Model 29 -44 caliber - What type of load do you shoot?

[Parson Colt]

When I carry a 44 in town for defense, it is stoked with Gold Dot 200 44 special loads. At the ranch, I use handloads. Mostly, it's a 240/255 swc ( the 255 is a true Keith type) at just under 1000 fps. The only time I use my magnum handload (240 jhp or the 255 Keith swc over 24.0 H110) is when I hunt. I have three 44 magnums that have never seen a magnum case.

 

[vipermd]

I like 250 gr XTP's. They are very accurate out of my S&W 629 4". I get them loaded by a friend who is a commercial reloader and have not found a DEER that likes them.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

For practice and competition, Rainer 200 gr truncated cone plated bullets in Starline magnum cases with 6.5 grains of W231. Feels like a good, solid 44 Special.

For defense, Hornady 180 grain 44 Special XTP.

For serious use, Fiocchi 240 grain SJSP 44 Magnums. This is powerful stuff.

 

[Andy Taylor]

I use a varity of .44 special loads. I rarely use magnums in a handgun. I will load magnums into one of my M29's If I am going hiking or camping in areas with dangerouns animals. I do however find magnums quite useful in a carbine.

 

[Wesprt]

For "social work" I tend to keep my 4'' 29 stoked with 200 grain Gold Dot SB. I only use a couple other loads and one other bullet.

6.5 grains of Bullseye under a 255 Keith with a good stiff roll crimp and WLPP gets me a bit over a 1000 FPS that is scary accurate and clean burning. This is my hunting and woods load

20-21 grains of 2400 under a 255 Keith with a WLPP gets me a bit over 1200 FPS with good accuracy and punch. Like shooting this load at bowling pins and long range.

I try to shoot 50-75 rounds a week

 

[bones37]

I also reload and I use the specials exclusively in my 29-2 4". I personally have no need for the magnums, as I mostly punch paper, however I find myself loading 180gr JHPs over 6.3grs of Bullseye lately. This load produces roughly 850fps +/- depending on barrel length, plus it is pleasant to shoot. Thanks.

 

[DGNY]

My favorite in Ruger SBH 7.5" was handloaded 215 gr 429215 GC @ .4305 or so in Mag case over 8.5 Old Unique with enough dry rolled oats [yes!] to meet seated and moderately crimped bullet base, lighted by CCI standard LP primer. My source of these bullets dried up, regrettably.

Safe in my revolvers and accurate ~ scant 1.5 " @ 25 yds, benched, iron sights. YMMV...

Never handloaded much for my Smiths 44s

Regards,

Dyson