BattlerifleG3 - the Hornaday light magnum loads are nothing more than what reloaders have been rollin' for years. The 265 gn Hornaday bullet is one of the best jacketed slugs for the 444 and as mentioned, was designed for that cartridge - other jacketed bullets were designed for pistol velocities.
As for use on dangerous game - what dangerous game are you talking about here?? For Boar, the 265 grainer will definately do the job. I've used the Beartooth 330 grain cast slugs for big boar and large Elk and they just blow right through. I hit the Boar (400 lb) just behind the ear at about 75 yds and the bullet blew through and out the right shoulder, flipping him over on his side. The Elk was no contest.
If you are talking about Bear as dangerous game I would suggest two things - (1) Load up the 444 with heavy hardcast bullets, like the Beartooth Bullets, that will bust on through bone and not break apart and (2) decide on the weight of the bullet, 300, 330, 350, for the dangerous game you are likely to encounter and understand where to place the bullet. Even the best bullet will have little effect on a dangerous animal if it isn't placed right. HTH. Mikey.
