Author Topic: Looking for a fur friendly load for coyotes and fox in 44mag (Read 791 times)

erickrschaefer · « **on:** January 04, 2004, 12:28:52 PM »

I will be calling fox and coyote with a SBHH in 44mag and would like to sell the pelts. I don't reload but was wondering if there is anyone that makes factory ammo with a hard cast bullet that won't tear them up to bad.

Thanks,
Erick Schaefer

444encore · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2004, 01:25:43 PM »

Wow , can't say I've ever heard of a fur trader using a .44. Not a good idea.

erickrschaefer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2004, 01:58:20 PM »

444encore,
I have seen many an animal torn up with the so called fur friendly 22 or 17 calibers so bad that you couldn't even sell them. I figure a good hard cast bullet will only punch a neat hole through the hide that can easily be sewed up. A 357 would be better but I just can't afford one right now.

444encore · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2004, 04:47:42 PM »

Erick, I can agree that that this could happen. I personally haven't seen too many factory loads live up to the claims of the manufacturer. But with hand loads, patience and practice good results can be achieved consistantly. When I first started I had bad results with my .22-250 using factory ammo with 55 gr. sp. Then I bought a set of dies and started reloading. I had good results with Sierra GameKings and Hornady V-max.
But only at extended range. I eventually started using my AR-15 with ss109 fmjs and had better results at all ranges. Ofcourse most varment bullets are designed to penetrate one side and vaporize before they exit. But at close ranges this doesn't always happen.
If you've ever read up on the ss109 you'll note that this projectile was designed to be much more stable in flight than 55 gr bullets. With a tendancy to penetrate rather than tumble. Ofcourse with the ss109 you will always end up with 2 holes, but generally of the same size, but you must have the right rifling twist for this to work.

So the options are many if you have an AR-15 with rifling twist that'll support ss109 try that. If you have a .22 or .17 cal. just stick to long range shots. Heck, me personally, I'd rather use a .22 lr at 150 yards than a .44 Mag at 50.

erickrschaefer · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2004, 01:58:06 AM »

444encore,
Thanks for the bullet advice. I am not using a 44 by choice but by neccesity, it is all I have right now to use. I plan on purchasing a Thompson Contender in 222 or 223 and that will be my calling gun, but at least for the next month or so it is use the 44 or through rocks. I will check that bullet you suggested out when I get the Contender, do you think it will work out of a short pistol barrel?

Thanks,
Erick

Savage · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2004, 03:04:10 AM »

erickrscaefer,
How are things in your part of the world? I'd like to go back up there just to see what's changed since I spent a couple of years up there around Loring AFB. I have used the 240gr LSWC PMC factory rounds to good effect on small game. I got 100 rds with a Mdl 29 S&W I bought many years ago. Like you said it shoots straight thru with no expansion. UNLESS you hit a major bone. Then you'll likely end up with major damage from bone fragaments on the exit side. I hand load the swaged lead Hornady loaded down to 44spl velocities. I think a FMJ with as pointed a tip as possible might be better. Good luck!!
Savage

Mikey · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2004, 04:55:20 AM »

ericrschafer: If all you have is the 44 magnum, the only full jacketed load I know of is a silhouette load made by one of the major ammo companies - I believe it carries a fmj 240 gn swc style bullet but it is meant for silhouetts (????) and should not expand. Failing that, see if there is someone in your neck of the woods who either sells or reloads a 240 gn hardcast bullet for the 44 mag, either should do the trick for you. HTH. Mikey.

supermag 445 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2004, 10:31:20 AM »

Just some info. I think federal has a cast bullet that would be ideal for you. NO expansion just a neat hole in and hole out. Good luck

Brian

GBO MGMT · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2004, 04:27:07 PM »

Just pick up some .44 specials intended for CAS shooting. Should kill just fine and will merely make a neat hole you can sew up. They should be of RN FP profile which will minimize the size of hole also.

GB

512 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2004, 05:32:46 AM »

i have shot a gob of little reds with a 629DX. use a solid bullet or hard cast and you will be fine on everything except long low angle exits that tear a long rip in the hide. i sold everything i shot with that set up. it will even drop them with a gut shot. i have 2 hanging on the wall that were gut shot. both dropped and both had half inch holes in and out.

i would not go with the 357 as it will let things run off if you use solids, especailly coyotes. dont drop off too much in velocity or trajectory will be hard to overcome. i shot at 1300 fps and sighted in for 100yd. my load of choice was a 240gr hornady JTC-SIL at 1300fps out of a 8-3/8''. i shot a 2.6"group at 100yd (10 shots) with scope of course. took the cumbersome scope off and went hunting.

a hollow point will rip them up. shot a few with a 45 acp series 70 colt and that would even tear them up with hollow points. used a 200gr speer hp and a 185 sierra hp for a while. it was good on coyotes but too rough on fox. the 185 at 1100 is kind of impressive on coyotes. havent shot many but load worked good on them.

we had lots and lots of the reds before mange or something took them and i shot somewhere between 40 and 50 of them with a revolver. it sure was a fun way to spend time in the winter. kinda wish i had kept a log on every critter i shot. guess i was just out having a good time. good luck and have fun. 512