Author Topic: 44 Mag and 445 SuperMag loads for whitetail deer? (Read 1084 times)

Burnsome · « **on:** December 19, 2002, 10:24:24 AM »

Am new to handgun hunting for whitetail deer, and need to know what kind of loads you experienced handgunners use in the calibers above. Primary hunt in Georgia and maximum range is typically 100 yards or less, with less than 50 yards being the norm...

TIA !

Tony D · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2002, 06:29:49 AM »

If you max shot will be 100 yards and usually 50 or less, there is really no need to go with the 445. It generates considerably more recoil than the 44, meaning you will probably shoot the 44 much better.

Lately, I've been using 24.5 grains of L'il Gun under a 240 gr XTP. Winchester cases and Winchester LP primers.

Good luck!

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2002, 03:16:31 PM »

I don't use the .445 SM. My standard load for the .44 Mag. for deer is a 240 XTP over 24.0 grains of wither W296 or H110 (same powder). I use this in any case (except a S&W which I will never use again. Blew up a TC once using them with this load.) and a mag primer.

GB

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2002, 05:33:06 PM »

I use the same load as Greybeard in my wifes 96 Ruger. Lotsa power.
I have even gone a little stiffer. But I found it to be a waste of powder. The 44 has enough without charging it up.

volshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2003, 01:03:41 PM »

I have two .44 mag loads I like, neither is maxium but both will group exceptionaly well.

240 XTP over 22gr WW296, 1305 fps

290 WFP over 21.5gr WW296, 1350 fps

I would suggest you find out what load shoots the best group for your pistol as opposed to how much power you can get. Both of my loads will shoot under 1.25" at 20 yards off the bags and I can hold a 4 inch group at 60 yards off my tree stand. I tried powder/bullet weights until I found what my Super Black Hawk liked the best.
Rick