Smith & Wesson 629
Smith & Wesson 629 in .44 Magnum
Handloading: .44 Magnum
This is the no-nonsense handgun I should have started with as a sidearm for deer hunting (instead of my Smith & Wesson 657). The recoil should be just fine, and the barrel length is more practical.
| Caliber: | .44 Magnum |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | 6 |
| Barrel Length: | 6" |
| Frame: | N-frame |
| Rear Sight: | Adjustable target sites |
| Front Sight: | HiViz fiber optic (orange) |
| Weight: | 45.8 oz |
I purchased this handgun in 2023.
Status
The gun has been fired. It is sort of sighted in for 200gr Hornady Handgun Hunter, but the elevation is at its maximum, and it still shoots a little low. Can I get a longer screw for the rear sight?
Ammunition
For the sake of expediency, I will use factory loads.
Hornady Handgun Hunter, 200gr MonoFlex — A solid copper bullet with Hornady's elastomer technology. It probably has good terminal ballistics, although 200gr is light for caliber. All the good reviews so far are from hog hunters. Gun writers have had good results. It shoots with reasonable accuracy in this gun, so I will standardize on this load. I'll need to look for more supply.
Hornady 240gr XTP — This is a very well respected load for deer hunting, to the point of being the default choice.
Federal Premium, 280gr A-Frame — I have a box of this.