After writing Part I, some time was spent handling and shooting the S&W Model 69 44 Magnum until its applications became obvious. In the end, I decided it was much like the compact Ruger GP 100 357 Magnum revolver I carry with frequency, but with significantly more power. Drafting load sheets, several application came to mind. With modest 44 Special loads, the Model 69 would work well as a defensive carry gun or practice to build proficiency. The S&W Model 69 is as compact as Ruger’s GP 100 357 Magnum, as pictured below –
The Model 69, loaded with 44 Magnum loads, makes a great backup for a big game hunter or a good wilderness trail gun for defense against larger animals. The Model 69 would also make a good primary for hog, deer and black bear hunting at close range. Subsequently, the handloads that follow contain appropriate components and power levels for the applications described.
Speaking of right ammunition…
This was quite a go around as there is no one bullet that will meet all requirements. As firearms are loaded to suit varying circumstances and situation, so went bullet selection. No 180 grain 44 Magnum loads were assembled at first as I don’t care for the combination. Originally, a 240 grain Remington bullet was selected for the bottom 44 Magnum load, a bullet with a thin jacket and lots of exposed lead to encourage rapid expansion. This bullet was replaced with a Hornady 240 grain HP/XTP that offered a bit more penetration and a 180 grain 44 Magnum load was added to head off the whining.
The bullets pictured above, appear on the table below, left to right as top to bottom. Really.
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Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5%, and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
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You may note that powder charge does not track proportionally to bullet weight. There are many factors that influence pressure; bullet diameter, contact surface area, type of material… lots. In this case the greatest influence is net case capacity after a bullet is seated. In the examples above, the Cast Precision all lead bullets are considerably shorter than their less dense jacked companions and the cast bullet has driving bands and lube that combine to reduce bore friction.
If it’s short, what makes it special?
The 44 Magnum case is 1.275″, the 44 Special case is 1.153″, so I think it goes like this. The Special is derived from the 44 Russian which has a stubby little 0.970″ case. Compared to the Russian, the 44 Special is… Special. After that, there was no place else to go when showering a cartridge with dimensional accolades other than Magnum, so here we are. The next time someone tried to bump case volume for a 44 Caliber, they added to the name and a Super, as in the 445 Super Magnum.
Why am I going on with esoteric wandering with no particular place to go? I am trying to build a image-text barrier to separate the Magnum load data above from the Special data that will surely follow. Data for the 445 Super Magnum will not follow at all. Did I mention my Wife is visiting our son in Texas? So I am on my own to run with scissors, cook and eat copious amounts of fried rice and stay up as late as I choose… even though I’ve chosen to take a nap
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Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5%, and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
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The 44 Special overall length spec is actually slightly longer than that of the 44 Magnum in deference to the Special’s earlier origin, 1907 Vs 1955 approx, and use of long ogive bullets of the day.
How to make one arm shorter than the other…
The S&W Model 69 is designed to handle a steady diet of full tilt 44 Magnum ammo, although I am not sure I could say the same for the average shooter as a function of the Model 69’s 37 Oz. weight. But the upside in power is clearly there when needed and there are always mild 44 Magnum and 44 Special loads for practice and home defense even for those who don’t handload.
I found the Model 69 as easy to holster carry as my Ruger GP 100, close in size and weight. The S&W is also a revolver that is easy to shoot accuracy; good balance, good sights. That said, the Model 69 is a bit of a hand slapper, muzzle blast isn’t kept a secret, but then that should be expected of a short barrel 44 Magnum… Nothing serious for a big bore handgun or handgunner. As a matter of appearance, the Model 69 is a terrific looking revolver. The bead blast finish works and workmanship on the new production piece is nicely done. After a good number of handloads fired, the revolver remained tight and cylinder gap remained at 0.005″; no end shake.
Very subjectively, I would have preferred a natural finish hammer and trigger; in black they seem a bit out of place. The double action pull is a bit heavy, which may right itself after a bit more use. In its original form, it is easy enough to master with practice. The integral key lock is useful and unobtrusive although I realize there are some folks who get a bit emotional over its presence. Personally, I’ve never encountered a problem with one and it is another safety device for those who prefer. Nice revolver
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