200gr XTP in .44 Rifle

[jason280]

Anyone have experience with the 200gr XTP in the .44 Mag?  I just picked up a .44 carbine, and I was curious if the 200gr bullet will stand up to velocities of around 2000fps.  I would like to use the load for deer, but would I be better off with a 240gr XTP?

[Ditchdigger]

I don't know about the 200 gr.,but I loaded some 180's up to near max in my 445 supermag and they held together. The 300 gr. shoots very well in my 44 mag and 445 supermag loads,and should be a deadly bullet for deer. Digger

[JPH45]

Ballistically, any advantage a 200 has at the muzzle it is loosing after 50 yards. Under 50, it would probably be a good choice, but the 240-300 is going to be better at the longer ranges. The best performer ballistically in the 44 is the 270 grian. It has the best balance of velocity, trajectory and energy retention. I have a friend who swears by 180's on groundhogs though.

[dpw256]

I can tell you it makes a good load in my winchester carbine. Have proubly taken close to a doz. hog in the neighbor hood of 50 to 150 # with a load of imr 4227 with a load of 24 grains. Will eather pass clean thur or in the hide on outher side with a nice mushroom the size of a nickel they never go far most just flip right where they stand .

[safetysheriff]

Anyone have experience with the 200gr XTP in the .44 Mag?    I would like to use the load for deer, but would I be better off with a 240gr XTP?

I have not used the 200 gr' xtp on deer.   But, from Hornady's excellent performance with other bullets I've loaded, I'd say go with their 240 gr' xtp for large deer or medium-sized black bear out of a carbine.   The 200 gr' bullet performs at somewhat lower velocites according to Hornady -- maybe or maybe not creating a problem for you at closer ranges -- but not having as much impact as a 240 gr' bullet does on a larger animal.    

Since you asked about deer, I'd go with the 240 gr' in a Hornady  (not Rem' or Win' for which I'd choose a 210 gr' following Dick Metcalf's recommendation loosely).   It'll shoot flatter than a 300 gr' bullet, and will probably do a better job of helping with powder ignition in the .44 mag' than what sometimes happens with lighter bullets.  

I'd only go with a 300 gr' XTP if going after large black bear or elk.   I think the greater weight in this instance is a hindrance when deer hunting because of the trajectory.    

Good hunting,

SS'