44 Mag Encore Rifle, Gold Dot or Sierra?

[iunderpressure]

In a 18-20" MGM 44 mag barrel with a 1 in 20" twist, does anyone have experience using Sierra's 240 gr JHC, Gold Dot 240 gr JHP, or their JSP?  Just wondering how well they shot, and how well they perform on deer.

Thanks, Kyle

[STUMPJMPR]

Both are good bullets but IMHO soft points are better for hunting. 

[buck460XVR]

The most accurate bullet I have found outta my M629  is Hornady's 240 grain XTP. Next was Nosler's 240 grainers both in JHP and JSP. Both are less monies than Sierra's or Speer's.....altho I have had good luck with the Speer 240 Uni-cores.

[iunderpressure]

Has anyone used the nosler jsp's. They look to be a little on the soft side.  I'm going to be pushing them between 1700-1800 fps.  I want something that will stay together pretty well without a lot of weight lose.

[buck460XVR]

Has anyone used the nosler jsp's. They look to be a little on the soft side.  I'm going to be pushing them between 1700-1800 fps.  I want something that will stay together pretty well without a lot of weight lose.

The most accurate bullet I have found outta my M629  is Hornady's 240 grain XTP. Next was Nosler's 240 grainers both in JHP and JSP.

IMHO.....Very little difference in tip hardness from the Speer Unicore JSPs. Doubt very much if they're too soft for the velocities you mention.

[iunderpressure]

Do you think the gold dot soft points would hold together or retain weight better than the other soft points?

[buck460XVR]

Do you think the gold dot soft points would hold together or retain weight better than the other soft points?

The Speer, Sierra, Nosler, Hornady mentioned are all quality hunting bullets that are made for reliable terminal performance at .44 mag velocities. Your velocities are not outside of that envelope. The minuscule difference in expansion from one to the other is moot when compared to which one shoots the best outta your gun. I have shot all of the mentioned bullets thru my 629. They all shot well, but my experience has been that I get the best accuracy  from the Hornadys and the Noslers. My practice/range bullets are the same as my hunting bullet, so it helps they are also considerably cheaper for me when bought in bulk than some of the others. I am also confident that on deer sized game, if I do my job, they will also. You experience may vary, and I suggest you too try them all before you commit yourself. 'ell, that's half the fun of reloading.

[cwlongshot]

Personally I do not like HP bullets for hunting big game.

 I have used the Sierra, Speer and Hornady SP's for many years with very good results.

A couple of my favorites are the SPEER 44cal 270gr bullet!!!

CW