Factory Ported 629 Ammo Considerations

[IdahoShooter]

I have a S&W 629 that I bought new and it came ported, on top of the barrell just forward of the front sight. So far I have only fired semi jacketed soft point ammo through it without any trouble.

Are there any kinds of ammunition that I should stay away from with this revolver because of the porting and if so why? I would appreciate any insight on this issue. Thanks!

 

[GJgo]

I've got the same gun. I would simply stay away from ammo that doesn't say "44 Remington Magnum" on the headstamp.

 

[xx7grant7x]

well...i would not shoot shot shell loads through it...........

 

[IdahoShooter]

GJgo,

Thanks for the response. I needed a laugh!

I was thinking more along the lines of lead bullets, shot shells, that kind of thing?

 

[GJgo]

I could probably agree with the shotshell delete.

I've got a sweet load with 240gr XTPs. Haven't shot lead through it, but I like to shoot things that go fast. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine.

 

[Oro]

I was thinking more along the lines of lead bullets

Yeah, it would be wise to avoid the rounds the ammo and gun makes say to - lead bullets in ported magnums.

I've seen the result of a few people who ignored this. Oh jeez, what a mess.

If you feel you want to be a "lead shooter," then you need to get a non-ported gun if you want magnum calibers. People often wonder why ported magnums come up for sale at such good prices...

 

[Dave P]

Who has an owners manual??

I shoot all kinds of lead thru mine. Usually reduced loads for comfort. I get the usual lead in the barrel (not extreme) and a bit of lead in the port (never needed to clean it). Great accuracy.

Wonderful pistol!

 

[buck460XVR]

I have the same gun in .357.....a 686 Powerport. Have shot everything under the sun thru it including lead bullets with no problem. Was no warning in the owners manual about not shooting lead bullets. The factory Powerport is much different than magna-ported models, and those I have no experience with. Those making comments here about the Powerport, and have only had experience with magna-ported models, really don't know what the 'ell they're talking about. Have not shot snakeshot thru it, but then have never felt the need.

 

[IdahoShooter]

I appreciate all of the responses thus far. I thank each of you for your time and consideration.

One of the reasons I asked this question is because there is no mention at all, in the manual that came with the revolver, of any type of restriction on bullet types.

I have owned and shot Ruger Redhawks and S&W 629's in the past, but I have absolutely no experience with a ported .44 (It was a birthday present several years ago....I have the best wife in the whole world!).

 

[rcmodel]

The only restriction is CCI shotshells, IE: Rat shot or snake shot.
They print a warning right on the box that they should not be used in ported firearms.
The reason being, the plastic shot capsule may be shredded by the ports and you "might" get shot and plastic particles coming out of the ports sideways and shoot your eye out!

Lead bullets may lead to increased port fouling with leading & bullet lube.
But you will probably only find lead bullets in .44 Special.
It will clean out.

There are no restrictions at all for any type of jacketed bullet.

rc

 

[IdahoShooter]

Just to clarify, the Powerport on my 629 is an entirely different "animal" than a Magna-ported handgun would be, is that correct?

Thanks again!