Smith and Wesson 629 owners

[carpsniperg2]

Hey guys,

Just picked up a 629 4" from another member. Been waiting on a colt but this one called my name. I am a handload freak but won't be burning threw to many rounds with this gun. It's just going with me on hunts with more dangerous game like bears and hogs etc. I have always carried my 357's and have put down more then a couple animals with them. Now that I will be playing in some grizzly area's I decided to pick up a 44.

So my question to you is what factory loads are you guys shooting and what type of groups are you getting? I will probably only use a box a year threw it so I don't feel a real need to handload for it. I want a good solid bullet and have had good luck with speer gold dots and hornady in my 454 that I had.

Never tried the hsm bear loads. Anyone run them?

[wildmanoutdoors]

Don't use this stuff. It's to hot for that gun. That's why I bought an Alaskan.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for the notes. I have shot some of that stuff before. Think I have a box of 380 upstairs still.

[wildmanoutdoors]

The Buffalo bore +P+ is some serious stuff for sure. I would carry that in Grizz country. I do reload and my favorite is a 300 grain XTP with 2400 powder.

Im loading the max load now with no signs of too much pressure. Grouping is great even out of a 2 inch barrel. People at the range are always commenting on how much they "feel" the concusion. Lol

That will definatly change if I had a Grizz charging. Be hard to hold a good group while pooping myself and screaming like a little girl.

[carpsniperg2]

  yeah always different under stress.

[bear hunter]

I have the HSM Bear loads and they group good.

[carpsniperg2]

Good to hear. Dont know if 44mag ammo will be hard to find. I will check around next time I get to Portland.

[high country]

I have killed a few critters with hand loads and took a whitetail at about 80paces with winchester white box 240gr jsp. I personally like big fat meplats on my revolvers, but decided to give the jsp a chance....and so, big fat meplat, 300gr xtp and win white box have all done me well and not allowed me to examine a bullet. I have found my 629's to be quite accurate, like apples at 100yds 75% of the time accurate.