Range report on my 629-6

[.460 Magnum]

It sounds like you need to fine tune your load. Try loading a dozen each at half a grain increments. I'm loading 8.5 gr CFE-P with a 240 gr Summers Hi-Tek coated LSWC. The Hodgdon loading chart actually shows the start load at 9.9 gr. but I found that charge works for me accurately in my guns.
Also, what diameter are your bullets?

I went under the Hodgdon website and they had listed a max charge of 6.5 gr of Clays for a lead 200 gr flat point. So I used 6 gr of Clays.

 

[Pig Hunter]

Check your cylinder throats. Use pin gauges if you have access, if not see if your bullets drop through. A slightly softer bullet that is a couple thousands larger than your throats should help. Also if the throats are smaller than the bore diameter yo won't get top notch accuracy. Measure all of them as you may have one tighter or looser. You might also try a heavier bullet, 240's are what it was made to shoot with and even at target velocities it may help. The cylinder gap has more to do with velocity. If the face of the cylinder is square with the barrel it isn't an issue.

 

[dla]

I like Clays for a "fun" powder, cause the fluffy green flakes make it harder to double-charge in that big case. But I don't think of Clays as a super accurate powder.
I think you would better served with a mid-range powder. And, as others mentioned, a little heavier - a 250gr Keith would be great.
I shoot a lot of Clays-powered 240gr "Keith" from Missouri Bullet Company @930fps (4") and am happy (plinking loads).

 

[RoyM52]

It sounds like you need to fine tune your load. Try loading a dozen each at half a grain increments. I'm loading 8.5 gr CFE-P with a 240 gr Summers Hi-Tek coated LSWC. The Hodgdon loading chart actually shows the start load at 9.9 gr. but I found that charge works for me accurately in my guns.
Also, what diameter are your bullets?

I agree with revisiting the loading. I however would do it with 2400 and get some jacketed 240 grain and go to what it has been for many, an accurate pairing. {the 240 grain bullets will do away with all the differences in a 200 gr poured possible} Work up a load with 1/2 grain differences to actually test the load with one powder that is tried and true in a 44 mag, and with a bullet size that is known to stabilize with the twist rate of the factory 44 mag. {I like Unique for a 44 mag too, but would suggest working with just one powder to test the load and the gun}

I use a single sage press and weight every load {trim cases so the crimp is as close to identical as possible} Take as many variables out of the mix as you are able. {when I weigh , many times I don't do 1/2 grain differences , but instead do 2 tenths between loads to really dial it} {I also like two cylinders full at each loading , once I get close}

 

[shocker]

What's the tried and true 44 accuracy load? 240 gr bullet and 22 grains of IMR 4227, or now H4227, with a full crimp.

 

[RoyM52]

I've never used 4227 for a load with 44 mag. I've been very pleased with 2400 , unique and have had good luck with H110/296 {H110/296 is not a good powder if loading light}

When testing a gun, you first need to find what it likes. Hard to test a gun without first doing the load work-up for the gun in hand.

Of the greatest importance in this particular case is the variable of the cast bullet being used. Great things can be done with cast bullets, However, unless a person has been loading for a particular cal {slugged the barrel etc} and dialed in a good accurate load with the exact cast bullet, to test a gun, it is IMO best to rule out that variable and buy a 240 jacketed for the testing. After the gun is found to be acceptable, then introduce other variables and see how it does. {i suggest the 240 weight because it is and acceptable test size known to stabilize in the 44}

 

[andyo5]

Something I found that has helped me is by making my own targets.


I do the same thing. My target is about 6" in diameter, though.

 

[cowboy4evr]

460 Magnum , let me offer you an " easy " fix when shooting off a bench . Don't rest the gun on the bench , or a built up rest . Only let your forearms rest on the bench , keeping the gun clear of the bench . I bet your accuracy will improve . I read that little tip yrs ago and found it true for my shooting . As far as using a heavier bullet ? Some shooters use a 185gr and have great accuracy so I would stick with your bullet and your load of Clays powder . I truly don't believe that's the problem. Regards, Paul

 

[RoyM52]

[ 4th picture is of my brother's target he shot 5 shots off the bench at 15 yards with his 8.38" 460 S&W open sights. 4 out of the 5 shots are touching as you can see. Is the group that much worse on a 6.5" barrel than a 8.38"? Maybe it is just me, but I think the 629 groups should be tighter. Thoughts?[/QUOTE]


The reason that I believe the load needs some work is the last two targets fired by your brother. If shooting style was to blame, then the fourth target fired by your brother with a 460 would not look the way it does. {Your brother must have good form,{and a good load} must be either the gun or the load and I would start with the load}

 

[.460 Magnum]

[ 4th picture is of my brother's target he shot 5 shots off the bench at 15 yards with his 8.38" 460 S&W open sights. 4 out of the 5 shots are touching as you can see. Is the group that much worse on a 6.5" barrel than a 8.38"? Maybe it is just me, but I think the 629 groups should be tighter. Thoughts?

The reason that I believe the load needs some work is the last two targets fired by your brother. If shooting style was to blame, then the fourth target fired by your brother with a 460 would not look the way it does. {Your brother must have good form,{and a good load} must be either the gun or the load and I would start with the load}[/QUOTE]
I own a .460 S&W 8.38" barrel also. That that gun shoots tighter groups than this 629 with a 6.5" barrel. Maybe it is my loads, idk. I am using 200 gr lead flat point bullets, .430. I will try a different grain amount with the clays powder and my bullets. He is shooting the both the guns the same way I am, resting them both off the bench. He just shoots right handed, and I shoot left handed. I have to load up another 50 rounds and do more shooting. I will post back if I find something out.