Bullets for long distance shooting .44
- Thread starter warth0g
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Hi Warthog,
I also shoot S&W 629 Classics with 6.5" barrels, one with open sights and two with 2X scopes. Found them to be very accurate at 100 yds when allowed to shoot on rifle range targets. Have also shot them a few times at 200+ yds in the field, plinking with safe backstops.
I mostly use 210 gr and 255 gr cast bullets from H&G molds with NRA formula 50% ALOX lube and no leading problems. Occasionally shoot 240 gr Nosler HP jacketed bullets. The 255 gr cast bullet at 1400 fps with W296 has given me best accuracy. Nosler 240 HP at 1400 fps with W296 expands best on game (deer, hogs). The 210 gr bullet is loaded to 1100 fps with AA5 for lighter field load and gives slightly less accuracy than the other two bullets.
If I were going to try shooting out to 300 yds, the 255 H&G with ALOX lube would be my first choice. If I didn't cast/lube my own bullets, I would go with the Nosler 240 jacketed bullet as first choice. NOTE: There is a WIDE variance in quality of commercial cast lead bullets. The choice of alloy used, lubricant, diameter sized, etc. can and does greatly impact results of usage. You may find that some work well and some don't (poor accuracy, severe leading, etc.)
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
I also shoot S&W 629 Classics with 6.5" barrels, one with open sights and two with 2X scopes. Found them to be very accurate at 100 yds when allowed to shoot on rifle range targets. Have also shot them a few times at 200+ yds in the field, plinking with safe backstops.
I mostly use 210 gr and 255 gr cast bullets from H&G molds with NRA formula 50% ALOX lube and no leading problems. Occasionally shoot 240 gr Nosler HP jacketed bullets. The 255 gr cast bullet at 1400 fps with W296 has given me best accuracy. Nosler 240 HP at 1400 fps with W296 expands best on game (deer, hogs). The 210 gr bullet is loaded to 1100 fps with AA5 for lighter field load and gives slightly less accuracy than the other two bullets.
If I were going to try shooting out to 300 yds, the 255 H&G with ALOX lube would be my first choice. If I didn't cast/lube my own bullets, I would go with the Nosler 240 jacketed bullet as first choice. NOTE: There is a WIDE variance in quality of commercial cast lead bullets. The choice of alloy used, lubricant, diameter sized, etc. can and does greatly impact results of usage. You may find that some work well and some don't (poor accuracy, severe leading, etc.)
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
rwc
Member
What kind of hold-over would you have to use for .44 at 300 yards?
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Nowadays I think I'd ideally choose 240 grain Speer HP's .... but in the old days, when I shot competition for long range (100 and 300 yds) I used, in my then std Redhawk, just 250 grain Keith, home cast SWC's. I discovered that loading to around 44 spl power factor in fact gave me better grouping, even tho it did require some ''lobbing'' of the shot.
I really can't remember now the off set between 100 and 300 - I just kept a note of how many clicks to add ... it was quite a lot! Once dialed in tho - it was very satisfying shooting.
I really can't remember now the off set between 100 and 300 - I just kept a note of how many clicks to add ... it was quite a lot! Once dialed in tho - it was very satisfying shooting.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
''Magnification''??? haha - NONE!!! Rules for my class were standard revo and iron sights! Good challenge.!
Here is a scan from an old B/W pic - back in IIRC 1984, Bisley Range, UK. I am using that old std Redhawk - and am sitting in a contraption we called a ''flying machine'' - LOL! It was a home-made deal and provided a low and stable seat with front pillar and pad for placement of a sandbag.
Here is a scan from an old B/W pic - back in IIRC 1984, Bisley Range, UK. I am using that old std Redhawk - and am sitting in a contraption we called a ''flying machine'' - LOL! It was a home-made deal and provided a low and stable seat with front pillar and pad for placement of a sandbag.
Nice, then a 2X leupold I have seen laying around at the local gunshop will (probably) be enough. It is not any competitions, for this kind of shooting over here, but I think it will be great fun, challenging, and not so time consuming as shooting a rifle at 500-1000 yards.
warth0g
warth0g
Warthog,
In my opinion, a 2X Leupold LONG EYE RELIEF scope is optimum for pistol shooting. More magnification just increases apparent pistol tremor and greatly decreases field of view. The primary benefit of a scope is putting the target and sights (crosshairs) in the same focal plane! Magnification is a side benefit IF NOT OVERDONE. Greater magnification can be successfully used for targets but I have found 2X to be optimum for field shooting and hunting. Just my opinion of course.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
In my opinion, a 2X Leupold LONG EYE RELIEF scope is optimum for pistol shooting. More magnification just increases apparent pistol tremor and greatly decreases field of view. The primary benefit of a scope is putting the target and sights (crosshairs) in the same focal plane! Magnification is a side benefit IF NOT OVERDONE. Greater magnification can be successfully used for targets but I have found 2X to be optimum for field shooting and hunting. Just my opinion of course.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Warthog,
As far as I know, all the 2X Leupold LER scopes have the same eye relief range. You may have to use a slight bend in the elbows to get the optimum view thru scope. Hasn't been a problem to me. (I wear 33" sleeve shirts.) I agree the silver Leupold looks very good on the SS M629 Classics. That is what both of mine wear.
On another issue, that hump at top rear of the S&W grip frame hits right on a bone at base of my right thumb. Two shots brings loads of pain. My solution was to purchase Jordan Trooper style grips from Steve Herrett Stocks for each of my M629's. Now I can shoot 100+ full power .44 Mag loads thru them without pain. Highly recommend these grips.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
As far as I know, all the 2X Leupold LER scopes have the same eye relief range. You may have to use a slight bend in the elbows to get the optimum view thru scope. Hasn't been a problem to me. (I wear 33" sleeve shirts.) I agree the silver Leupold looks very good on the SS M629 Classics. That is what both of mine wear.
On another issue, that hump at top rear of the S&W grip frame hits right on a bone at base of my right thumb. Two shots brings loads of pain. My solution was to purchase Jordan Trooper style grips from Steve Herrett Stocks for each of my M629's. Now I can shoot 100+ full power .44 Mag loads thru them without pain. Highly recommend these grips.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
LAH
Member
I used the Lyman 429421 for long range plinking. This bullet does very well.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Ahh - yep - that's the one - superb bullet for all purposes IMO.
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