44 magnum rifles and 180 - 200 grain bullits

[rickt300]

Mainly interested in the XTP series or Speers Magtip hollow point.  Do these bullets have what it takes when pushed to 1900 fps or more.

[BBF]

I'd stay with 200 gr as minimum for a rifle.

[ELMO]

    All I can say is I took 5 deer last season using the 240gr XTP bullet and none of them went over 30 yards after the shot. The bullet performed great in my opinion, most pass thru and the shoulder shot of one of them I found bullet under the hide, almost an exit. All these deer were shot using a Handi rifle with a bushnell trophy scope/w circle X reticle. My sons want to use this gun for next season, but everything will still be setup the same for them.  I just wanted you to know the XTP will do the job...... 

[rickt300]

I have used the 240 grain XTP in a muzzleloader and I agree it's a great deer bullet.  I also have a Handi in 44 Magnum and like it a lot. It shoots those 240 gr. XTP's very well.  I may get to go hog hunting in the next couple of weeks and will use them if I get a shot.  I have a mold for a Keith type semi-wadcutter that I think I'll start using for fun loads and keep the full box of 240 gr. XTP's I have on hand for real hunting.

[Ranger J]

Both my Handi and my Marlin are most accurate with XTPs.  Both will shoot cloverleafs at 50 yards. I have some 200 gr bullets but haven't loaded them yet.  The accuracy with 240s is good also.  I can't help you personal experience on what the 180s will do to a deer.  I read everything from they sometimes 'blow  up' when hitting bone to as one fellow said, I quote "It takes deer down like Thor's hammer."  I personally would not be afraid to shoot one at a deer.  357 rifle shooters tout the effectiveness of the same bullet in the same weight in that caliber.

RJ

[Brian T]

My Marlin 44 mag shoots best with the 200 grain XTP. 1" @ 50 yards.  This past season I shot a nice 10 point @ 70 yards.  He was facing me at a slight angle, I broke the left shoulder and the bullet came to rest just this side of the diaphram on the off side.  The deer turn and ran at the shot and went 50 yards or so and went down.  No blood trail at all, clean .44 hole through the lungs.

[pozoutdoors]

My blackhawk shoots 240gr bullers high with the sights set all the way down. So I shoot 180gr xtp's through it so I came ajust the sights!!! I have shot several deer with it and it works great!!!! I have shot them at 125 yards and it did the job just fine!!! Good blood trail or a bang flop!!!!

[teddy12b]

I took a buck last year with a 240ge XTP-HP at 60 yards at ~1675fps from the barrel.  The bullet weighed 184gr recovered from under skin on off side.  Dropped right there, but I also gave it a follow up shot after a few seconds to help finish it off.

[JW/OK]

I'd try the 240 grain XTP's, you have a better chance of getting pass through and a blood trail if the shot placement is not as good as  you planned.

[odie-wan]

Last year I loaded my T/C with 200 gr XTP's that should have been moving about 1800.  The one nice doe I took with that load went in the brisket (nearly straight on) through the heart, out her side at the back of the ribs and fractured the back femur before it was done with her.  I think it did just fine at that speed.  Hope that helps answer your question.

Sean

[Arier Blut]

I wouldn't drop down too low either. 240 xtp for me. They run well out of a 445 supermag as well. If you want a little more range try the ftx as hornady usually will not put out anything without a lot of field testing. They have a 225, I believe, out in 44 in the lever revolution line. I was going to try to load some up in the super mag to see if I can stretch it to 250 yards for hunting the logged out mountains around here. Years ago I ran 180's and they let me down. Just don't trust a slow/light bullet combination myself.