Author Topic: What's your favorite .44 deer bullet ? (Read 3730 times)

ratgunner · « **on:** July 14, 2012, 01:44:52 AM »

I just started loading for the .44 mag. and got 240 grn. XTP's and some 2400 powder and CCI 350 primers. So I'll see how they do,but what's your fav. bullet for deer ?

BBF · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2012, 04:04:44 AM »

That would be my choice except for the primers unless used in a pistol.

PS Me bad, my powder choice was H-110

Gunrush128 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2012, 04:08:08 AM »

I like the 240gr XTP's with 23.5gr of h110 and CCI350 primers. Excellent groups at 100 yards.

Tom W. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2012, 04:31:10 AM »

I like cast bullets, either the Lee 310 gr. or the RCBS 44-245 SWC

gendoc · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2012, 05:44:49 AM »

speer .429 240gr sp #4457
or
magtech 240gr sp

both perform better than tha xtp----- in my rugers

Ranch13 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2012, 06:07:23 AM »

There is but one bullet to use in the 44 , the lyman 429421 or the rcbs variant.
Your choice of powder is very good.

Junior1942 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2012, 06:59:16 AM »

The Lee 310.

josiah712 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2012, 07:01:16 AM »

I like the Lyman 429215. Here are some others that like it too:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=56042

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-details.php?entryID=20

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2012, 10:50:21 AM »

Favorite is the Hornady 240 XTP-HP followed closely by the Nolser 240 JHP. For cast bullet use I like both the Lyman 429244GC Thompson and the Lyman 429421 Keith bullets.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 14, 2012, 03:34:16 PM »

I have to put in another vote for the 240 XTP. Several mule deer have fallen to it and never recovered a bullet yet. DP

jackruff · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2012, 04:15:13 PM »

240 Hornady XTP for me, and 2400 for powder.

ratgunner · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2012, 05:42:40 PM »

Sounds like Im on the right track. I hope I get to see how they work on deer this season.

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2012, 12:23:22 AM »

I prefer a heavier, slower moving cast swc of the Keith design weighing in at around 290-300 gns and plowing along at somewhere around 1000 - 1100'/sec.

irold · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2012, 02:06:01 AM »

All the 44s I own or have owned , like/liked the XTP 240 HP with W-296 and mag primers. With the correct bullet placement they'll do the job. Suppose that could be said of any of the bullets suggested. Good Luck

regards , irold

45-70.gov · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2012, 02:44:11 AM »

280g WFN.....i will let you know if i ever get one

ratgunner · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2012, 04:17:40 AM »

I just reloaded my first 3 rounds of .44 with a Lee Loader(the kind you use a hammer for). They look good. I'll see how they shoot soon. I used 17.5 grains to start.

I see a press kit in my future

BBF · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2012, 05:27:09 AM »

They still make those !!??
That was my first set of Dies in the mid Sixties for the 300 Savage.

ratgunner · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2012, 06:37:18 AM »

Lol, yes Sir they still make em. I just fired those six rounds from my flattop off-hand leaning against a tree at 30 yards and got under 3" for 6 shots. I was expecting "mild recoil" but it gave a good muzzle rise. Last one I settled down and put in the bull. Seems like a stout load to me but I've been shooting my single six latley. I love the single actions-just let it roll.

Lonegun1894 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2012, 08:05:16 AM »

I used to love the XTPs, regardless of weight or caliber as they always did great in all the guns I tried them in. Then I got into the habit of casting and haven't bought a jacketed pistol bullet since. I mostly use the Lee 240SWC or the RCBS 245 SWC (somewhat "Keith"-like design). Both shoot well in my guns and work well on game too, when I downgrade from my .45 Colts to my .44 Mags. I mean, you just gotta shoot a small gun sometime.

josiah712 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2012, 02:04:27 PM »

I love Lee molds: great product, outstanding price. But for some reason, the only 44 mold they make with a decent meplat is the 310, which is way heavier than what I want. I don't know why they don't at least offer a classic Keith in 240 or 250 grain.

Lonegun1894 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 15, 2012, 04:12:20 PM »

I agree. If they did, I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough to buy one. Having said that, the 240SWC works fine on deer and hogs, but I'm sure it would work much better with a wider meplat like you mentioned.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #21 on:** July 15, 2012, 10:57:46 PM »

I use many differnt cast bullets to kill deer. If i had to narrow in down to the couple ive probably take the most game with it would be the lyman 429244 and the rcbs 240 swcgc.

ferryboatcaptain · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2012, 01:26:01 AM »

240 grain xtp with 24.0 grains of h110 is my deer load from my redhawk FBC

1911crazy · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2012, 07:29:22 AM »

I would suggest the bullet weight that groups well in your revolver and barrel length. I personally need to calm down my loads and get back to basics for accuracy. Its tougher when hunting in deer season when it overlaps bear season fora few days. But i did pick up some 270gr and 300gr 44cal JSP bullets to test out in my ruger super blackhawk with its 10 1/2'' barrel. But for deer the 240gr bullets should work.
Do we need hollow points? I'm thinking in the bears thicker skin with the body fat it may stop a JHP handgun bullet. I have found a 30cal (30-30) bullet in a bears behind in almost perfect form. Stupid people made a butt shot.
Where's Mikey he's the 44cal cast bullet guy here.

HHI-7420 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 29, 2012, 06:30:12 AM »

Has anyone tried the Cast Performance 250 and 260gc wide flat point. They do great in my 44's. Haven't shot any game yet but will this season for sure. Pat

ratgunner · « **Reply #25 on:** July 29, 2012, 01:13:41 PM »

So far my gun likes the 240 XTP I'm just trying different loads. I also got some 270grn Gold Dots to try.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #26 on:** July 30, 2012, 04:58:55 AM »

My experience with 44 bullets is pretty limited. In weapons a 44 revolver and M-92 replica as well as a friends 44 Ruger carbine. Based on what I read here on GBO when I was wondering the same thing, I selected and used the XTP.

I have not felt the slightest need to experiment further!

Dave in WV · « **Reply #27 on:** July 30, 2012, 11:05:13 AM »

Rem 210gr HP.

bubbinator · « **Reply #28 on:** July 31, 2012, 08:32:27 PM »

Sierra 180gr JHC>180gr Hornady XTP>Sierra 240JHC over a safe, but stout load of H110/WW296(Same powder). Killed a lot of stuff in Al with that load of stuff. Lean toward the 180s more now, getting older, the deer don't go that far with them. All fired from Ruger/S&W handguns w/ 6"+ bbls or a Ruger Carbine.

bubbinator · « **Reply #29 on:** July 31, 2012, 08:35:17 PM »

Another note on powders-gravitated to the H110/296/630-P(Made any more?) due to cleanliness issues. Unique/2400/Herco and the flake powder are so dirty and leave residue in the barrel.