Author Topic: S&W 44 Mag Mountain Gun (Read 3584 times)

Bearcat 74 · « **on:** January 19, 2009, 09:17:57 AM »

Guys just picked up a 629-5 Mountain Gun in .44 Mag. I shot a box of Fiocchi 240gr FP's from it and the recoil is not near as bad as I had heard. I can reload and would like to load for the .44. I have H110 and 2400 on hand and can probably pick up anything else needed, I like 2400 better from the .357. I was thinking of running some cast bullets for hunting. It shoots real good, especially since I am not real good with a pistol. What would you guys recommend shooting? I do not care to have big rip roaring snorting loads, my shots will be a max of 75 and in all honesty, I would be much more comfortable under 50yds. I know it will not handle Ruger loads, and I am fine with that.

Also, I would like to find a new front sight, I am not a fan of black on black sights. Who makes a good fiber optic or tritium front for a 629-5?

Thanks!

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:14:28 PM »

Run 240 cast at about 1000 fps and you'll have all you need. I like 2400 for that purpose and likely some where around 16 to 17.5 grains will get you the velocity you want.

drdougrx · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:04:56 PM »

Hi Bear,

I have one as well. I run stuff though...240grXTPs over max loads of H110. The front site may be an issue. Mine is integral/soldered to the barrel and not pinned. I'd need significant gunsmithing to change it (which is why I don't shoot 300gr loads as the front site is too low). Yours may be different. GL

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:25:17 PM »

Graybeard, thanks for the advice. Having never used cast before, I take it that 240 will fully penetrate a deer or hog at 50yds or so? From what I have been reading cast penetrates very well.

drdougrx, my front sight is pinned which is why I was looking for the fiber optic. If it was integral it would not really be an option because of all the work.

Thanks!

S.B. · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2009, 05:12:48 PM »

You can get 1000 fps with about 10 grains of Unique? I'd stick with the Keith style bullets.
Doug, is there any possibillity you could install a shorter rear sight blade?
Mine is a -4 and also has the pinned front sight. I thought all mountain guns had pinned front sight blades?

Steve

Mohawk · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2009, 07:19:57 PM »

A standard .44 Special 246gr SWC at 755 fps will fully penetrate a deer. Even a .38 at the same velocity will do the same. And within 50 yds after hit they will be deader than stone. Are you just looking for a handgun hunting load?

Sverre A. · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2009, 09:33:28 PM »

"don't shoot 300gr loads as the front site is too low"

That was my problem too - even that I changed to the highest Hi-Viz.
I had to let a friend make a higher fibersight for me - because I want to hunt with 300 gr.

The plan is to let him make a Weaver-base (as low as possible) with an integral rear-sight.

Then I can change from open sights to Docter or a scope within seconds.

S.B. · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2009, 02:32:56 AM »

Quote from: Sverre A. on January 19, 2009, 09:33:28 PM

"don't shoot 300gr loads as the front site is too low"

That was my problem too - even that I changed to the highest Hi-Viz.
I had to let a friend make a higher fibersight for me - because I want to hunt with 300 gr.

The plan is to let him make a Weaver-base (as low as possible) with an integral rear-sight.

Then I can change from open sights to Docter or a scope within seconds.

I've loaded and shot the Lee 430-310-RFs at between 1000-1100 fps in my 629-4 Mountain Gun and it was no problem getting the sights adjusted to accommodate this load? What velocities are you guy shooting the 300 grainers at to shoot this high?
Steve

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:52:35 AM »

Yeah, I am just looking for a hunting load. I have a .357 that is my main plinker/bumming gun. The 44 will probably be just a one load for everything gun.

I though that the 300's wouldn't fit in the cylinder, something about it being too short?

Thanks

S.B. · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:46:15 AM »

They'll fit just fine, if loaded deeper into the case but, the S&W won't handle as much pressure as say Rugers. Hence, my only loading them to 1000fps. Lots of people load them for S&Ws(even the moderator here, Mikey), many threads here stating so.
Steve

Sverre A. · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2009, 11:38:33 AM »

"What velocities are you guy shooting the 300 grainers at to shoot this high?"

Between 1000-1300 fps

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2009, 01:11:58 PM »

I do not have a mounain gun but do have a M29.
I reload 180 grain Berry's plated bullets in Mag cases with bluedot powder to 1,000 FPS. asically a hot special. I will have to check on the charge for you but it was in the Hercules reloading book that was free. There was also a green or red dot load with about 1/2 the grains for the same speeds but it looked so small in the case I was afraid to double charge or not get detonation if I had the gun aimed down.
Originally had the load with JHP loads for bowling pins but moved to the other plated bullets for general plinking.
The same powder and charge with a 240 grain bullet gives me about 1200 FPS and is in the light end of the Mag relm.
Recoil is mild with either round and I never have to adjust my reloader to go from plinker target to hunting stuff other than change the bullet. Just a couple clicks on the rear sight for long range (50 yards)

Cottonwood · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2009, 01:43:28 PM »

I don't have the Mountain Gun, but a 629 and I would run them about what Bill give ya for the 240-gr SWC load.

Mikey · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2009, 02:52:40 PM »

Steve - Yep! Howdy!

drdougrx · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2009, 02:32:29 PM »

Hey SB and Mikey and all!!!

My Mtn gun does not have a pinned front site (neither does my 6" 29)...it's a jobber special by TALO though I don't think that makes a difference. I haven't chrono'd the 300gr loads but they are using 20gr H110....thank GOD for the SW500 RUBBER GRIP!!!

S.B. · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2009, 03:53:15 PM »

Doug, could we get some close up pics of your front sight area on your mountain gun from both sides, please?
Steve

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2009, 04:26:35 PM »

Possible dumb question time, how hard is it to change out the front ramp that is pinned? It will need to be drilled, I have access to a dril press, is this something I could do or do I need to take it to a gunsmith?

Thanks

S.B. · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2009, 05:37:13 PM »

To change the whole ramp, I'd take it to a qualified gunsmith. If you mean it's a pinned front sight ramp, it can be removed by driving the pins out?
Steve

Mohawk · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2009, 08:42:39 PM »

They make some good phospherous sight paint accessories if all you want is low light visibility with little effort. When it comes physically changing the sight, listen to the guys on the board, S.B., GB and Mikey, and etc. They can fix stuff, I just break them

Mikey · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2009, 01:45:20 AM »

Bearcat 74: Changing out the front sight blade on the Mountain Guns or any M29 with a pinned front sight is not difficult but you may wish to talk directly to S&W about that.

The front sight on my Mountain Gun was too short and I was hitting high with 295-300 gn cast swc slugs over 19.5-20.5 of H110 (drdougrx's load; also a Sheriff Jim Wilson favorite) - I thought the slugs would drop and impact in the right 'place' at 50 yds but they kept climbing. I was gettin' desparate for a load that would hit where I wanted it to for a hog hunt I was planning on going on so.......

I measured the front sight blade height, called S&W, they said it was too low and sent me another front sight blade (correct height) free of charge - with instructions. The instructions tell you to drill out the pin and replace it - gives drill size too. Took it to the gunsmith and had it back after lunch. Piece of cake. Dialed in those same loads that afternoon but then went to a powder charge of 2400 (17.5 gn) for a easier shoot.

HTH. Mikey.

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2009, 03:54:34 PM »

I have tried the paint thing before, it works ok but I prefer the Ffiber optic sight.

Mikey, thanks for the heads up. I will call Smith and double check on the height I need and order from them.

Thanks for the help

S.B. · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2009, 05:16:48 PM »

Why don't you try the Lee 430-310-RF in your Mountain Gun and works good with Aliant 2400? Lee two cavity molds are the cheapest I've found. This bullet is probably the most accurate in my M/G .44.
Steve

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2009, 04:05:44 PM »

I don't cast, don't have any of the stuff. I think I would prefer to just buy cast bullets. ANyone ever shoot the Hunters Supply Hardcast from Midway?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=962017

S.B. · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2009, 08:01:13 PM »

Quote from: Bearcat 74 on January 23, 2009, 04:05:44 PM

I don't cast, don't have any of the stuff. I think I would prefer to just buy cast bullets. ANyone ever shoot the Hunters Supply Hardcast from Midway?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=962017

I bought this exact bullet from Montana Bullets/w gas check attached?
Steve

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2009, 01:35:11 PM »

I picked up a box of 240 XTP's the other day just so I could load some for the 44 Mt Gun. So far it likes 19grs of 2400 with the 240 XTP, 1"-1.5" group @ 25yds, farthest I've shot so far, but I like it. My chrono took a crap today so I don't know the velocity. I know all guns are different, but do you guys have an idea of where this load should be running fps wise? I am just curious. Does anyone have any experience with this load on game?

Thanks

Sverre A. · « **Reply #25 on:** February 02, 2009, 01:46:00 PM »

Today - 2 degrees below zero - my 4" 629 - gave 940 fps with Mimek 300 gr/H110-20 gr.
Lee 310/H110-19 gr. - 1040 fps.

I choose the Mimek for my African hunting in April -and with 25 + degrees in difference - I suppose the load will get +100 fps.

The ballistic with Docter-sight was similar.

(And thanks to Redhawk 1 - who got a Pachmeyr for me - and now the recoil is ok

)

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 03, 2009, 04:35:59 AM »

I put a fiber optic front on my gun and it has made a difference.

What sight picture do you guys use? I have heard an in focus front sight and hazey target, I have heard in focus target and hazy front.

Thanks

Hank08 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 03, 2009, 06:22:27 AM »

In focus FRONT sight, hazey rear and hazey target.
H08