The .44 mags:
First up, the ubiquitous Model 29. Made in 1984, this gun has seen very little use. The only load I've shot through it is the original Keith load, using the RCBS .44-250K over 22 grains of old Hercules 2400 (reduce to 20 grains with the new Alliant 2400).
Next up, an Interarms Virginian Dragoon. This one has been carried and shot a good deal, and has accounted for a number of deer, plus one caribou. Shoots the same load as above quite well, but where it really shines is with the 300 grain LBT Long Flat Nose design, also cast from wheelweights and loaded over 23 grains of 296 for just about 1,300 fps. It's a much stronger gun than the old M 29, so it readily digests a bit heavier loads; I would never even consider shooting these loads from the M 29.
Last up is somewhat of an oddball, but is quickly turning into one of my favorite mountain bumming companions. It's a brand new Ruger Super Blackhawk, a gift from a dear friend. It shoots either of the two loads described above with aplomb, assuming you are up to it. I'm generally not. This is going to have to be a "carry a lot, shoot a little" kind of a gun.
All three together:
