S&W Model 69 (L Frame .44 Magnum), 4 ¼” Bbl.

[bulasteve]

I wonder how the 10grs of CFE Pistol compares to the old much favored 10grs of Unique loading for 44mags.. Especially in the shorter barrels. No chrono here, do think I'm still subsonic with this charge weight and the 4.2" barrel. Doc, you like the 10grs of Unique and have 4" N-frames, any idea ?

[bulasteve]

Someone earlier in this thread, and Brian Pearce's article in Handloader mag., both mention the M69 being fast for follow up shots in DA likely due to bore being lower in the hand. This with a gun roughly 5oz lighter than the N-framed 4" barrel 44mags. I'll add my vote to that list. Friends came over yesterday afternoon. Asked wife to delay dinner and we ran for the backyard range, after a stop in the forbidden zone for eyes and ears for the gang. Were 3 adult guys a just new teen boy and a youngster boy. Amongst the assembled arsenal for the day was the M69(on me)and I brought out the 480BSBH. They brought a Browning .22, 3 Glocks, one a 10mm w/lite and a M1894. I'm not old school LE, nor compete with revolvers etc., but the guys agreed I was whacking steel every bit as fast with the 10grs of CFE and 225gr Speers and the guys with their Glocks. The M69 muzzle stays down and the DA trigger was not hindering what skill I could muster. Me likey !

[dougader]

Dec 21, 2016 9:11:42 GMT -5 bulasteve said:

Am sure you'll be happy with it. I'm sure I'd be happy with it. It would have been a tough call. Kinda glad the option didn't come along in time for me. I'd still be pulling my hair out, conferring with witch doctors and going to seances(asking Mr Keith for advice) and such and wouldn't have bought anything yet !

I can't believe all the good guns coming out... I just picked up the GP100 in 44 spl and, so far, I love it. But what's this about a 2-3/4" M69 Smith? Boy, that sounds nice too. I wonder how much that weighs...

[uncletom]

Has anyone felt the need to open up the throats on theirs? I run .430 cast bullets almost exclusively in my other .44's. The throats on this one won't pass a .429- plug gauge. After 100 44spl rounds of 240 swc's over 7.5gr of unique, the barrel was collecting a little lead.                                               .                                                                          I traded for this a few months back, but didn't really connect at first. Decided the factory grips had something to do with it, so added some Altamonts that I had in the parts box and a 13lb rebound spring. Much better now. Will probably only be running 44 SPL level loads through it.          

[ChiefTJS]

I size down my cast to .429 for the 69. Got a little Lee push thru and it's easy.

[bulasteve]

I've a M69. My go to jacketed bullets are Hornadys. They are advertised as at .430". I've had no problems, and no problems have been listed by any of the authors that have published tests and used Hornady bullets amongst those they tested. Please do ask for other opinions. If anyone here is of the opinion that using commercially sold jacketed bullets of .430" is unsafe in the M69, please add your opinion in here. I would be slow to ream those cylinder mouths just yet based on the accuracy I'm seeing in my backyard. I am not interested in red line kinda loads for this gun though.

[bulasteve]

Just back from the "library"(code for bathroom)where I was reading for the 20th time, Brian Pearce's article on the M69. Much was made of the fact that it's cylinder is shorter than the M29 or M629 or M329. It was pointed out that the 300gr XTP would not be able to be crimped in its lower crimp groove. I don't think that bullet sells in big numbers, and of those sold bet a fair number get seated to regular OAL for use in companion leverguns anyway. I do wonder if it would be just a straight trade off to load it long in special brass ? All likely a moot point, as long seating to gain space for more slow burning powders not gonna help much in a 4.2" barrel. HUGE muzzle blasts ! I'm rambling now, head scratching is allowed.

[bulasteve]

Just back, from the basement forbidden zone(loading bench and surrounding territory)and the long seated 300gr XTP's are definitely a no-go. Not that verification by me was needed, but I have some seated thus left from a RH project years ago, so.. Next try, again since on hand, 305gr LFN's from the folks at Buffalo Bore. While short of flush, I'm gonna pass. If I want to shoot heavys think I'll stick to WFN's with their shorter noses. Enjoy.

[barryinin]

That's kinda what I was thinking. I usually keep some Hornady 300 XTPs around, but if going much over about 260 grains, I'm likely loading a wide meplat cast bullet and not a JHP. I have maybe five different bullets or molds in that weight range, and all seat to an oal that fits the cylinder fine.

The Lee 310 RF looks pretty nice filling that chamber.

[bulasteve]

Like the dude in the show, "Red and Green" used to say.."We're all in this together !" My next thoughts, further thoughts on jacketed options for a M69 for large furrball deterence leads me to the 270gr FP SP Speer. Gotta find some. Stay the course..

[bt8541]

I just bought a M69. Here in Ca we are restricted to lead free. So I will be going with the Barnes 225 load until I can work something up my self.

[bulasteve]

LeHigh Defense has an all copper bullet/loading. I've no experience with them. The folks at GunBlast used some during their testing of the new GP44. There are some other all copper options, I just haven't tried them due to cost mostly. Do have a box of the Corbon loads in .44spec here, but they were a freeby. Luck.

[BigBore44]

I have some of those All Copper bullets (220gr Extreme Penetrator) for the 44. I haven't loaded many or tested any. I got them from a guy before they were introduced/in production...
They are interesting lookin for sure.

BigBore44

[bulasteve]

I'm thinking, some Longshot powder..

[BigBore44]

Jan 23, 2017 12:02:59 GMT -5 bulasteve said:

I'm thinking, some Longshot powder..

This I have... Suggested load?
Of course I'll double check but, curious as to what your thinkin..?

BB44