Author Topic: .44 ammo?? (Read 628 times)

ihuntbucks · « **on:** August 07, 2004, 05:07:45 PM »

Sorry about 2 post back to back,I should have ask this on the other post;but what ammo do ya'll suggest for whitetail hunting in .44 mag? 180,200,240,300 hpxtp or whatever?First off,I don't reload,but do have a buddy of mine that does.Will be used in a SBH w/7 1/2 barrel........Rick

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2004, 05:55:03 PM »

I generally use the Hornady 240 XTP but would just about as soon use the Nosler 240 JHP. Can't really see much if any difference in performance. When placed right the deer die rat now.

GB

leverfan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2004, 08:11:55 PM »

I'd be happy with pretty much any hollow point/hollow cavity 240 grain bullet, as long as it was accurate in my revolver. Deer aren't too demanding when it comes to bullet selection for a 44 mag, and a reliably-expanding 240 grain bullet will be more than enough. I might go to a lighter bullet for deer, if they were small-bodied in my area, but I wouldn't bother to go to a heavier bullet, unless I was hunting for a mixed bag that included tougher animals.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2004, 12:16:21 AM »

I would have to agree with Graybeard and Leverfan. The 240 gr. XTP.

irndan · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2004, 10:05:23 AM »

I found two loads that work well in my sbh. One is 8.5 grains of red dot with a 200grain cast round nose. The other is 180 grn jhp with 10.5 grains of Unique. Both of these were for me an accurate and comfortable load. Although they might be what is considered on the light side I don't have to worry about flinching because of recoil. This really makes the gun more of a joy to shoot.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2004, 05:22:56 PM »

irndan, I wouldn't personally recommend or use either of those loads. The one time I've used a 180 JHP on deer was with 12.5 grains of Unique. That was the load I was using in NRA silhouette competition that year. Yeah it killed the deer but failed to expand at all and also failed to exit. Two things it should have done and which I expect from a bullet in the .44 Mag.

The round nose at that velocity isn't likely to expand and a RN sure doesn't transmit much shock to the deer. I honestly don't think it would be an effective killer.

GB

irndan · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2004, 05:45:28 PM »

Greybeard,
I never realized that. I worked these loads up and found they shot very well. The spot I had to pistol hunt I was pretty well limited to 50yds. max due to terrain. I will admit our pistol season is in Jan. and although I did hunt I never got to try one out on a deer. Never even seen one !! If I remember right 12.5 grns. didn't shoot as good as 10.5. grns. If I'm limiting my shots to 50yds. or less, and can accurately place my shots, shoudn't I still be ok?

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2004, 07:22:47 AM »

Quote from: irndan

Greybeard,
I never realized that. I worked these loads up and found they shot very well. The spot I had to pistol hunt I was pretty well limited to 50yds. max due to terrain. I will admit our pistol season is in Jan. and although I did hunt I never got to try one out on a deer. Never even seen one !! If I remember right 12.5 grns. didn't shoot as good as 10.5. grns. If I'm limiting my shots to 50yds. or less, and can accurately place my shots, shoudn't I still be ok?

Test you load on gallon milk jugs filled with water at the ranges you expect to shoot a deer. They give you a good idea of bullet performance on thin skined game like deer.
I've used 180(Sierra JHP) and 200 gr(Nosler JHP) bullets, one deer each. Broadside lung shots are best with these lighter bullets. Try some Nosler 200 gr JHPs in your gun and see how they shoot.

irndan · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2004, 08:38:07 AM »

Didn't use water jugs but they sure made a mess out of some leftover watermelons from the garden!! My kids were watching from the house ans after everyshot it was "shoot another one dad"!!