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Paul B. · September 27, 2000, 02:50 PM

Robert. I would have to disagree with you one one point. The .44 magnun has also been downloaded in power as well. The original .44 load put out roughly 1500 plus FPS. Factory loads now run in the 1200 to 1300 FPS range for the standard 240 gr. bullets. Seems the S&W 29's and 629's couldn't stand up to the recoil effects of the original loads. I distinctly remember Elmer Keith complaing particulary about Winchesters 240 gr. loads. He said he had to use a piece of 2x4 to pound on the ejector rod of his Model 29 to extract the cases, and vowed to use no more such loads. I have an early 629 that after around 200 to 250 factory loads gets to visit my local gunsmith for a new trigger and hammer. Damnably expensive. I'd sell it, but would feel guilty about sticking that dog on anyone. S&W won't even look at it. I understand they have beefed up the guts of the 29/629 series because of these problems.
The .357 was downloaded as well, because it was tearing up the model 19 and 66 Smiths. Made them loose in a hurry.
I still load .357 to the original specs, but only for use in "N" frame .357's.
Paul B.

September 27, 2000, 02:50 PM	#3
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,805	Robert. I would have to disagree with you one one point. The .44 magnun has also been downloaded in power as well. The original .44 load put out roughly 1500 plus FPS. Factory loads now run in the 1200 to 1300 FPS range for the standard 240 gr. bullets. Seems the S&W 29's and 629's couldn't stand up to the recoil effects of the original loads. I distinctly remember Elmer Keith complaing particulary about Winchesters 240 gr. loads. He said he had to use a piece of 2x4 to pound on the ejector rod of his Model 29 to extract the cases, and vowed to use no more such loads. I have an early 629 that after around 200 to 250 factory loads gets to visit my local gunsmith for a new trigger and hammer. Damnably expensive. I'd sell it, but would feel guilty about sticking that dog on anyone. S&W won't even look at it. I understand they have beefed up the guts of the 29/629 series because of these problems. The .357 was downloaded as well, because it was tearing up the model 19 and 66 Smiths. Made them loose in a hurry. I still load .357 to the original specs, but only for use in "N" frame .357's. Paul B.