250 gr. cast versus 240 gr. XTP

[rickt300]

Well since I got my 44 mag Handi I have shot 150 or so 240 gr. XTP bullets out of it.  Great accuracy bullet.  25.0 grs. of Win 296 for around 1700 fps.  I had some cast from wheelweight bullets 250 gr. Keith type semi wadcutters laying around and shot a few but didn't really test them fully.  So I loaded 50 up on top of 22.0 grs. of IMR 4227 for a guessed at 1600 fps.  These bullets are as cast and crimped in the crimp groove.  They hit right on top of where the 240 gr. XTP's did and were just a hair less accurate, no leading.  I decided to do some penetration testin in my sand box.  What I usually do is soak down the fine sand with a hose.  This box is 24 inches wide with an 8 inch gap in one end and is 36 inches long.  I cover the gap with milk jug material and shoot thru it.  Well at ten feet the XTP's completely flatten out and penetrated a bit less than 6 inches.  Good radial damage though.  The Keith bullets made it 19 inches with a nice nearly 2 inch diameter hole most of the way.  The bullet nose had some wear to it and only expanded a little over bore diameter.  I think I'll save the XTP's for the handguns in the future but now I need to get to casting up a supply of Keith's.

[maglvr44]

I think I'll save the XTP's for the handguns in the future but now I need to get to casting up a supply of Keith's.

Better yet, put the XTPs in your next yard sale and use the proceeds for more wheel weights and powder
You just can't beat a good hard lead bullet! Four out of five dead animals agree!

[Default]

 Both should do fine one whitetail .. Thou the tuffer the critter is the more i would lean towards the lead i.e. Hogs ! heh
 Used a 250 gr gold dot bullet in the 45lc on a big pig and long story short the blood trail ran out after he bang flopped and then jumped up and took to cutting a trail..

 Granted the 44 has considerably more velocity and energy then the 45lc but same principal applies when using defensive bullets for hunting .. So for my pistol calibered carbines i use a good cast bullet ...

 And heck their cheaper too 

    Just a thought,

    Default

[Graybeard]

That load of 25 grains of W296 is a full grain more than most reliable sources recommend for that bullet.

[quickdtoo]

25gr W296 under the 240gr XP with a COL of 1.6" is listed as a max load for a 44mag rifle in the Hornady 6th, their test rifle is an 18" barreled Ruger carbine w/1:38" twist. 

Tim

[rickt300]

My overall length is 1.745 and I got my data from the Third Edition Hornady Handbook. There 24.7 grains of 296 is listed as max. I have .040 to jump before my bullet hits the rifling.  My cases just fall out of the chamber and primers look perfectly normal.  This rifle has a very deep throat.  I feel I could probably add more powder but am extremely happy with the accuracy I'm getting.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've taken several Mule deer with the 240gr XTP and had pass-thru's on all of them.  If you are going to shoot head on it will drop them, if a "Texas Heart shot" it may not.  Yes the cast bullet will drive deeper, but the XTP does a good job.  I like the Hornady products, have used rifle and pistol bullets for decades, but not "married" to them.  I use alot of Nosler rifle bullets and cast, usually what ever shoots the best in that weapon, if right for the game being hunted.    DP

[rickt300]

I figure there will be a box or two on my shelves for a while.  I didn't say anything bad about them (the XTP's) and I'll bet they hit pretty hard.  My fine, wet sand box is more than likely a much tougher test than any game animal.