Author Topic: a target load ok for deer ?  (Read 758 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Scibaer

  • Central Michigan, USA, Earth
  • Trade Count: (25)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1686
  • FATE FAVORS THE WISE
a target load ok for deer ?
« on: October 04, 2009, 06:42:23 AM »
i worked up a target load for my .44mag
its a 200 grain cast RN bullet with a BHN of about 18
pushed by 7.5 grains of Trailboss for 960 fps
this load shoots real well from my taurus .44 at 50 yards but is it enough to take a whitetail cleanly, assuming it hits the vitals ?
or is this nothing more then a good target load ?

Offline Badnews Bob

  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2963
  • Gender: Male
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2009, 07:02:15 AM »
Would it work? Probably. BUT, I wouldn't use it. For one thing I don't like RN bullets for Hunting, I would use a SWC or WFN  stlye, I also don't like light for calibur bullrts. I really like a big flat meplat for hunting, and at least 240 grains.  The speed is prolly fine but if I was hunting with a Magnum I would use a magnum load, Not a .44 special load. JMHO.
Badnews Bob
AE-2 USN retired

Offline billy_56081

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8575
  • Gender: Male
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2009, 07:15:14 AM »
I think the roundnose would be a poor choice. Yes it will kill, but I do not think it will leave a good exit hole.
99% of all Lawyers give the other 1% a bad name. What I find hilarious about this is they are such an arrogant bunch, that they all think they are in the 1%.

Offline Mohawk

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1958
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2009, 07:23:01 AM »
 Have used a .38 LRN for a deer one time. Didn't leave much blood but it did not go more than 40yds with the bullet passing through BOTH lungs. I emphasize both lungs because I feel that is the key. But, I will add, that there was a lot of blood in the body cavity and it did work.

Offline kynardsj

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (54)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1680
  • Gender: Male
  • Sweet Home Alabama
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2009, 08:05:01 AM »
I agree with Badnews Bob, speed is ok for the distance you're shooting but I would go with a SWC or WFN bullet. A non expanding RN is just a poor choice for hunting.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.

Offline Handgun Hunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 47
  • Gender: Male
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2009, 01:09:56 PM »
+2 with Badnews' thoughts.
Tim. " The fear of death will not prevent dieing, but it may prevent living "

Offline Scibaer

  • Central Michigan, USA, Earth
  • Trade Count: (25)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1686
  • FATE FAVORS THE WISE
Re: a target load ok for deer ?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2009, 01:07:14 AM »
ok. i guess i will keep my target load away from the hunting field. i do use a swc for hunting that usually run about 1200 fps.
 if you guys think my target load isnt enough bullet then i wont use it..
thanks for the advice.