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S&W Lighweight 44 Special, 5 shot

CS8161
I am looking at one of these revolvers for carrying while hiking, and on the barrel of the revolver it states that no loads over 200 grains can be fired. Are there any good, self defense rounds in 44 Special with a 200 grain or lighter bullet?

Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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6 comments

Date Votes
  • zink
    Try CCI Blazer 200 gr. hollow points. In my Taurus 431 3" they cause a WICKED wound channel in ballistic gelatin.

    Lance
    10's RULE
    [:D]
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  • allechalley
    Gentlemen! He's asking if there are any loads 200 gr. and under for .44spec. Both Glaser (135gr) and CorBon (165gr)make some high
    speed rounds, tho you might ask dealer, S&W if they are OK as they really are high speed. I looked at Midwayand they show American, Black Hills,PMC Bronze and Hornaday XTP with 180 gr and some at 200 gr. The Hornady XTP would probabably be my first or second choice, depending if the Glaser or CorBon are workable. The others would be fine too. Check also Winchester Silver Tip. Seems like they made a 200 or under load. Check:
    www.midwayusa.com
    www.sportsmansguide.com
    www.cheaperthandirt.com
    You may be running into the cowbay loads, which are lead round nose and usually 246gr. .44 spec. is tougher to come by and most likely won't be at Wally World
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  • easygo6
    Chris
    I happen to own a S&W 296 (? Titanium cylinder) revolver. It is a 5-shot 44 on an 'N' frame (could be 'L'). I do not have the revolver with me at the moment. Bullets of greater than 200 grain are not recommended as the TERRIFIC inertial forces when the lightweight is fired will force the heavy bullets of UNFIRED rounds forward and out of their cases (jams up the cylinder you see...).
    ALLECHALLEY refers to the CorBon loadings which I am familiar with. I believe CorBon has a 200 grainer as well as the lighter stuff. It is a potent round (CorBon loads) in the lightweight 296, esp. the 200 grainers. Practice practice, practice. But not to the point of pain or developing a flinch. Bring some lightweight 22 LRs or such alaong for a break during sessions on the range. IF YOU HAVE NOT FIRED THIS PARTICULAR MODEL BEFORE,...YOU WILL FIND OUT.

    "They're in front of us, they're behind us, they're to our left and to our right...they can't get away now." Chesty Puller

    SEMPER FI
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  • easygo6
    Chris

    The CorBon rounds are high velocity. To 'carry while hiking' I suppose your thoughts were effective protection for unintentional close encounters with large bruins or cats.

    I am not gonna be the one critical of the CorBon loads' effectiveness in these situations. Something is better than nothing and these CorBon loads are hot! ADDITIONALLY>>>The 296's lightweight characteristics make in more likely to be with you when needed and can probably be carried in a manner that is more immediately available in an emergency (high stress situation).

    However, for another pound (I don't know the exact figures) and if you are concientious about carrying it on you (not in a backpack) the S&W 629 Mountain Gun with 4" barrel may be a getter choice....
    1) More effective loads;
    2) More controllability in rapid fire situations;
    3) Requires less practice time to be competent.

    Hey, just FIRE the gun first if possible, a buddy's got one maybe; someone at your club; I am in OH. It is a handful. I have NEVER considered the 329 (Titanium S&W 29) after firing the 296. I do have a Mountain Gun now.

    "They're in front of us, they're behind us, they're to our left and to our right...they can't get away now." Chesty Puller

    SEMPER FI
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  • joel_black
    Chris,
    I have a S&W 396 Mountain Lite. I love the grips and the sights, but it is hairy shooting it with any factory loads. I use 5 gr of Hodgdon's Titegroup with a 200 Gr bullet. This gives a muzzle velocity of about 775 fps. Even with this light, accurate load there is considerable recoil and it still requires a strong roll crimp to keep the bullets from moving foward.
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  • CS8161
    Thanks for the input, I may go with a S&W Mountain revolver in 45 Colt which a local gunshop has for sale.

    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
    stooges.jpg
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