How many of you guys hunt deer with a S&W?

[MS Hitman]

Hard (read brittle) bullets usually are not as much a problem on deer sized game, because deer are just not that tough.  I would go with something more ductile.  As a test, take one of the bullets and set it nose up on some concrete.  Hit the bullet on the nose with a hammer.  If it shatters, reserve these for shooting paper.  Water dropped bullets cast from wheelweights have worked well for me.

[winman]

To date I have only used my 8 3/8 model 29 for handgun deer hunting.  I would love to plug one with my SSA in .45 Colt but I don't shoot it nearly as well as the Smith, so I usually find the Smith in the holster while afield.  Sights and trigger pull (grip?) are probably the difference.  I'm much more familiar with Smiths.  Been shooting them all my life.  They just feel right in my hands.i

[Raging480]

I use a 686, a 657, and a 28 that is converted to a .45lc.  All are 6" versions, and all are loaded with heavy hard cast bullets.

[madbadger]

I've taken deer with:

Mdl 25-5 .45
Mdl 57 .41 Mag
Mdl 58 .41 Mag

My plans are to unlimber a 1905 Model, 4th change in .455 Eley warhorse for our extra doe tags this year.  Won't be using the original style bullet however.  

MadBadger

[tecrsq]

I have hunted with N frame 29 / 629 guns for years,The most recent being a 6.5 inch 629.

The loads were mostly "heavy" premium factory loads.

I just got a Freedom Arms Model 83 in 454 cal. and I feel the S&W will now take a back seat for awhile.

Nothing wrong with the S&W but the Model 83 is just that good!

[jcchsms]

I am glad to say I just joined the club.
Bought a 629 classic DX in .44 mag for $425.
Will use factory bullets at first.

My choice was influenced quite a bit by this board and the S&W forum.

[Mongoose]

I hunt deer with the following S&W's:

S&W 686, 357 mag 8 3/8" barrel, w/180 gr Winchester Partition Gold
S&W 629 Mountain Gun, 44 Mag 4" barrel, w/250 gr Winchester Partition Gold
S&W 629 Classic, 44 Mag 8 3/8" barrel, w/250 gr Winchester Partition Gold

David

[jro45]

I haven't but I will this year. S&W 500 shooting the 270gr bullets, barnes.

[Catfish Mike]

I have been using a S&W 686 half/ lug with a 5" bbl.This year I am going to use a 500 S&W 8 3/8" bbl.

[kbak303]

I figured i'd ask here...forgive a rookie please

I'd like to try teh S&W with my 625 45 ACP 5". (injury keeps me from bowhunting)

the stand i'd do it with has shots out ot 45 yards, what type of load would you do, bullet weight wise?

realize i should go bigger caliber, but the shoulder won't take that.  shoots gangbusters with 235 grainers so i thought i'd ask the congregation

thanks

Ken B

[MS Hitman]

I have gotten 30" of penetration through soaked newsprint with a 255 SWC using 45 AR brass and 7 grains of Unique.  This load is close to a 45 Colt and should be more than enough providing you keep your shots reasonable.

[Lawful Larry]

I use a 629-5 with a a 2x Leupold scope.  My hunting rounds are 240 gr XTP with 23 grs of WC820.  She got two deer last season!  

She will be in the woods this year too.   :wink:

[John C-S]

In .44 Mag. The Dirty Harry gun. It was the first handgun I shot in 1974. It shot like a rifle to 100 yds. Beyond if I had the chance to try it. Open sights. I was absolutely impressed as a Sophomore in high school. That was the same day the man let me shoot a .300 WBY Custom Deluxe from Japan. Both are engraved in my memory. I now have a .300 WBY Magnum from Atascadero. With a Zeiss Conquest scope. This rifle is amazing and I feel if I had to choose one rifle it would be my WBY Custom Deluxe. MK V. But we are talking handgun here. The S/W in .44 Mag 6 1/2" was an original entree. To this date I have not seen one. I got a Ruger 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk to fill the void back in the 70s. It fulfilled my dreams. But if you can find an original 6 1/2 SW in 29 I absolutely doubt any other handgun is worthy or historically the equal. Today we have CNC and more powerful offerings at the cost of hand worksmanship or power to seduce the younger crowd. So, find that D/A 6 1/2 SW and be in bliss. Or the 8 3/8". I have shot the longer original as well they are hard to find these days when every handgun company is trying so hard to convince the new generation that they need more power or CNC machining to shadow the originals.

[The Pistoleer]

I use a mod.29 with a 8 3/8 bbl.  I prefer the 200 gr. XTP bullet to the 240 gr. which I think is more bullet than you need for Whitetails.