Smith Model 69 in .44 Magnum

More info that might be of interest.

I measured the throats on my 2 M69s with plug gauges. On both, the .429 is a go, the .430 is a no go – say .4295”.

Also measured the barrel/cylinder gap -- .004” feeler gauge go, .006” no go. Both guns were the same.

Haven’t tried any bullets lighter than 240gr. Have shot 240s at 750 fps thru 325gr BTB LWNGC at 1,180 fps (load straight from Hodgdon manual.

I’ve pretty much settled on three loads, two for everything but every day carry. Everyday carry 260gr LBT WFNGC at 1,220 fps. The other two:

429244 Thompson Gas Check at 265grs (Garners Cache bullet)
seated deep in .44 mag cases and crimped over front drive band - overall length of 1.572” (basically .44 spcl OAL)
17.5gr A2400
WLPs
Chronoed at 1,140 fps

240gr Laser Cast SWCBB
seated deep in .44 mag cases and crimped over front drive band - overall length of 1.502”
6.5gr HP38
WLPs
Chronoed at 880 fps

Both loads will do 1 1/2”or better rested at 25 yds w/the Thompson Gas Check showing a bit better accy which is about as good as I can do.

For Reference, 21.2gr A2400 w/250gr Keith (Lyman 429421), standard mag seat and crimped in the crimp groove, chronos 1,250 fps at 5 paces and 83 deg F from the same 4 ¼” M69.

I shot this from a rest at 25 yards with factory open sights and rear sight bottomed out. Point of aim was large center diamond for all loads. Was trying to get some indication of different Points of Impact with various loads. Only shot two of each to minimize effect of recoil on the shooter (me).

The 250gr Keith load was 17.5gr (not 17.0) A2400.

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Paul
 
Good info, Paul. My throats measure 0.4290"-0.4295". The groove dia. is 0.4295" as close as I can measure the lead slug. I sized a batch of 429215 gc's to 0.430", today, WW+1% unquenched, lubed with swirl 45-45-10, then standard 50-50 alox/beeswax. These shot well with 8.3 gr of Unique and Federal caps...17 yd Weaver stance, unsupported groups ran to one ragged hole. Less than 3/4" Ctr to ctr. That's the limit of my hand hold ability, believe me, and a good bit of luck thrown in as well. But they do sound like they'd be good at 25 and beyond.

In the ten shots fired, I had one flyer over 4" out...gotta be a bad casting flaw. I'll move back and give them a further try...that bullet, 429215 gc works in every .44 I've shot it through and that includes two Marlin's. For those, I shoot them as cast...~0.432", and get virtually zero leading and 50 yd gps down at an inch. My mold's a double from Lyman 20 yrs ago, and I've always wished I could have HP'd one of the cavities...but it shoots so well that I've never pursued it.

As to impact points, I've had enough elevation so far. My 256 gr lead alloys do bottom out the elevation screw however, but that's at 1000 fps. I like my impact points an inch above the top of the front sight at 25 yds.

I've jotted your loading info down for further study, and maybe some trials, but I'll readily admit that at 69 yrs old now, my days of heavy 44 loads are limited...for the most part I'm a 1000-1100 fps guy and load heavy only for deer season.

Rod
 
We're both sexagenarians -- love that word and best of all I are one. By the way, we are the same age and I find myself gravitating more and more to the lower end loads.

You can still get one hollow pointed. Glen Fryxell http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm has had good results from Eric.

http://www.hollowpointmold.com/

Both of my guns shoot high with magnum loads (rear bottomed out). I solved the rear sight elevation problem with a Bowen Rough Country rear sight on one of my guns. Also have diff height Dawson Prec fronts, but haven't got to them yet.

By the way great shooting, better than mine for sure.

Paul
 
Yep, but this old age crap sure makes the joints ache. I've gone through Glen's articles...heck of an experimenter for sure. I've spent some time casting penta and round HP's using a Mihec mold for the old H&G 503. Also have one for Lyman's 429244 gc. In both cases I get better accuracy and fewer flyers with the solid points. It's a question of casting technique I'm sure, or alloy. Just haven't spent the amt of time needed to get 'em to fill out correctly.

As to shooting ability, hell, even a blind squirrel finds a few nuts. For me, I have to tilt my head back far enough to get my bifocals in use and then have the sun behind me...early morning is best here on the range at our farm. And, too, I get a cpl three or four groups and that's it for that session....too hard to concentrate longer on sight picture.

I've had my best shooting from a modified Keith long range position: back against a support, knees pulled up and the gun extended between them. very solid, and best of all, zeros are the same as two-hand offhand, or deer stand rail. I do better from that semi-reclining position than off bags. Tough on the inside of your Levis knees, though.

Thanks for tips on the sights; I've looked at Bowen's but not Dawson's. For now, I'm ok, but would have preferred the gun with a plain black front sight on it for sure. A dab of white out or nail polish is all I've ever needed, and a plain black front, well blacked with a candle, or carbide lamp has always given me better groups on target. In the woods tho, I do like that white out dab for easy pick up against deer hair.

If you come up with any different info, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Best Regards, Rod
 
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The title would have been a better preview, if it had read Smith Model 69 shooting 44 S&W Special. I wish S&W would make a gun precisely for .44 Special. I have a 696 but would also value longer barreled versions still smaller than the six shooters.
 
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