44 loads in 2 1/2" 629

[crsides]

I just picked up a 629 no dash that went to MagnaPort for bbl shortened to 2 1/2", K frame RB grip, ported, action job, rounded hammer. I know the change in blast and recoil going from a 6 1/2" 29 to a 4". I do not anticipate shooting full mag loads in this thing.

I am thinking a 240 - 250 gr SWC at 1100 fps, or maybe a jacketed hollow point load. I have some 180gr Hornady Hollowpoints and some 240gr HP jacketed, as well as the cast SWC mentioned above. I have unique and 2400 on hand.

So, what do you guys shoot in your sawed off 44 mags?

Charlie

 

[RussellD]

5.0 grains of WST and 200 grain wadcutter. Just like shooting a k frame with .38 wadcutters.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

17.0gr/2400 & a 240/250gr LSWC will get you the speed you mentioned. The HDY 180gr XTP & 10.0gr/Unique should be pretty close as well & the lighter bullet will have less felt recoil.

.

 

[Engineer1911]

240 gr LSWC with 10 grains of Unique. You wrist will thank you. According to Lyman #48 Manual with cast bullet #429421 (245 grain) MAX load is 13.0 to approach with caution .

Short barreled 44 mags can be right sporty.

 

[ironhead7544]

With a 3 inch 44 Special and Elmer's load I got 985 fps, as chronoed by me.

845 fps with the Skeeter load in the same S&W revolver.

 

[Mule88]

9 or 10 gns of Universal behind a 200-210 jacketed hollow point works great in my 2 1/2"

 

[max]

A cast bullet and 7.0 of Unique is a favorite of mine.

 

[yfdcap]

I just took my new 329 NG out and chronoed some of my 9.5 of unique with 240 grain smashers(missouri bullet). They were going 1100-1150 through it. Backing down to 9.0 puts them at 1050-1100 and a little better to shoot in a 2.5 barrel.

 

[crsides]

Thanks for the info guys. I make load up some this weekend.

Charlie

 

[noylj]

Any powder from Unique to 2400.
Could load very light with TrailBoss...

 

[Biggfoot44]

Back in the day I used Blue Dot with 240 swc for close to 1100 fps. If I were to undertake a similar quest today , I'd probably start with AA#9 . For reference R-P 240jhp factory loads gave mid 1100's . ( Don't recall vels of Federal 180jhp offhand.)

Depends on your goals/ requirements , but a 240 at closer to 1000fps is more controlable, and less punishing to the ears if ever have to fire the occasional round w/o ear protection.

If I were to undertake a modern quest for all around reasonably potent , kinda controlable for such a pistol, I would try either 200gr Gold Dot or 210gr scallop jacket with Unique or Power Pistol , and work up to the level of blast and muzzle flip that suited you and gave good accuraccy.

And yes , I sent my 2.75 to be Magna Ported.

 

[fredj338]

With max loads of unique vs 2400, you'll get close to 2400 with less blast & flash. A 250gr LSWC @ 1100fps is possible, but you'll have to use the 2400 IMO. You'll also lose some vel to the porting.

 

[Harkrader]

0.04 grains 231, 40-grain bullet.

 

[old 1911 fan]

I have a S&W PC 629 Carry Comp 3" that I always carry in bear country. For that it's loaded with 240g JSPs. Work up a load with that combination and you will be ready for bear. For fun and town 240g lead with Unique at about 1000fps is a pleasant load. If you are after bear stay away from hollow points. You want penetration. I've taken one with the 240g JSP and it worked but did not exit. I've taken two with Sierra's 300g JSP. Much better performance and penetration. I don't recommend the 300g for small revolvers. I save that for my 14" TC Contender.

 

[fredj338]

My 44mags never see jacketed bullets. All cast lead, all day long. If I want expanding, I cast a soft cup point. The same bullet cast hard, 270gr, offers a disruptive flat point that will give complete penetration driven above 1000fps. I've shot 300gr in my 3", but it isn't fun, even at a sedate 1000fps.

 

[357 Terms]

For defense against two legged creatures I load a Barnes 225grn XPB and 20grns of VVn110.
For plinking I use Xtremes 240grn fp and 10 grns of Universal.

Both are easy on the hands while still delivering magnum-like performance.

The fireball out of my Alaskan gets alot of attention at the range

 

[NE450No2]

Anytime someone asks for a 44 Mag load with reduced recoil. I recommend the following:

With Magnum brass and around a 240 gr lead bullet start with 7.5gr of Unique and work up toward 10 grains.

Check for pressure, accuracy, and recoil on the way up.

Pick the load that suits you and your 44 Mag the best.

For a factory self defense load I would try some of the upper end 44 Special loads, and the lower recoil 44 Mag self defense loads, and again pick the recoil level that you like.

I would be sure and try the Speer 200gr Short barreled load, the Cor-Bon 165gr mag load, and the Barnes VorTex loads, and Buffalo Bores 44 Special and 44Mag loads designed for Personal Defense.

My thoughts are, any load that equals or betters a 185 to 230gr 45 ACP self defense load is good to go in a big bore short barreled revolver.

 

[MJFlores]

If you want to try plated bullets...I've been loading a lot of 240 grain Berry's flat point over 8 grains of HP38. It's a mild load, and quite accurate in my 4" 629. The gun cleans up like a dream afterwards, and the brass comes out of the cylinder nearly new looking...almost no cleaning required for the brass. I estimate it between 1000 and 1100 fps.

 

[jibjab]

If you have Blue Dot it would be worth a try. It does well for me in short barrel 44spl with jacketed bullets. I would guess it might do very well in a short barreled mag. with jacketed bullets.

 

[CWH44300]

Sounds like a very cool gun. Your in fine shape, unique and 2400 are the classic powders for the 44 and the best IMO. You've got plenty of good advice already, so I'll just list my favorites. Standard primer, 240-250 gr swc on top of 9gr unique or 19gr 2400 and a good heavy crimp. These 2 loads have worked great for years and will probably go around 850 and 1100fps out of your gun. Have fun and post a photo, would love to see it (all though I'd have a hard time chopping up a no dash)