Need Help with 629 Mountain Gun Load

[R. Walter]

Originally posted by myanof:

Originally posted by MTAustin:
I'd also recommend 10 grains of Unique behind a 250 grain cast. It's my 'medium' load for my 4" 629.

You might also try 17 grains of 2400. Its still somewhat of a magnum load, but nowhere near 20-21 grains (max Keith load).

I have shot 21gr of 2400 for years in my SBH, but in the mountain gun it is not very pretty. I need to start backing down till I quit saying ouch every time I pull the trigger.

Backing down can make a lot of sense.

For general purpose shooting the 240 - 250 gr LSWC type bullets are economical and deadly efficient with the mid-range Unique loads in the 8 - 10 grain range.

If you truly are concerned with black bear, the 300 gr bullets should not be dropped just because you're having trouble shooting hot loads with them. They certainly have an edge over the 240 gr bullets. I would start practicing with a lighter load and work the loads up gradually.

 

[myanof]

Originally posted by R. Walter:

Originally posted by myanof:

Originally posted by MTAustin:
I'd also recommend 10 grains of Unique behind a 250 grain cast. It's my 'medium' load for my 4" 629.

You might also try 17 grains of 2400. Its still somewhat of a magnum load, but nowhere near 20-21 grains (max Keith load).

I have shot 21gr of 2400 for years in my SBH, but in the mountain gun it is not very pretty. I need to start backing down till I quit saying ouch every time I pull the trigger.

Backing down can make a lot of sense.

For general purpose shooting the 240 - 250 gr LSWC type bullets are economical and deadly efficient with the mid-range Unique loads in the 8 - 10 grain range.

If you truly are concerned with black bear, the 300 gr bullets should not be dropped just because you're having trouble shooting hot loads with them. They certainly have an edge over the 240 gr bullets. I would start practicing with a lighter load and work the loads up gradually.

Running into a Black Bear in Colorado, although rare, while fly fishing in the back woods, was the primary reason I bought my MG. I have hunted with a SBH for many rears, but it was just too big to hide and carry while fishing. I think I need to go to a hard cast bullet and back down from my max load of 296 just a little. With a Speer bonded FP 300gr. over a max load of 296 I can shoot four quick double action on target, but when I shoot number five and six I have a pretty good shake. I don't think the skaking hand will get any better when there is a bear in front of me. As soon as I find some WLPs I'll start working on the load.

 

[David Sinko]

You do not need 1100 FPS with a 250 gr. bullet to have an effective load against bear. Even 900 will get the job done, provided you're using a flat nosed bullet that is hard enough to penetrate. Of course shot placement is what's important. My last revolver purchase is a 629-2 Mountain Gun (actually, it's called a Mountain Lion) and I can attest to the fact that the recoil is violent and painful. Use whatever powder charge you can effectively with a hard cast 250 gr. SWC.

As for your issues with double action control, do not fall for the myth that you need to wrap your finger around the trigger and use the crease to pull. The most effective DA shooting is done with the pad of the trigger finger. I install grooved triggers in all my revolvers so I have proper feel and the finger does not slip. If you really like that X Frame grip (I have never tried one so I can't comment) give it another shot with a grooved trigger and it might just work out for you.

Dave Sinko

 

[myanof]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. As far as the folks who have recommended a 250gr HC you are probably on track. I communicated with Wayne Bosowicz of Foggy Mountain Outfitters the other day. I emailed him because I read Wayne carries a MG while guiding for bear hunts. He told me he carries a 41 Mag MG with a 210gr SP factory load and he has killed a ton of blackies. That load travels at 1300 fps from a 4in S&W. If his 210 gr 41 works, I'm sure a 250gr will be just fine.

 

[myanof]

Originally posted by David Sinko:
You do not need 1100 FPS with a 250 gr. bullet to have an effective load against bear. Even 900 will get the job done, provided you're using a flat nosed bullet that is hard enough to penetrate. Of course shot placement is what's important. My last revolver purchase is a 629-2 Mountain Gun (actually, it's called a Mountain Lion) and I can attest to the fact that the recoil is violent and painful. Use whatever powder charge you can effectively with a hard cast 250 gr. SWC.

As for your issues with double action control, do not fall for the myth that you need to wrap your finger around the trigger and use the crease to pull. The most effective DA shooting is done with the pad of the trigger finger. I install grooved triggers in all my revolvers so I have proper feel and the finger does not slip. If you really like that X Frame grip (I have never tried one so I can't comment) give it another shot with a grooved trigger and it might just work out for you.

Dave Sinko

Good idea about the X Frame grips and grooved trigger. 90% of my shooting with the MG is single action anyway. I just want the ability to shoot DA while a bear is in the process of tearing my other arm off.