Shooting my .44 magnum

[jimmyraythomason]

I took out my S&W Model 29-2 that I traded for several months ago. This was the first time I had gotten to try it out since I got it. Shooting CSA357s handloads (230 gr swc Magnus bullets over 8 grns of Unique) at 40 yards from a rest I got this grouping. I shot quite a bit that day alternating between the Smith and my Taurus M44. Both guns tore my elbow up(resting on the bench) but the 6" ported barrel of the M44 handled the recoil somewhat better but the Smith with 4" barrel made up for it with much better accuracy. Factory jacketed loads were decent but the reloads grouped better. All in all a fun day shooting. I'm happy with it!

 

[CSA 357]

mr jimmy that good shooting! that is my favorite 44 mag plinking load, as i get older i dont shoot alot of hot 44 magnums anymore they are hard on the gun and the shooter, when ever you get ready we will load you up some more!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Mike,I'm saving up the brass for some jacketed hunting loads or some hardcast 260 grainers.

 

[hardluk1]

I no what you mean about a tore up my elbow. I started useing a towel folded a couple times to reduce the hurt when slideing my elbow around on the bench when shooting my 44. Nice groups.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I used a towel for a while(that is all I had in the truck)and it helped. I think I'll try a stadium cushion next time. I'm also considering a scope as the sights tend to blurr.

 

[hardluk1]

ahhh another guy with slow to focus eyes. I have used red dots for 25 years or better for hunting on revolvers and just a while back put one on my 44 dw also. I just can't see the sites and targets well enought together to shoot past 25yards with out some help. Big difference between hit'n close and shooting well. Have to try the cushion myself.

 

[bluetopper]

Beautiful model 29 you have there.

It's a lot easier on me if I just stand and shoot instead of being on a rest, or you might try scooting back far enough so that only your hands are on the bench.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Most of my handgun shooting is done 2 handed and standing unsupported. I just wanted to see what the little Smith could do at a hunting distance. I don't even notice the recoil when shooting unsupported.

 

[Buck Snort]

Nice gun there Jimmy. I'm a reloader myself and I've found the 44 mag to be a wonderful gun. My Anaconda has handled every thing from 185 gr. JHPs with light powder loads all the way up to 335 gr. WLNGC cast bullets. There's a 4" 629 hereabouts that holds 165 gr. Cor Bon JHPs that I've clocked at 1300 fps. The 44 mag is a bit like the 30-06 in that's its an amazingly versatile platform. To know them is to love them!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Thanks. I got this one from CSA357 (big thanks Mike!). He had 3 and this one is the one he was willing to part with. It only makes me wonder how great the remaining 2 are!

 

[CSA 357]

im hung up on 44 specials now, and 45 acp revolvers but the 44 mag always has a place in my safe and on my reloading bench! mr jimmy when you can holler at me and we will do some shooting. mike csa

 

[BCRider]

Keep in mind that the recoil is not only going to slide your elbow back but rotate it down into the bench. A true double whammy. So no wonder you're hurtin' today!

What a great looking Smith! Sadly up this way I'm too new a shooter so I'm not allowed to own the "EVIL" short barreled guns. And at 4 inches length your gun is on that prohibited for me list.

 

[oldfool]

sorry to hear all that, had false hopes of picking up a bargain from you !
wanna see what she can do, cheat, rest that big pistol butt on a small sandbag instead, save that elbow and prepare to be real impressed

me, I am the guy they had in mind when they invented the phrase "fuzzy eyeballs", but if you have a pinned front sight, a fiber optic front can sometimes make a surprising difference, without the bulk of a dot or scope

 

[jimmyraythomason]

These were "mild" plinking loads! I shot some factory loads there weren't all that much hotter but they didn't group as well. I have some hunting rounds that Mike loaded that I haven't tried yet. I expect them to be as accurate.