to reload . Get some brass, " once fired " magnum or new from starline. Get some large pistol primers and a bottle of a fast burning powder and some 240gr cast bullets . I will tell you that 5.0 grs of Alliant Bullseye or Red Dot makes a real nice target load that is very accurate , shoots about like a 45acp .
I have 3 44's , 2 with 4" barrels and one 6.5" . None have the full lug .
So yes , I enjoy the 44s , from "mild to wild " . Start low and work up as your problem goes away . I would not buy " special " brass . The loads I have posted work well in full magnum cases . Good Luck , Have fun

 

[muddocktor]

I used to have a 6" 29-3 back in the 80's and presently own a 6 1/2" 629-3 Classic. My younger brother has a no dash 629 with regular 6" barrel also nowadays and I've shot both in the same session with the same ammo and yes, the full lug barrel does tame the recoil a bit as compared to the regular half lug barrel.

And I will also say for you to just buy some cases from Starline and start reloading. That way you can control the power of your loads from mild to wild and the Hy Tek coated cast bullets sold by companies such as Bayou Bullets and Missouri Bullet Co have totally eliminated any leading problems with cast bullets for me. I've presently been loading a midrange load of 240 grain SWC coated bullets with 11.0 grains of Hodgdon Longshot and they are accurate and are moderate in recoil compared to a full power 44 Mag. And I've loaded the same bullets with 6.6 grains of Win 231 powder and that is a very mild and enjoyable round to shoot in the range of 44 Special velocities. That is my 44 bunny fart loads. And the cost of reloading (once you have your equipment) is quite a bit lower than buying factory stuff.

 

[ydennekb]

Good gouge guys, thanks for the tips!

 

[75Vette]

I love it!!!
"bunny fart loads" !!!
Don't get rid of a nice 29 if you don't have to. As others mentioned, either scoop up brass from Starline or buy 44spl if you don't have the reloading equipment set up yet. Specials are fun loads thrown out of an N frame.

 

[twodog max]

If it is tendonitis it is easy to treat. Go to any good pharmacy and look for the section that has braces and such. There are very specific devices to treat this exact ailment. Inexpensive and very effective. Had the same thing several years ago and it took care of it quickly. No more problems.
No charge!

 

[ydennekb]

I tried the rubber band thing earlier and it's already helping! I also went to Academy and bought the Hornady 44 Mag 3 die set and ordered a shell plate and 100 Starline cases. Gun will be here next week so I've got time to hit the books looking for loads but that brings to mind another question; can I load 44 Special loads in magnum brass? I've never loaded for pistol so this will be a learning experience.

 

[muddocktor]

Yes, you can load down the 44 Mag to 44 Special levels very easily. My bunny fart load I listed above for example, it chronos out of my 629 at between 800-850 ft/sec and the recoil in an N frame revolver, whether a regular half lug barrel of a normal 29 or 629 or the full lug barrel of the Classic is very low and easily tolerated.

 

[jaymoore]

My tendonitis wasn't aggravated by recoil so much as just getting into an aggressive stance developed from years of "run and gun" shooting. Years later, I can still feel it if I overdo.

 

[ydennekb]

I think you're onto something because when I "punch out" is when it really hurts the worst.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I tried the rubber band thing earlier and it's already helping! I also went to Academy and bought the Hornady 44 Mag 3 die set and ordered a shell plate and 100 Starline cases. Gun will be here next week so I've got time to hit the books looking for loads but that brings to mind another question; can I load 44 Special loads in magnum brass? I've never loaded for pistol so this will be a learning experience.

Pistol overall is easier than rifle from my experience.
I would be say be careful about 44spl loads into 44mag brass. depending on your powder/bullet/primer combo. I try to stick to 50% or greater case fill.
Ive had some weird hangfires dropping down low from my 460SW experience.
load up 10 or so for an experimental batch.

I havent cracked open my 44 dies yet.

 

[4barrel]

I tried the rubber band thing earlier and it's already helping! I also went to Academy and bought the Hornady 44 Mag 3 die set and ordered a shell plate and 100 Starline cases. Gun will be here next week so I've got time to hit the books looking for loads but that brings to mind another question; can I load 44 Special loads in magnum brass? I've never loaded for pistol so this will be a learning experience.

This part is a reload thing. With 44 mag brass and Unique powder and standard primers--Unique is a flake powder and easy to see the charge. You can make the bullet go any speed in the book and keep it simple. When you load hot mark the primer red. Every time you change powder weight mark the primer a different color. A flat base lead bullet should group better. I love 44 mags. Other than the bullets you can reload for $7 per hundred. Brass lasts a very long time. The 44 requires a good roll crimp and powder coated bullets keeps the lead from building up and easy to clean. A good nylon brush and a soft cloth will clean in a short while.

 

[stu1ritter]

Being a 75 year old physical wreck from being a mechanic for 30 years and suffering all the wrist, elbow and shoulder problems we accumulate, I just love shooting my .44 using magnum brass loaded to max 44 Special or 44 Special +P loads. The recoil is just a big push instead of a pain inducing whack. If I didn't hand load I would have sold the gun long ago.

Stu

 

[TAROMAN]

I had the same issue. Too much shooting 7TCU creedmoor style.
A tennis elbow (tendonitis) strap fixed it. Instant relief.