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Post by bulasteve on Jul 8, 2016 8:49:47 GMT -5
Yup, reload since 'bout '80. Hence the rice loads, shot loads, Penn bullet WC's etc that go thru the Bulldog. Still wish Speer had kept making the 225gr 3/4 jacket HP. Worked well for me on 6gr of Unique and 12grs of 2400.. Got a big box of cowboy type 205gr RNFP from Matt, but the skid on out and keyhole on me. Next up to play with are some Penn 245gr Thunderheads, PC'd.. Stay safe folks !
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 12, 2016 12:18:44 GMT -5
The contract drama continues, my nerves can't take much more. Did lay awake awhile a few nights back,debating with myself over which gun. Then last night was dreaming of reloading for it. Aargh ! A gang going to camp this weekend, I gotta work OT..bleep. I need to shoot something !
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 12, 2016 12:20:43 GMT -5
Hope that 329PD is still available, 'cause it's still on my short list. The M69 too.. one in local gunshop for same money.
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gunzo
.30 Stingray
Posts: 423
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Post by gunzo on Jul 14, 2016 9:25:14 GMT -5
Hope that 329PD is still available, 'cause it's still on my short list. The M69 too.. one in local gunshop for same money. Am I reading this as, your local shop has a 329 or a 69 for the same price? If so, one of them is a killer deal or the other is priced way to high. For instance; Buds is selling the 69 for $686.00, the 329 for $904.00, both in stock & with free shipping. FWIW, my 69 is either a demon or a conniving mistress. Every time I pick it up I hear a voice that says you've got me now, go on and sell that Mt. Gun, you wont shoot it any more, & while you're at it, just as well get rid of that sadistic 329, you know I won't hurt you like it does. While it hasn't convinced me to sell the others, the 69 has quickly become a favorite. I you ever find yourself south of the Ohio river, get in touch, you're welcome to shoot them all.
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 14, 2016 9:57:39 GMT -5
Gunzo, that's a very nice offer ! Contract talks slowed, a 10 day extension has been added. The stress is killin' me ! I've shot a 4" M629 and the slimmer Mtn Gun version, both 44mags. I've handled a M69.. So it's about defining the role and picking one. Except during break-in and familiarization, the gun won't be shot alot. Which is why the 329PD has stayed on the list. It may get packed alot though, which is why the M629 may get cut from the list. In wanting a bigger/badder brother for the Bulldog, I'd like a 6th shot on board. Often a snake load first up here in warmer weather. A bit more power on tap wanted too. I'm pretty sure any of those options and maybe the Alaskan in 480, would make me happy. Yeah, the Alaskan even with the snubby barrel, likely out weighs the M629, and a 5 shot. In 480 though, I'd suffer it being a 5-shot ! Sigh, nice problem to have. While I think a DA makes more sense for a handgun that maybe be needed in panic mode, either hand, that shorter barreled SBH, well... I've actually been both dreaming and laying awake thinking of loads lately.
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 14, 2016 10:12:06 GMT -5
Oh, the M69 is in a local shop. The 329PD has been offered by someone here. The M69 priced kinda high, yeah. I've heard only good things about the M69 and it may be a better fit for my hand size too. Again, sigh..
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Post by BigBore44 on Jul 14, 2016 11:23:00 GMT -5
Oh, the M69 is in a local shop. The 329PD has been offered by someone here. The M69 priced kinda high, yeah. I've heard only good things about the M69 and it may be a better fit for my hand size too. Again, sigh.. I feel your pain brother! I too would like All three of the same you mentioned. I believe I might go with the 69 over the 329PD BUT, I'd really like to have them Both... The SRH in 480 is also on me list. Oh the "Want List" never gets Any Shorter One day I say to myself, Self you really don't neeeed a 480, and I believe myself. The next thing you know I am rehashing it with myself, and I usually end up losing the argument!? Is that normal? I believe I can get whatever needs doin done with the 44 Magnum but, I wouldn't mind having the bigger boomer (480 Ruger) if'n I ever get chance to hunt something that might reach 1000lb+ and maybe try to do me harm if'n things go south... I'm a pretty firm believer in these theories : Bigger Is Better! Bring Enough Gun! Use a gun that'll Get'er Done when everything goes wrong, Not one that'll work when everything goes right! BigBore44
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 14, 2016 11:36:52 GMT -5
Don't worry about normal, it's highly over-rated anyway. Normal people are boring. If I got the Alaskan 480, it's would likely see a lot of Trail Boss, Unique type loads. I'd trust to the weight and meplat to see things thru. If I get one of the 44mag choices, it would see play loads, 9-shot,fired rice !, and 10grs of Unique kinda loads. For things with bad attitudes, 300gr WFN in the 900-1000fps 'hood. Stay safe folks ! Cripes it's hot and humid out, gotta clean the poor Bulldog again !
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Post by paul105 on Jul 14, 2016 12:54:12 GMT -5
My 480 Ruger Alaskan weights 42.8 oz on my kitchen scale. Add 6 rounds of 400gr ammo and its up to 50.2 oz. Recoil (385gr at 1,050 fps and 400gr at 1,025 fps) is less than the 329PD with factory .44 mag ammo. As a point of reference, Factory HSM 400gr Speer SPs chroned 855 fps from 5 long paces at 40 deg F.
Packed the Alaskan around for several days walking the dogs before going back to the M69.
FWIW,
Paul
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 15, 2016 7:26:47 GMT -5
Paul105, thank you for the useful input ! Do you know what the M629 weighs in comparison to your M69 ? In Taffin's book on 44's, he mentions Bowen's comment on the recoil of the 329PD. Thats gotta get your attention !
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Post by paul105 on Jul 15, 2016 8:17:57 GMT -5
S&W M629 4" Std Bbl --- 41.5 oz S&W M629 4" Mtn Gun --- 39 oz S&W M69 4 1/4" --- 37 oz S&W M329 4" --- 26 oz
I've shot the 329 a lot and it started hurting my wrist, so I've gone to the M69 for everyday use (still carry the 329 when bow hunting elk).
I never really cared for the Mtn Gun (personal preference)-- had two and have sold both with no regrets.
Had a custom 5" half lug that I foolishly traded away. However, I prefer the M69 over the 5" custom.
FWIW,
Paul
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 15, 2016 8:43:37 GMT -5
Thanks again Paul105 !
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Post by Frank V on Jul 22, 2016 17:37:28 GMT -5
Yup, reload since 'bout '80. Hence the rice loads, shot loads, Penn bullet WC's etc that go thru the Bulldog. Still wish Speer had kept making the 225gr 3/4 jacket HP. Worked well for me on 6gr of Unique and 12grs of 2400.. Got a big box of cowboy type 205gr RNFP from Matt, but the skid on out and keyhole on me. Next up to play with are some Penn 245gr Thunderheads, PC'd.. Stay safe folks ! Reloading I'd take the 329 hands down. Load it with nice .44 Specials & it'll be fun, plus with the lighter weight you will find yourself carrying it a lot & using it. With heavy loads you'll be ready for meaner stuff but with a gun that is still a dream to pack. The one I shot was kept for use against Bears & he loads the 300gr heavy, but with lighter loads it'd be pleasant to shoot & you have one more round than in the 69. That's me though.
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Post by bulasteve on Jul 23, 2016 6:51:16 GMT -5
Thanks Frank, I had some similar thoughts. The piece won't be a primary hunting piece, or go to any comps or courses or classes. It will go on night time dog walks, fishing, atv'ing, as a back-up to a long gun, or when trailing something down, etc.. Hence, the 329PD staying on my short list. I've still no further news on the contract, the two sides voted themselves an extension and took a break. This better than screaming, cursing, throwing stuff, and stomping out, but it extends the stress for me ! Did hear progress was being made toward a proposal. It might still be two weeks before we vote and the ink dries..if the proposal passes.. Aargh !
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450ak
.30 Stingray
Posts: 458
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Post by 450ak on Jul 23, 2016 20:29:20 GMT -5
Steve The biggest difference between a model 69 and all the rest, is handiness. Paul 105 owns three model 69s,I am considering a second one. It's replaced my beloved single actions for carry on the mountain. Going fishing tomorrow on the wood river which is infested with grizzlies. Taking the model 69 as usual.
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