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Post by potatojudge on Apr 7, 2017 18:39:41 GMT -5
I've made lots of progress recently on this gun and like how it's turning out. Started out with a heavy, gritty trigger that's extremely nice now (9# DA, 2.75#SA). I don't usually go for this sight setup, but for speed, stress, and ruggedness I think it's tough to beat. We're still not set on taking this one to Alaska since they all need to be shot and compared side-by-side. Work done: smoothed internals 13# Wilson Combat rebound spring. The 12# gives good trigger return and an 8# DA trigger, but the 13# feels a bit more positive. Wilson Combat mainspring- much improved over the original design C&S fiber optic front sight- a bit taller than original Bowen Rough Country sight with their medium height blade lock deactivated C&S extended firing pin Load: new Starline nickel brass WLP 320 grain LFNCG bullet from Cast Performance 21.5 grains H110
500L@465 grains, 45LC@325 grains, 44Mag @ 320 grains
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Apr 7, 2017 18:42:46 GMT -5
Fantastic!!! 😊
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Post by ChiefTJS on Apr 7, 2017 21:22:55 GMT -5
Love my 69, yours just gave me a few ideas.
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Joe S.
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,517
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Post by Joe S. on Apr 7, 2017 21:43:52 GMT -5
I'm not doubting. I just didn't know. That load seems heavy for a Smith.
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Post by potatojudge on Apr 7, 2017 22:33:36 GMT -5
Joe, I think you're right so far as comfort and wear and tear are concerned.
But the Hodgton site shows them to be in SAMII specs without noting they are exclusive to a particular platform. The bullet fits the cylinder with enough room that a little bullet jump wouldn't be a problem, though I crimped them heavy. So far as I can tell, they are safe in this gun.
I'm bringing a SBH to try them in as well. If after a few shots it's clear we won't be using that load, they'll go in a more appropriate gun.
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Joe S.
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,517
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Post by Joe S. on Apr 7, 2017 22:50:11 GMT -5
Thanks for 'splainin it to me.
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Post by paul105 on Apr 8, 2017 9:57:06 GMT -5
First, let me say that I'm a HUGE M69 fan, so my comments are biased (favorably). I have a Bowen rough country on one of my guns (but with normal square notch) -- highly recommended. I've also found that the Hogue 500 S&W grips improve recoil control and comfort (noticeable to me vs factory grips). I realize grips are a very personal thing, so your mileage may vary. I also have a couple of 329s with the V notch rear and fiber optic front which, for me, is highly effective. I particularly like the fiber optic fronts. I've never felt the need to mess with the springs on my M69s. On other guns that I've changed springs, I've never been happy with the results. From you comments, it looks like you have found the sweet spot that I never could. I've also loaded, shot and chronoed a very similar load to your 320gr. With Beartooth Bullets 325gr WLNGC, Fed 155, new Top Brass, and 22.0gr H110, my 4 1/4" M69 chronoed 1,182 fps at 5 long paces and 45 Deg F. Right out of Hodgdon's online data. Another load that I've found to be a bit more shooter friendly is the Lee 310gr FNGC with the double crimp grove. Using 18.8gr of H110, Fed 155, new Top Brass, and seated to the the top crimp grove (1.615" OAL) it chronoed 1,062 fps from the M69. It's amazing how much difference (recoil wise) that 100 fps reduction in velocity makes. This load gives just a bit more velocity than Garrett's 44 Mag Defender Hammerhead Ammo www.garrettcartridges.com/44defendertech.htmlFWIW, Paul
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Post by seak89 on Apr 8, 2017 12:08:14 GMT -5
Very nice Alaska rig
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Post by seancass on Apr 8, 2017 17:44:01 GMT -5
Awesome setup! I'd be nervous to light off that load(because I'm small and weak) but it sounds so awesome. You have a fantastic firearm there! I've thought about a M69, I'll have to get one eventually...
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jfo4
.30 Stingray
Posts: 332
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Post by jfo4 on Apr 8, 2017 17:48:55 GMT -5
Looks great!
Did you do the work yourself?
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Post by potatojudge on Apr 8, 2017 22:09:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments and tips all. Yes, I did all the work myself. Bigger projects go out, but little stuff like this I'll do instead of risking the wait and questionable skills of a local smith. One too many bad experiences there.
Paul, I may have to give the 500S&W grips a try. These are fine for moderate loads, but it'll get away from you with the heavies.
The 320 bullet with H110 was fine to shoot if I didn't need a follow up. It broke my grip enough I had to readjust for a follow up shot. I loaded some with 4227 that were easy to shoot even with these grips. I think I'll stick with 4227 and up the charge until I hit a sweet spot for velocity and recoil- I'd like to hit 1000fps but give or take a bit is fine.
The sights, the front is .3 inches tall and I don't remember the Bowen designation but this is their medium height blade. I don't like really tall front sights, so I think this gun could use a lower rear blade to allow more adjustability for this class of load.
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Post by bulasteve on Apr 10, 2017 9:02:51 GMT -5
My M69 did camp duty this last weekend. Bear scat and tracks seen, but the bear not seen. With a dozen kids at camp and on the streams, I really did not want an encounter anyways. I'm finding the M69 to be a comfortable weight to pack, enough horsepower on tap for what may come up. I have to agree with those that have said recoil is perceived to be less than the heavier M29/629's due to the bore being lower. I'm still getting used to the slightly taller, .100" wide Dawson F/O front sight. As I wander and sight at things, in various light conditions, inside and out, am bothered some by the vastly different sight pictures I see. Wife's little airweight J-framed .22 has an F/O front an S&W's express bladed rear, but I haven't shot that much since it's been here. I'm still in my "break-in" mode and just shooting up whatever jacketed stuff I find in the basement. Gotta admit, some of those 300 + grain bullets on a pile of H110 scare me ! Am thinking that'll I'll end up with a heaviest load using a 300 WFN and load to a level near the Federal factory load. Stay safe folks.
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Post by potatojudge on Apr 10, 2017 9:44:06 GMT -5
I've settled on 320 grain LFN with 19 grains of 4227. The H110 loads are no problem in a Bisley or SBH, but the advantage of a DA is follow up shots and they're just too slow with the hotter load. The rear sight is all the way down and spot on with the 320/4227 load, but that's good since it'll allow for a good range of adjustments when it is fed lighter bullets.
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Post by ecvmatt on Apr 22, 2017 12:00:54 GMT -5
That 69 looks like it's ready to go! I am loving mine and just plugged the Hillary Hole this week and added X frame grips. Enjoy that revolver and keep us update about any further changes, progress, or range reports.
Thanks
Matt
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Post by mart on Apr 22, 2017 12:41:05 GMT -5
The 69 looks great. When are you planning to come up to Alaska and where? If I'm not on the slope and you're close to my area I'd love to get together for a visit.
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