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airbalance,

The subject of a 44 as a bear gun has been discussed on this forum rather extensively but there is always room for one more. I would suggest using the heaviest bullet for the 629. A revolver is slow compared to a rifle and must get it's energy/momentum from bullet weight rather than velocity. This concept is fully understood by many handgun shooters/hunters and many good "Bear" loads are out there for the 44 caliber. In no particular order. CorBon markets a 305 grain 'Penetrator' they promise it is good when you walk among the critters with tooth and claw. I have never used it but I have used their 320 grain hard cast flat point and the are very good. They will carve a 44 caliber hole through even the toughest of critters.
The folks at Buffalo Bore make a very similar load. A 305 grain hard cast flat nose. I have used it with the same results as the Corbon cast load. In Alaska is another company I know very little about but I have used there ammo in 44 mag and 454. It is call Alaska Backpacker Ammo. In 44 their 320 grain hard cast is among the best. In my opinion, the very best quality is the Buffalo Bore, but it is a very close race. The test would be in the 629. With heavier, slower bullets, the gun will shoot higher. The slower the load the higher the point of impact. You may run out of sight adjustment before you get sighted in. If you can change the front sight to a higher blade, that maybe necessary. Shoot each and decide. My brother has a 629 4" bbl. and he sighted it in with the 320 grain Backpacker ammo. At 25 yds he shoots 6 shots into an an inch and it will shoot through 6" of oak post.  
Some say that carrying a handgun in bear country serves no purpose but to ease the pucker factor, that may be. But I will stand and shoot until I am dinner, and I will shoot with a handgun. Good shootin'.

Murphy  

Message Thread:

• 44 mag bullet airbalance Feb 18 2005
  • 44 Mag Bullet Murphy Feb 18 2005
    • Great post and spot on Murph Brian Richardson Feb 19 2005
      • Thanks! Murphy Feb 19 2005
    • 44 mag bullet airbalance Feb 19 2005