You'll beat up your gun...

[mpthole]

"You'll beat up your gun..." - Ever since buying my first revolvers a couple months ago, I can't believe how many times I've heard that phrase. I've got a S&W model 19 4" and a 629 Classic 5". After reading more about the M19, I guess I can understand: practice with .38's and carry .357's.

Its the 629 that confuses me. Can I not shoot a steady diet of full-power .44 mag loads through this gun? Is there an upper limit before damage is done...? If so, how many would that be: 500 rounds, 1k, 2k, 5k...?

Frankly, I'll be a bit bumbed out if these guns can't truly handle the loads they were designed for.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

No tool can be used indefinately at it's highest performance level.

 

[Standing Wolf]

There's no shortage of nay-sayers running around on the loose.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I have never even come close to wearing out a 357 or 44 mag revolver. My experience is with Colt and S&W.

 

[HSMITH]

The 19 will last virtually forever with 38's and withstand many many thousands of magnums if it was set up right at the factory. My highest mileage M19 has over 45K rounds through it, at least 8K of them 125 grain magnums substantially stronger than any mainstream commercial loading.


The 629 should last at least 10K rounds with full power magnums, and probably over 25K.

There is a lot of internet BS about the Smiths being weak, and it is just that, BS.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

My first S&W 686 was shot a lot with hot magnum loads. I eventually eroded the forcing cone and cut a mean slice into the top strap. The gun still shot, but those parts were well worn. I cleaned it up and sold it. I no longer shoot as many hot magnum rounds anymore - mostly HBWC's.

 

[mpthole]

Thanks guys. That makes me feel better about things. Now I just have to find that magic super-accurate load for the 629. Off to the loading bench!

 

[Majic]

The story on the endurance of the M29/629 dates back to the silhouette shooters. They were using the heavy 300 grainers pushed to max velocities to knock over the distant targets. A large diet of these loads did loosen up quite a few Smiths which caused the factory to come out with the Endurance Package. Luckily today the M29/629 still have the same cylinder or the heavy specialty loads from Garret and Buffalo Bore which are too long for Smith's chambers may cause the same problem.

 

[Powderman]

mpthole, try 8.5 of Unique, under a Keith style LSWC, any primer you like. Give it a good firm crimp. My 29 loves this load, and before I sent my Smith back for a facelift, I had put about 17K lead loads through it.

For a full power load, I like light bullets. I use the Sierra 180 gr. JHP, on 27.0 of H110. Shoots nice, tight groups.

 

[MikeIsaj]

I think there's an issue of practical vs. theoretical limits. In theory, any machine has a finite lifespan, and operating it at max capacity will shorten the lifespan. What this means is firing all magnum loads will cause the gun to wear out in 100 years, instead of lasting 200 years.

In practice, I wouldn't fire magnums unless I didn't mind buying a new gun in 100 years.

 

[Sunray]

Any firearm will get beaten up with a steady diet of hot loads. How many is another question. The brass will need replacing long before the firearm will though.
"...find that magic super-accurate load..." Try IMR4227. My old Lyman book gives 25.0 grains(compressed) as the accuracy load with a 240 jacketed bullet. Start at 20 grains. 25 is the max. I've found that whatever powder is given by Lyman for the accuracy load, generally, gives the best results.