S&W question .....

[BrianM]

I read a previous post where a guy wanted to get a S&W 5" 629 for a hunting revolver . He stated that a S&W rep told him to keep the bullet weight under 280 grains . Why would the rep recommend that ? The reason that I am asking is that I have a Performance Center 629 and I was thinking of trying some 280 grain WFN bullets in it . I just don't want to have any problems or break something .

[Grumulkin]

You won't break anything by using 280 grain bullets.  It could be that the twist rate is such that it won't stabilize heavier bullets well which would cause poor accuracy.

[corbanzo]

It really all depends on the purpose or type of hunting one would be doing.  When range and accuracy are important, than smaller bullets can at times, depending on the set up, give better trajectory and accuracy.  The gun itself should have no problems with different types/sizes of bullets, and if it does, then its a pos.

[Mikey]

BrianM:  I don't know why a S&W rep would say something like that.  All newer S&W 44 magnums, especially the 629s, were upgraded to shoot heavy loads about 10 years or so ago.  The only problem they had with the heavy loads was for folks who shot 300+ gn slugs over heavy charges on a regular basis and sometimes the heavy recoil would allow the cylinders would come unlocked.  That problem was fixed.  

Also, please understand that most factory literature, and reps, do not advocate the use of reloads as they cannot control the quality or safety of those loads and that constitutes a liability for them.  

My older M29 uses 295-300 gn swcs.  That is all I shoot in them.  My revolver is fine, it is my wrist that takes the beating.  You will not have any problem with heavy reloads if you reload safely.  You can also purchase some very heavy hitters for those revolvers and they are safe in your 629.  HTH.  Mikey.

[NYH1]

BrianM, I'm the one that the S&W rep told not to use bullets that weigh more then 280 gr. in their 629 Classic. The reason I asked that question was because I'd hear people say that the S&W 629's are not quite as strong as the Ruger Redhawks and Super Redhawks. If you want to use heavy loads on a regular basis then you might want to consider getting a Ruger. I don't know what is considered heavy loads for the 44 mag. and I don't want to get a Ruger so I called S&W to see what they recommend.

I don't think I'll have any problems at all sticking with loads 280 gr. or lighter. I'm going to use mine for deer hunting and maybe black bear and wild boar hunting. I'm also going to get the 629 Classic with the 6 1/2 inch barrel instead of the 5 inch barrel. I held one the other day and really like it. The more you guys talk about this kind of stuff the more I learn so keep talking!  :-D  :grin:  

[corbanzo]

Being "not quite as strong" isn't a big deal when comparing a gun to a super redhawk, those rugers can take a serious bashing.  If you want a gun to go full house on all day long, then get a ruger.  If you are just looking something to put some big lead through, a smith does just fine.  I have a M29 .44mag also, which I usually used 300grn and it does just fine.

[corbanzo]

double post

[tatonka]

I hunt local deer with a 629 DX Smith & Wesson with 240 gr bullets. Once took a cow elk with a 240 gr hard cast bullet through the lungs at 50 yards. She ran about 125 yards and crashed. I have fired 300 hard cast bullets for some time in my Smith and it is still tight. Good shooting!

[Lawful Larry]

I have a 629 Classic S&W 6 1/2" and I shoot heavy hunting loads in it.  I shoot 270 gr. Gold Dot FP jacketed bullets.  I used and tried all the others and was happy till I needed a better penetrating bullet.  I found it in the Gold Dot bullet.  I use it exclusively now for all hunting;  for deer, bear, and hogs. 

I will not pass on my loads to you, because that is something you need to work up.