Getting a S&W 629....

[Desolo]

.....and I have questions.

Im getting this 629 so I have something to shoot my growing pile of .44 out of, other then my 329pd.

Now, the 329pd has a 4in barrel, and the 629 will have a 6in barrel.... realistically how much of a difference am I looking at ballistics wise?

I've got 100 300gr xtp's Id not bothered loading yet because they seemed like they would be a waste in the 329 at best, and abusive at worst.

Perhaps the 629 with its 6in tube would be a worthy launcher?

Ive got access to slower powders and imagine 240's could also see benefits aswell

 

[Frack N Cylons]

50 to 100 feet per second per inch of barrel, up to a point. It could end up that you have a larger cylinder gap, or just a slow barrel.

For example, I have a 5” 1911 that consistently shoots 50fps slower than my 4” Commander. It’s all highly variable, but I’d expect 75fps per inch more or thereabouts.

 

[wheelgun_man]

Great reference site: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html

 

[Jmoser]

I love the 300s in .44 mag, XTP and LBT

Sold my 1894 since it can't stabilize anything over 240.

 

[Desolo]

Sadly, it would appear my Layaway was canceled.... I bet they did not have it in stock afterall :/ Ill just have to keep looking. Perhaps Ill find something better... Im patient.

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

S&Ws are strange beasts. When the great man J.D. Jones was visiting B&M Rifles a few years back he said something that made our ears perk up...He said......I have never seen an 8 3/8 model 29 that would shoot faster than a 6 or 6 1/2. AND, I have seen on occasion 4s that would out do 6s with factory ammo.

 

[Desolo]

Interesting.... I was hoping to find a 6 or 6.5 inch barrel

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

Concentrate on a 6 1/2!!!!!!! They LOOK right!!!

@Etruett has one for sale Right Now!

 

[Charlie]

The top one is too long. The bottom one is too light. The middle one is just about right. I use my 6 inch one most of the time.