629-3 Hunting Loads

S

stephen b

New member
I'm getting ready to use my S&W 629-3 w/ 8 3/8" barrel for large game hunting. I like to shoot a lot of my hunting loads to make sure that I'm hitting the mark when I get out into the field. I am told that my 629-3 does not do well with a steady diet of full house loads. What would be a good hunting load for this pistol that I can shoot a lot of.
Thanks.

stephen
 
Define large game: Moose, Elk, deer?
Also how many is lots? A box? 100's? 1000?
You should be able to shoot at least a couple hundred loads similar to Federal's castcore load, 300 grain @ ~1250 fps, with no problem.

For deer I would probably use Win 210 silvertips, for Elk I would probably use Federal's 300 grain castcore (a hardcast LBT-LFN). For bigger than Elk I would use Garrett's 44 loads http://www.garrettcartridges.com/default.asp
 
I'll agree with the above post. The 629 stands up best to 240gr loads, and I don't think it was designed to handle full house 300gr loads. 300gr loads put a lot of stress on the frame of the 629, and things can start to loosen up after a few hundred rounds. However, you can still feel comfortable in shooting a few rounds of 300gr loads through your 629 w/o any problems, as long as you don't over do it. If you find you must shoot a lot of heavy loads, then I recommend going with a stronger revolver, like the Super Redhawk.
 
Thanks everyone,
I plan on shooting 100's of rounds of hunting ammo, getting ready for deer and boar. 240 gr. hp's sound rignt. How about Win. 231 or 296? I've used some Accruate #5 with good results but all have been pretty light loads. 240gr.


stephen b.
 
stephen b.

I sold my M-29-3 a couple years ago. I shot the little gun 8 years using mostly the L-429421 and 20 grs. of 2400. This load clocked 1201 fps from it's 4" barrel. I shot thousands of these loads. I'm told these are built to withstand full loads better than the earlier 29's. Be than as it may, but this sixgun was still shooting well when I sold it even though it was in need of a rebuild.

If you're planning to use the 240 JHP our standard load is 24 grs. of H-110 and a WLP.
 
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