Smith 544

[dsf]

I just picked up a Smith 544 and am getting ready to put together a few reloads. I plan on keeping things on the relatively mild side however I don't know if Smith used a .427 diameter bore or a .429 as in their 44 Special, 44 Magnum. And, if they did use a .427 does it matter?

I see that .427 diameter lead isn't that hard to find so if that's the bore diameter I'm fine. On the other hand, if it's .429 - I've got buckets of that diameter available to use. And if it doesn't make any difference, putting a .429 down a .427 barrel that would be good to know.

Any info appreciated, any advice on what works best

 

[murphydog]

I seem to recall these have .429" bores, as it would have been an extra expense to make them uniquely .427" and all the .44 Specials/Magnums being made. Slugging the bore would confirm this?

Mild loads would be best, as a noted S & W employee of the era noted that these were not heat-treated in the same fashion as model 29s. Enjoy!

 

[Freischütz]

Just measure the bore and chamber throats. Then you'll know what size bullet to use.

 

[dsf]

Just measure the bore and chamber throats. Then you'll know what size bullet to use.

Did that with my handy dandy hi tech calipers - getting a weak .429 for the chamber throats and .427 on the dot for bore diameter. I suppose that's not as good as slugging, was hoping for confirmation one way or the other. I tend to think Smith wouldn't have gone through the effort for about 2,000 commemoratives.

 

[Nightowl]

Back when all, well, almost all revolver bullets were lead, it was common to recommend a .002 inch larger than bore diameter bullets. I don't see that much anymore. A .429 throat and .427 bore would be about perfect, if the chamber is built for that size bullet.

Sounds like a good time to experiment and give us some range reports!
I have one that's never been shot and I can't bring myself to shoot it. Would like to have a shooter as I really like the 5 inch 29s. Enjoy that one!

 

[willy]

Colt SAA 44/40 and 44 special barrels both measure .427

 

[dsf]

Colt SAA 44/40 and 44 special barrels both measure .427

Hmm, you're right. Just measured my 3rd Gen Colt in 44 Special and it comes out to .427. Interesting to learn. I shoot mostly .429 or .430 lead through my Colt. Should be fine out of the Smith 544 I guess.

 

[cowboy4evr]

You need the " groove " measurement , not the " bore " . The bore is the smaller of the 2 . Unless the terminology is just incorrect and you actually got the larger measurement . Good luck with the 544 , I have considered that one several times , but haven't got one . Regards, Paul

 

[dsf]

You need the " groove " measurement , not the " bore " . The bore is the smaller of the 2 . Unless the terminology is just incorrect and you actually got the larger measurement . Good luck with the 544 , I have considered that one several times , but haven't got one . Regards, Paul

I thought it was "lands and grooves" that together made up the bore, but I definitely got the groove.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I've shot .429 bullets in my TX M 544 and some .427 reloads.
Did try one box of 44-40 factory loads.
Mine were better in all respects....

 

[cowboy4evr]

Lands and grooves is correct . The " lands " give you the bore measurement , the smaller measurement . The grooves give you the " groove " measurement . It's the larger of the 2 .
Sounds like you have it handled , good luck , Regards, Paul

 

[BlackAgnes]

Guys-- S&Ws have five lands and grooves--impossible to measure without special calipers.

 

[Nightowl]

You guys sent me to the basement to measure the cylinder throats of my 544. There were .426 consistently, + or -.0005 as close as I can measure with digital calipers. My old 29-2 runs .432.

I'm not sure how that would affect accuracy. My guess is that if I needed .429 bullets for the barrel, I should open the throats to .429 for best accuracy.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Yes, the cylinder throats have to be at least the same as the groove diameter of the barrel . If shooting cast then slightly oversize . It is not impossible to measure the groove diameter of a 5 lands and groove barrel . You measurement might be a tad less , but close enough . You need a number as a reference for the cylinder throats and cast bullet size .
I use pin gauges to ck throat size and for the purpose to slide it down the barrel . If it stops before exiting the barrel at the forcing cone , you have a tight spot where the barrel threads onto the frame caused when they indexed the front sight to the rear sight and over tightened the barrel for alignment . Your cast bullets should be 1-2 thousandths oversize so that will make up for any minor size difference in measuring the groove diameter of the barrel . I use lead slugs , driven just into the muzzle enough to get it embossed from the grooves .
You can buy a softbound book for about $15 from Veral Smith @ LBT Molds . He explains all you need to know shooting cast in handguns and rifles . It's titled , " Jacketed Performance with Cast Bullets " , a worthy investment . Regards, Paul