Loading LSWC of 200 grains or less in the .44 Mag

[Recon]

Back in the day all I loaded in my Model 629 was 240 grain LSWCs. These days I've noticed that bullet weights from 165 to 200 are also readily available.

Today I tried some of the 200 grain RNFP with 6.0 grains of Titegroup. A max load would 6.6 grains.

With the elevation screw down as far as it will go these rounds shoot 5" high at 25 yards. Accuracy was great but it would be nice to be able adjust the elevation further down.

Anyone else out there tried any hard cast lead bullets in the lighter weights? If so, what were your results.

 

[Dale53]

Most revolvers with adjustable sights have a limit to their adjustment range. In fact, my Model 29 (8 3/8" barrel) could not be sighted in with standard .44 magnum loads until I had the front sight replaced with the correct height.

My 625's have Red Dot sights on them (Simmons RD's) and they have far more sight adjustment range than the iron sights. That is often very helpful when you want to shoot a "non standard" bullet weight.

With my 625's, I can shoot from 185 gr to 255 gr bullets and still get a good zero with the Red Dot sights. The .44 Magnum has a much wider velocity range than any .45 ACP would have and with iron sights that can be a problem with lighter or heavier bullets. Most of the Smith's have pinned on sights, and if yours is, you can replace the front sight to one you need.

Dale53

 

[Recon]

Dale:

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, my 629-1 doesn't have the pinned front sight. Might have to add a Classic Model one of these days.

Regards...