.44 Magnum

[shomstead]

After two months of researching this I finally decided to put my money on the table and I am picking up a .44 Magnum S&W 629 with a 4inch barrell.
I will be using this gun for a hunting back-up and for a general hiking gun.

I want to load this thing for bear and I will also load for plinking.
Any recommendations on loads for large critter protection and
what is a good plinking load. Any issues plinking with a 44 special load?

[Fjold]

Large critters- 300 grain bonded core Sierra with enough W296 to make your wrist hurt.

Plink away with the 44 special loads.

[Beelzy]

I don't think the Sierra 300 gr bullets will fit in the cylinder on the 29. One
I had wouldn't.

I would suggest the Barnes 300 gr, bullet they work with H110 or W296 if
memory serves. Great stuff.

If you wish to plink, I would use 44mag cases and load them down with some
lead 240grainers. No sense dealing with special and magnum brass and having
to adjust the dies for change-overs.

The 44mag is one of the easiest and most forgiving calibers I have reloaded.

Enjoy!

[EOD3]

After you've fired .44 special, you may have to clean the chambers before you load/shoot .44 magnum.

Depending on location, you might be able to use the same ammo for plinking and protection. A medium load behind a good quality heavyish bullet from say Hornady or Speer is more than enough for a black bear.

[Snapping Twig]

For specials, I use a magnum case and load a 240g SWC Lyman#429421 over 7g W231/HP38 for @ 900fps. Easy shooting and hard hitting.

Magnums are 265g GCSWC Lyman#429244 over 22g W296/H110for @ 1200fps. These hit HARD and penetrate, the large metplat transmits a great deal of shock - great hunting load. Not too harsh on recoil.

[SnWnMe]

My 44 Special loads
200 gr lead bullet over 13.7 gr of AA#9 for 900+ fps out of a 3" M24

240 gr lead bullet over 12.7 gr of AA#9 for 800+ fps out of the same three incher.

44 Mag load
240 gr lead bullet over 21.5 grains of AA#9 for 1,450 to 1,500 fps out of my 6.5" M29.


Disclaimer: These loads (especially the 44 specials) were developed by me using my guns while watching for overpressure signs. They are safe in MY guns. YMMV

[Fjold]

I don't think the Sierra 300 gr bullets will fit in the cylinder on the 29. One I had wouldn't.

Good point. I know they work in the Rugers but the S&Ws do have shorter cylinders.