44 mag loads for bear

[rangerover]

I've just gotten into hand-loading and I want to make a hot load using barnes bullets.  The will be for close range bear hunting in my 1894 44 mag.  Anyone have any good data using barnes bullets in a rifle?

[loaded4bear]

My advice to you would be:
1) get a good reloading manual
2) choose a heavy for caliber bullet listed in that manual of stout construction
3) DON'T excede the listed max. loads for any reason

[daddywpb]

Here is the load I use in my 44 Mag Guide Gun (one of the good ones with the muzzle brake ) -

Marlin 1894 44 Mag

Speer 270 grain Gold Dot Soft Point
Win 296
Scoop 1,3 cc
19.8 grains
1500 fps

I have a Dillon 550, but have always had problems metering 296 from the powder measure, so I use one of the Lee powder scoops. A bit slower, but very consistant. The Speer bullets have the cores bonded to the jackets and I have never had one seperate in an animal. Nothing I have ever shot with this load has taken a second step, however, I don't have experience with bears. If I were planning a bear hunt, I'd take along something with more punch than a 44 Mag - a 45/70 Guide Gun pops to mind. Just food for thought.

[Redhawk1]

If you plan to use Barnes bullets, I advise you get there reloading manual.  There are 2 bullets listed in my manual the 44 Mag. The 200 and 225 gr.XPB.  E-mail me if you want the load information.

[BUSTER51]

I hope you don't want to use that on brown bear ,if so bring a friend who runs slower than you .if you are useing it for black bear you should be ok with a 44.

[pastorp]

Are there many brown bear in Pheonix? Buster why would you think he was hunting brown bear? Just curious.  Regards, Byron