Loading a 300 gr for a SW 29 revolver
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A lot depends on gun vintage, load, perceived need and number of rounds that will be shot. Reasonable people say a definite no to use in older guns. Some will say yes to limited, maybe moderate use of listed loads in current guns. I've done the latter in a 6" 629-6 with no appearant problems. Long term, continuous use will beat the stuffing out of all them - don't know where the cut off is. I guess the question to ask yourself "are they really needed?". The 44 mag does a lot of work with standard loads.
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FWIW,
Paul
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FWIW,
Paul
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Autonomous
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Do a bit of research to determine if your gun has the endurance package which was phased in over several models. The number after the hyphen, 29-* will guide your inquiry.
Note that even with the full endurance package, the S&W N frame is not up to a steady diet of full power, heavy .44 Mag loads.
Note that even with the full endurance package, the S&W N frame is not up to a steady diet of full power, heavy .44 Mag loads.
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BigMuddy
Member
The “bullet” no problem. The load behind it, “possibly”.
Dan
Dan
SGT ROCK 11B
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David Sinko
Member
There's nothing wrong with a 300 gr. solid at a moderate velocity. Elmer Keith tried this back in the day with the .45 Colt and black powder and said that even though the velocity was low (probably just over 800 FPS) it performed very well in the field. I got my last whitetail with a 300 gr. plated FP at reduced velocity. I had loaded it light for my 629 Mountain Lion but shot the deer with a carbine instead. Complete penetration broadside and the deer dropped in its tracks. A 300 gr. bullet does not have to be a HP driven to a high velocity to expand.
gwpercle
Member
The Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading , 8th edition
Handgun section - 44 Rem. Mag. - Test handgun - Ruger Redhawk
300 gr. Hornady HP-XTP bullet with loading data with 10 different powders with velocities from 1000 fps to 1200 fps .
I am sure the newer model 29's could handle these tested loads ...How old is your model 29 ... determine age and go from there .
I might stay below Maximum but I'm cautious when it comes to loading .
I have found my best loads are usually just below the maximum loads ... I shoot for accuracy rather than Max Velocity .
Gary
Handgun section - 44 Rem. Mag. - Test handgun - Ruger Redhawk
300 gr. Hornady HP-XTP bullet with loading data with 10 different powders with velocities from 1000 fps to 1200 fps .
I am sure the newer model 29's could handle these tested loads ...How old is your model 29 ... determine age and go from there .
I might stay below Maximum but I'm cautious when it comes to loading .
I have found my best loads are usually just below the maximum loads ... I shoot for accuracy rather than Max Velocity .
Gary
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If memory serves, Smith recommends sticking to 240 grain and lower for pre endurance package guns. The heavy silhouette loads were causing the cylinder to unlock and rotate. The endurance package addressed this, but hot 300’s are still “rough” on Smiths. I save my 300 grain handloads for my Henry. The Smiths get 240’s.
Doug M.
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Hot 300s would be ill-advised. A 300 grain bullet in a moderate velocity load is likely fine.
rockquarry
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Is there some advantage to a 300 grain bullet over a 250-260 grain bullet in the .44 Magnum? I'm curious as I've never tried anything heavier than a 260- grain Lyman #429244 design. Seems it would have more than adequate penetration and accuracy for a max load without the heavier recoil of a 300 grain bullet.
venomballistics
Member
I've run cast 310 WFN quite a bit.
I got good accuracy out of it and without that, not much else matters. so I keep it for that reason.
in terminal matters, you've certainly paid attention in class.
the 300 and 310 is probably better suited for use in a carbine of some flavor. a revolver is better off with something a bit lighter.
After much study, I've settled into a weight range of 200 - 225 for most things. bullets above that are special collection.
Heavier bullets retain more energy further down range, so the 300 grain 44 Magnum loads are more likely to knock down steel targets at 200 yards than the lighter bullets. These loads revealed the weaknesses in the S&W Model 29, whereas Ruger Redhawks and Dan Wesson 44's withstood the beating from these loads.
I would not use full power loads with bullets weighing more than 250 grains in a pre-Endurance Package S&W Model 29 or 629. Reducing the powder charge will lessen the beating the revolver takes.
AJ
US Veteran
Why use that in a S&W? If you want to beat up the gun and yourself get a Ruger. A friend once told me.....Why beat up a Cadillac, when you can do the same with a Chevy?
Alk8944
US Veteran
People are continually asking questions like OPs. Bullet weight is not a factor that causes strain on any part of a revolver, it is the pressure of the load, and that is the responsibility of the person who loads the ammunition. Any weight bullet can be fired in any firearm as long as the loaded cartridge fits and functions in the gun.
Pressure is not an issue for either the frame or barrel of a revolver! The part that is critical is the cylinder! If the cylinder is nor damaged by a load then the gun will be fine.
Pressure is not an issue for either the frame or barrel of a revolver! The part that is critical is the cylinder! If the cylinder is nor damaged by a load then the gun will be fine.
I’ve used the 300 gr Missouri Coated Lead Bullet called The Hammer. Listed as WFN which I guess means wide flat nose. Loaded with 18gr 296/H110 I got around 1200-1300 fps out of a 8 3/8 and 10” Model 29’s. I had no problems, but it is not recreational to shoot. Got good accuracy at 50 yards but wound up using a Redhawk with 7 1/2” Barrel to hog hunt using the same load. I do think long term use of this load in a Model 29 would bring on problems with the gun. Felt recoil was less with the Ruger but still not pleasant to shoot. Loaded down to 700-800fps would be much better for the gun and shooter.
AJ
US Veteran
Heavy loads is what I was trying to say in my statement. 90% of what I shot in my 29 was a what most would call a .44 Special loading. I reserved the hot/heavy loads for my Ruger Super Blackhawk. Cadillac vs Chevy.
jaguargolf
Member
There was a company that loaded 300 gr as a grizzly protection round for use in 629 Mountain Guns and 329 PD's. I had some, gave 1/2 a box to my buddy the gunsmith, we both had 329"s, never had to shoot a grizzly but the rounds never hurt the gun or my hand. It put out quite a bit of smoke.
