Looking to shoot a 44 Magnum

[scruffy]

If your not reloading, I've found recoil for .44 magnum (I own a 629-6 4" and 629-6 Classic Deluxe 6.5") to be very ammo manufacturer dependent. Shooting Magtech .44 magnum 240 gr FMJ is a completely different experience recoil wise than shooting WWB Winchester .44 magnum 240 gr JSP. The Magtechs are relatively mild, easy to shoot a box and the Winchesters hurt after a 5-10 rounds.

 

[rwsmith]

The last time out with my 686.....

...I didn't enjoy the full magnums as much as I used to. I used to enjoy getting the **** knocked out of me, but lately, not so much. I haven't shot a .44 mag in a good while.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

If you lived near me,I would be glad to let you shoot mine I have. 4 or five of them in my safe.

 

[Marksman]

Shooting a .44 Magnum............

I've been shooting a .44 Magnum for nearly 50 years, since you reload you may want to try the load that I most often shoot, it is 7.5gr. of Unique with a 200gr. RNFP Cowboy bullet. A mild load it is very pleasant to shoot, if you want a little more power you can step it up to 9.0gr. of Unique. I've shot it in S&W's of all kinds, my current .44 Magnum is a M/629 no dash 4" that has been Magna-ported.

 

[Teep]

A big THANK YOU to Richard (Nightowl) for bring his gun out to the range and letting me shoot it. Also Richard, tell Jim it was great meeting him. Now I need to decide which model I need.

 

[Sevens]

I love it when a plan comes together!

 

[CajunBass]

Glad you got to shoot one. Grips also make a big difference as you probably know. The Altamont factory grips on my Model 29-10 look great, but even with 44 Special loads, hurt. They're too narrow for my taste, so I swapped them out for a set of Hogue's. They're not pretty, but they work.

I also stick pretty much to 44 Special loads. I fired a cylinder full of factory 44 mag ammo when I got this gun and that was enough. The rest of the box is still on the shelf.

 

[AveragEd]

Full-house .44 Magnum loads in a revolver will definitely get your attention and the muzzle flash, especially at an indoor range, is hard to miss. But I own several S&W 629s and with the right handloads, they are very comfortable for my 77-year-old arthritic hands and wrists. The revolver I primarily use for target shooting is a six-inch 629-1 in which I load 240-grain Missouri cast semi-wadcutters over 10.0 grains of SR4756.

Don't give up on your thoughts of getting a .44 - they are fun, even enjoyable, to shoot with humane loads.

Ed

 

[Nightowl]

Believe me, Teep has no trouble shooting full factory .44 Magnum loads! He shot my 629-5 7 1/2 inch HunterPlus with full loads like it was a .38 Special with target loads!

We had a great time and of course, lunch!

 

[Teep]

I've made my decision. I would really like a 629 Stealth Hunter but the price is just to high. Therefore, I have decided to go with a BFR in .44 Magnum with a 7-1/2" barrel. This will be a hunting revolver so the extra weight should not be an issue and will help with recoil of heavy loads. Thanks everyone for you input.

 

[center_shot]

Great choice. I'm sure you will enjoy that BFR. I recently picked up a 629-6 Classic 6.5" - I put a red dot sight on it and shooting tennis ball sized groups at 50 yards off a rest is very common. Love the 44mag.

 

[boykinlp]

I've made my decision. I would really like a 629 Stealth Hunter but the price is just to high. Therefore, I have decided to go with a BFR in .44 Magnum with a 7-1/2" barrel. This will be a hunting revolver so the extra weight should not be an issue and will help with recoil of heavy loads. Thanks everyone for you input.

I look forward to seeing pictures of your new .44 magnum when you get it!
Larry

 

[Teep]

I look forward to seeing pictures of your new .44 magnum when you get it!
Larry

My new BFR:

 

[Law-dog]

Excellent choice. You will have no reason to down load that gun, to 357 level loads which you already have so great for you. In no time you will be hitting paper plates at 100 yards with full power loads, exactly what the 44 mag is about. Post some pictures. I suggest starting with 10 in paper plates at 25 yards and moving back as the groups settle in.

One suggestion, being 76 and having SLAC (collapsed) wrists. Any leather gloves will let you shoot longer. I like the weight lifting gloves from Walmart with the finger cut out. They just let you shoot longer with full power loads. We have nothing to prove, just improving rounds on target.

 

[Bruceboy]

I'm considering purchasing either a 629 Classic or PC Hunter. I haven't shot a 44 Magnum since my early teens (pushing 80 now). I would like to have the opportunity to shoot one to see how the recoil feels (only have a 686 now). If there is anyone in the central Missouri area that would allow me to shoot theirs I would really appreciate and gladly pay for ammunition and time.

If you miss a turn and wind up in Canada ( Ontario ), give me a call and I'd be happy to let you shoot the .44 of your choice.
PS. I'm 80 in the fall as well.

Al.

 

[Shibadog]

Are you a reloader? If so a 44mag can be loaded down to a very manageable level. Shooting 50 rounds of 240gr LSWC ammo @ 1000 fps is a lot of fun. 50 rounds of hot reloads or factory rounds - not so much.

This. Full power mags aren't fun to shoot. Very powerful and capable but ya don't want to take a couple boxes to the range. Specials/light mag loads however can be enjoyable to shoot and still pack a decent punch.

 

[Roofuss]

Magnum Research BFR is an excellent choice.
I have a 7.5 in. in 357 mag, great shooter !
Looking at possibly another in 44 mag, like I need another gun, lol !!

 

[series guy]

I have been shooting .44 Magnum for many years. I reload so my rounds are nowhere near magnum loads but I like to shoot a lot and not beat up myself or my guns. I'm not much for the magnum, special, or cowboy labels I just load what works and enjoy the heck out of shooting. As others have said I wish I was closer as you could shoot my guns and ammo anytime. If you don't belong to a local club consider finding one and joining. At our club there are opportunities to shoot most any gun from .22lr to .500 S&W Magnum.

 

[gwpercle]

Pushing 80 and you want to shoot a 44 Magnum now ...

That is Awesome ... Just Awesome !!!

Big bore revolvers help keep you young at heart ...

You Keep On Keepin On
Gary

 

[Teep]

I took my first deer ever with the BFR, 50 yards and she went about 10. I used a 240 gr. XTP over 23 gr. of H110.