New to me 629-1, a failed attempt to make room!

[oysterer]

I am trying to make room in the safe, grab my CZ75 compact and off I go to my friendly LGS. Not that the 75 compact frees up that much space but in principle a good idea - so I thought.

Here is what I came home with in a trade filling up 4 times the space. I love Smith 44s more than any other but have neither a stainless nor a long tube. This one is a beauty to me all around. Previously only one box of 44 specials fired through it and the condition fits that story. Near unfired, action super tight, timing the same on all cylinders. Full package, ADS serial meaning 1983, flash chromed hammer/trigger and a particularly nice grip. There was a little nick on the crown which was minor but I did not like it. After a trip to the nail salon she is now wearing a recessed 11 deg target crown. Once I have a load developed I will report back what she can do.

I wonder how the long barrel will influence powder choice and grains...any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[oysterer]

dirty 629-1

75vette always likes dirty pics...I get that and here we go. Before recutting the crown I put her through the paces on some IDPA drills, slowly to be easy on her but it is hard to miss. Plus Bullseye makes her nice and dirty...enjoy!

 

[75Vette]

VERY nice catch!! That's a great looking 44 for sure. I appreciate you thinking about my obsession with dirty gun pics. I gotta ask, what powder were you using? I've gotten mine filthy before but you even got the muzzle and front sight sooty!
As far as different loads for different barrel lengths I don't change it up. Personally I haven't seen noticeable accuracy changes. May be different for you.
It looks like you're already having fun with it and got rid of a bottom feeder too!

Here's my long tube dash 1.



ETA: I just reread and see you're using Bullseye.

 

[Dieseltech56]

A long barrel 629 was my first 44 magnum. Now I have about 10. The first one though, a 629-4 is my favorite.

 

[oysterer]

I have 2 pet loads for my 6.5'' barrels: 200 gr SWC over 8.4 gr HS-6 w cci 350 mag primer which is very clean and super accurate. Also very accurate for me is the same 200 SWC over 5.1 gr Bullseye, cci300 primer. Apparently really dirty after shooting some 40 rounds of it. On the blue guns I never noticed it. Bottom feeder...right, I think the compact plus $229 incl fees was goooood.

 

[Gunaholic]

I've been shooting 240 LRN over 6.0 gr of Red Dot. Very smokey but nicely accurate in my 629-6.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Love the smell of bullseye!
5g from 200-240. Even 215 gr SWC......
I noticed the target crown. Nice work!

Sent from my broken phone

 

[cadmike]

That's a very nice .44 and that long tube should be a very good blaster for sure. My suggestion would be a 240 grain LSWC with 8 to 9 grains of Unique or Universal. Good luck with it!

 

[The Norseman]

44Mag S&W Model 629-1

Congratulations on your new purchase. That
is in really great condition.

My current, go to, plinking 44 Magnum reload is;
240gr Lead Semi Wad Cutter Laser Cast bullet
5.6grs Alliant Red Dot, CCI LP #300 primer
Brass is Winchester, Remington, Federal, Starline.
Crimp is what I call medium roll crimp.
FPS approximately 825.
Bullets tumbled lube with Ben's Liquid Lube,
for Lead free barrel performance.
Primers no where near flat.

My go to Reload is 240gr Hornady XTP
22.5 - 23grs Winchester 296
CCI LP Mag #350 primer
Cases: Win or R-P
Crimp: Medium, is what I think is Medium
FPS: chronographed 22.5grs 1300fps
with 23grs approaching 1400 stout with
revolver in my avatar.

 

[Bobby B.]

I have a near new 629-1 8-3/8. Lately I've been using true blue in 44 spl., 44 mag. And 45 Colt. Love the powder and it is very flexible from mild to hot. Good luck!

 

[HamHands]

I am trying to make room in the safe, grab my CZ75 compact and off I go to my friendly LGS. Not that the 75 compact frees up that much space but in principle a good idea - so I thought.

Here is what I came home with in a trade filling up 4 times the space. I love Smith 44s more than any other but have neither a stainless nor a long tube. This one is a beauty to me all around. Previously only one box of 44 specials fired through it and the condition fits that story. Near unfired, action super tight, timing the same on all cylinders. Full package, ADS serial meaning 1983, flash chromed hammer/trigger and a particularly nice grip. There was a little nick on the crown which was minor but I did not like it. After a trip to the nail salon she is now wearing a recessed 11 deg target crown. Once I have a load developed I will report back what she can do.

I wonder how the long barrel will influence powder choice and grains...any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

My 3" .44 Smiths are my favorite pistols to shoot. But in no way am I giving up my CZ 75 Compact (P-01), ever! It's just too good of a pistol...

 

[rwadley1]

Nice! It's funny how "downsizing" works out sometimes. Here's my "long tube" -1 serial number AFL. It's not in the condition yours is, but I was my grandfathers and that makes it special.

Maybe I'll get around taking some better photos, someday.

 

[M29since14]

Whatever barrel length it is, my "full charge" .44 Magnum load is the same. 19.0 of #2400 with any cast bullet I happen to choose from 250 to 275 grains. ALWAYS shoots very well in any S&W I've tried it in. (Bullets sized 0.432"+)

You can throw another grain in, maybe two, but why bother? If you need more power go get your .300 Weatherby.

Almost any powder will do for a target load. I've never found one to be a lot better than another. W231 is my fall back position.

Great looking 629-1! Let us know how your crown job worked out. 100-yards should tell the tale. Congrats on your new .44!