Accuracy Question for Mr Bradshaw

[webber]

Mr Bradshaw, lets assume we have a 44 Mag 4 inch M29/M629 that is correct dimensionally with high quality Keith 250 bullets. With your load of deep seated bullets 5.5 grains W231/HP-38 assuming a better than good shooter, but not a phenomenal shooter, using a sandbagged rest, what will that load do, or should do, at 200 yards for six shots on a still day accuracy wise? Will the 10.6 grains of HS-6 beat it accuracy wise? Our range goes out to 300 yards and I may want to take a few shots out to that distance too.

Thank you for your time.

[bradshaw]

Sept 19, 2020 12:09:09 GMT -5 webber said:

Mr Bradshaw, lets assume we have a 44 Mag 4 inch M29/M629 that is correct dimensionally with high quality Keith 250 bullets. With your load of 5.5 grains W231/HP-38 assuming a better than good shooter, but not a phenomenal shooter, using a sandbagged rest, what will that load do, or should do, at 200 yards for six shots on a still day accuracy wise? Will the 10.6 grains of HS-6 beat it accuracy wise? Our range goes out to 300 yards and I may want to take a few shots out to that distance too.

Thank you for your time.

*****

Webber.... reluctant to hypothesize on the shooter. Able easily to speak for several who packed 4-inch 29’s. One of whom missed running buck with his Ruger Number 1 falling block .270 Winchester, dropped rifle in snow, drew 4-inch 29 and dropped the buck bounding across a clearcut. The other dropped a buck with a neck shot @ 70 yards. Memory recalls both using handled of the Hornady .44 240 JHP over a good charge of 296 or H110 (same powder). The Hornady .44 240 JHP was (and is) a great deer bullet, pure lead core, super accurate (silhouette accurate, it later turned out).

Back to questions. accuracy-wise, it is hard to beat a good cast 240-250 SWC deep seated over 5.5/HP-38 or 5.5/231 (same powder). In my experience, 5.5/231 is a hair more accurate than 10.6/HS-6 @ 100 yards----4" vs 6”----and around 150 fps slower. The Model 29 will take an infinite amount of shooting either of these loads. I’ve killed more small game and livestock with these loads, don’t see much difference. Small game as in hunting; livestock more like a canned hunt in a barnyard. Reaching out to 200 requires a chip of front sight, crisp sight picture, cool squeeze. 300 yards every bit the same with 3-4 times as much front sight.

It’s all work and it’s beautiful.
David Bradshaw

[xgbx]

Mr. Bradshaw, at what distance do you zero that load?

thanks,


XGBX

[bradshaw]

Sept 28, 2020 8:40:10 GMT -5 xgbx said:

Mr. Bradshaw, at what distance do you zero that load?

thanks,


XGBX

*****

50 yards is good. This allows pretty much point on for partridge, rabbit, etc., to that distance. Just have to develop a feel for the load. Velocity starts making a difference @ 75, moreso @ 100 yards. These cast deep seated loads cover a lot of ground and shooting them only makes a Model 29 and the marksman or markswoman a smoother shot.
David Bradshaw

[xgbx]

Thanks.


XGBX

[taffin]

The Magnificent 4" Smith & Wesson .44: I won't tell you how many I have, however I bought my first one in the early 1960s. 35 years ago I bought a used one and headed out to Sagebrush country to see how it shot. I came on two fellows with their ARs shooting at a small rock at 200 yards and having trouble getting very close to it. I told them I had a new gun and I would like to see what it would do at that distance. "Where's your rifle?" "No rifle. I have a 4" .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson." You could almost see and feel their stifled chuckles. "If you will sight for me I will see how close I can come to that rock you are shooting at." My first shot was low, the second shot hit the rock, and they packed up their rifles and left. That little .44 proved to be such a good shooter I had it fully engraved and it still in use. BUT don't ask me to duplicate that shot these days. PS I was using the Keith load.

[weiler]

welp this sold me on my next purchase! now to find one!

[blackmamba]

I have a 1979 built 29-2 in nickel that I wouldn't trade for anything. Best trigger pulls I've ever had in a revolver out of nearly 50 over the years.
Both knives were made in 1979 as well, the year I graduated from college.