Best factory .44 mag hunting load?

[Arkey]

Now that my scope issue is solved, what do you guys think about factory loads?  I know this is issue has probalby beed discussed in detail before, but what the heck. I will be shooting upto 100 yds at mainly deer, some hogs, and possible elk.  Is there a best all aroung load, or are all three of these animals different enough to require different loads.  I know the hogs (we have russian boars out here- so they say-aka razorbacks?) have pretty stout side armor.  My priority hunting animal is deer, hogs then elk if this will help..  Oh yeah,  I planned to go with an elite 3200 2-6x.  Thanks for all your help.

[Big]

I use plain ol' cheap white box Winchester 240 grain jacketed soft points, Q4240, out of my Super Red Hawk/Ultradot red dot.  At the range, they all go in the same hole (through the red dot) at 50 yards.  Ok, might be stretching the truth a little, but my gun does like them.  I haven't hunted with them yet, but they must be good for killing deer since the box says, "hunting" on it and there's a picture of a big deer on it.

[Hcliff]

I like Winchesters Nosler partitions or XTP hornadys

Hcliff

[myronman3]

i doubt any deer you shoot will stop to think about what brand it was shot with.   a good hit on a whitetail is what is important.   the premium ammo comes into play with tougher animals.   any 44 mag ammo should do fine with good shot placement.

[crawfish]

Don't know what you are shooting but for the animals you listed in factory ammo think Garrett, Cor-Bon, then Buffalo Bore. The hunting stuff you get from any of these semi-custom loaders will be a bit heavy for deer but right on for pigs and elk.  Olny down side is at over a buck a round pratice gets pricey real quick.

[markc]

with Big.  I have used the plain old Winchester 240 gr JSP, and also the winchester 240 gr HSP.  On hogs they both ahve penetrated very well, and it seems the little hollow point on the HSP's give a good combination of penetration and expansion in a factory round,  but they are not a hollow point bullet in the traditional sense.  

I have also used some cheap PMC 240 gr SP and they actually worked pretty well also.  I think you mentioned ELK?  I would likely opt for a heavier bullet weight for elk though.  I don't see the need for expensive custom ammo for whitetail and hogs, but for Elk I would go heavier than 240gr.  JMO
markc

[Krooz]

I've found the same thing with the Win. USA 240 gr in my Raging Bull, -great accuracy. It's disturbing though.... I have all the reloading gear but have yet to find a load that I can make that will match or beat it. I've tried a bunch of powder and bullet combos but can still just go and pick up a cheapy box at wally world and beat anything I assemble. Does any one have a suggestion or tip for 44 loading? - I may be missing something (more crimp/less crimp etc?). Thanks

Krooz

[markc]

my suggestion is to be happy!  Since you are already getting great accuracy and if the performance of the bullet is sufficient, then why bother knocking yourself out trying to find a handload that is better.  This may be one of the instances where it makes better sense to shoot the factory loads over handloading.  You may also be saving more money with the factory Win loads.  Usually if a person shoots alot, they can save some money in the long run by handloading over factory ammo, and they are looking for more accuracy.  Sounds like you got what you need in the factory ammo.  I would buy a few boxes and go hunting.
markc

[Krooz]

I am glad that there's good cheap ammo available, but I do enjoy the reloading process - experimenting and all that -  I really don't shoot enough for it to be a big cost saver for me. I've just had great success and satisfaction tweaking my .308 and 25-06 rounds and was hoping to do the same with the 44mag. Guess I'll just keep playing and if the season starts again before finding a sweet load it'll be off to get the USA's.

Krooz