Alaska Backpacker ammo in S&W 629

[CGRifleman]

I recently bought a Smith & Wesson 629 Classic .44 Mag. I've heard horror stories about Smiths getting blown apart by heavy rounds (Buffalo Bore, etc.) I have a box of Alaska Backpacker 320gr shells that was left over from a Redhawk I used to have. Are these safe to shoot through my Smith?

 

[David E]

As long as the loads don't exceed industry pressure standards and your gun is in good shape, don't worry about it.

I've seen a few pics of blown up guns, but, so far, that's been due to the ammo loaded beyond spec or from China......but I repeat myself.

 

[ECVMatt]

Best I can tell is that Ak Backpacker ammo is made by a reloader in Anchorage. It seems to get good reviews. Not sure how well it well work in the Smith though...

 

[Cosmoline]

I think Gary of Gary's Bullets makes them. I don't think he has a web site, he just sells at gunshows and via local dealers. I know of some very large bear rounds that will not chamber in anything but a Redhawk because they're overlength. The original Model 29's were weaker than subsequent .44's but I don't believe the "classic" 629 has anything substandard. You can always ask Smith, but I know of no special limits for the 629.

 

[AKPastor]

A gun shop worker in Fairbanks told me that those loads have been known to cause micro fractures in S&W but not Ruger. They said they thought that as long as you didn't shoot several hundred rounds but kept them primarily in the event of a bear you should be fine. They said that the S&W wouldn't hold up to several hundreds.

I cannot testify to the truthfulness of the claim however. Although from what I hear, these aren't rounds you will want to shoot a lot of anyway. So shooting some to get the feel and keeping the rest for a just in case situation might be doable.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I recently bought a Smith & Wesson 629 Classic .44 Mag. I've heard horror stories about Smiths getting blown apart by heavy rounds (Buffalo Bore, etc.)

I've not heard those stories. I highly doubt Buffalo bore ammo was the reason a revolver "blew apart". Even though BB ammo is hot it doesn't exceed SAAMI pressure limits and no S&W revolver will fail from shooting SAAMI guideline ammo.

 

[jrod]

AKPastor,That wouldn't be Doug at Down Under Guns would it? I used to live there 'til 98.
When I retire,I plan on going back;God willing. I don't think I would use that load in my Smiths.
Why abuse such a nice revolver? It'll handle it,but will accelerate wear.