How well does the S&W Model 69 digest .44 Magnum loads?

[Davwingman]

I have been shooting my Model 69 for a couple weeks now, mostly with 44 special level loads loaded in Mag brass. Accuracy is coming around as I learn to shoot the gun. I really do not like the grip & have ordered a S&W 500 grip for it. Guess we will see how durable it is in the coming months. I reckon it will outlast me !!

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

I have been shooting my Model 69 for a couple weeks now, mostly with 44 special level loads loaded in Mag brass. Accuracy is coming around as I learn to shoot the gun. I really do not like the grip & have ordered a S&W 500 grip for it. Guess we will see how durable it is in the coming months. I reckon it will outlast me !!

I robbed the grip off of my 500 MAG yesterday to throw on my 69 and it feels a lot better. Hope to get to the range one evening this week to try it out. I have been loading weeny loads for mine as well. 240gr Extreme plated over 5.5gr Win 231-can shoot this all day.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

old11bravo,sorry we have somewhat hijacked your thread but hopefully you are gaining some useful info from it.

 

[S&WForty]

The 500 grip does wonders for recoil management. My 69 is no longer "punishing."

 

[Dan Christopher]

Only time will tell. My hunch is, and it's only a hunch...that the five shot 44 Magnum 'L' Frame will over time prove to be a stronger platform than the six shot 'N' Frame.

Here's my thought process:

1) The 5 shot L frame cylinder is beefier proportionately when you compare the amount of steel between the charge holes.

2) On the L frame, the lock up point is between the charge holes...as opposed to being underneath the charge holes on the N frame 29/629s.

I believe the Model 69 will prove to be a stronger gun, but as I said before, only time will tell.

 

[Dave Lively]

If you are looking for light loads don't overlook cowboy action loads in 44 magnum. These are usually light .44 special rounds loaded in a magnum case so there are no issues with fouling building up just past the rim of a .44 special case making it difficult to insert the longer magnum rounds later on. If you ever decide to reload you have .44 magnum cases to work with too.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

If you are looking for light loads don't overlook cowboy action loads in 44 magnum. These are usually light .44 special rounds loaded in a magnum case so there are no issues with fouling building up just past the rim of a .44 special case making it difficult to insert the longer magnum rounds later on.

Are the bullets jacketed or un-jacketed? I think all or most of the "cowboy action" cartridges I've seen (in any caliber) are lead. I don't want to shoot any un-jacketed bullets in any of my guns.

 

[Dave Lively]

Are the bullets jacketed or un-jacketed? I think all or most of the "cowboy action" cartridges I've seen (in any caliber) are lead. I don't want to shoot any un-jacketed bullets in any of my guns.

Lead, I am pretty sure that is required.

I have never had a problem with leading at the 750 - 800 fps velocities cowboy loads are loaded at but understand your concern. Another downside is they are typically very smoky. Not sure if that is a deliberate attempt to make them look more like black powder or just a coincidence. They can leave your gun sootier than normal but if you clean your gun after shooting it the fouling cleans up just as easily as other loads.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

Lead, I am pretty sure that is required.

Thanks for that info.