44 loads in 2 1/2" 629

[tops]

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.

Great minds think alike. I checked my 1917 with 230 gr. military ball and the speed was 790 FPS. My 3 in. .44M, 240. gr. SWC and 9 grs. Unique is 940 FPS. That exceeds the .45 and I can shoot 6 times just as fast. Larry

 

[aurora40]

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.

Just FYI, American Eagle 240gr does 1170fps from the 2 1/2" 629pc. It is a pretty full power magnum load. You may want to aim lower for your target velocity.

Fwiw, I'm looking for about that velocity with a 200gr Nosler over 12.5 grains of 800x from an Alaskan, but I haven't had a chance to chronograph it yet.

 

[crsides]

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)

I know. I am not the culprit who chopped it up, but I do appreciate the job they did.

Charlie

 

[crsides]

Just FYI, American Eagle 240gr does 1170fps from the 2 1/2" 629pc. It is a pretty full power magnum load. You may want to aim lower for your target velocity.

Fwiw, I'm looking for about that velocity with a 200gr Nosler over 12.5 grains of 800x from an Alaskan, but I haven't had a chance to chronograph it yet.

800X. Got a couple cans around here somewhere. I will put it on my list. thanks

Charlie

 

[aurora40]

800X. Got a couple cans around here somewhere. I will put it on my list. thanks

Oh, well if you have it, it produced 1304fps average from my 8.3" 629 with 12.5 grains. 11.0 grains was 1129fps, and 14.0 grains was 1424fps. About 13.5+ started to feel snappy. Not full house but not that far off. The 12.5 grains would never be mistaken for a Special load, but it was fairly mild.

I'm guessing that it'll drop ~200fps from a 2 1/2", but I don't have a lot of reason for thinking that. Factory ammo I've tested has been about 200-350fps slower with those barrel lengths.

I don't know that 800x is ideal for this or anything, it's just what I was able to find.

 

[crsides]

Loaded up 9.0 gr of Unique with a 250 GC bullet and stepped out the door of my daughter's house and let fly. All I need in a SD load in the 2 1/2" 629. I am a happy camper.

Charlie

 

[Simmer down]

I have a Ruger Alaskan for outrageous loads that would disassemble my M29. For those I use 240s ang H-110, in the 21-23g range. It's like throwing lightening bolts without a glove.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Regardless of barrel length, 2.5", 4", or 6" I shoot 240 grain LSWC's over 9.0 grains of Unique...or, 240 grain LSWC's and 240 Hornady XTP's over 19.5 grains of 2400.