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Author Topic: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???  (Read 653 times)

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Offline hoytcanon

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.44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« on: November 02, 2012, 01:02:46 PM »
Hello Folks... I have a .44 Mag on the way. I am looking for advice on short range hunting loads... 10-50 yards max... mostly 20-30 yards... for thicket deer.  I have been told some of the pistol bullets don't hold up well in a rifle... what would be your recommended bullet and powder... I have Hornady 200 grain HP XTP bullets and Lil' Gun/H110 powders already... I have 100 pieces of Win brass .. I have Skinner Black Gold peeps enroute also, plus this barrel is being cut down to 18" and a new front blade tapped. Any and all info would be appreciated.
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Offline wileynet

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2012, 01:23:14 PM »
i have two bullets i hunt with in the mesquite draws around here, a 300 gr RNFP with 2400, listed as
accuracy load in lyman, the other is a 240 grain kieth bullet also loaded with 2400, consider both good hunting loads, i carry the 300 as a trail rifle when gathering sheds just in case of a black bear.
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Offline gendoc

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2012, 01:30:53 PM »
pm sent with my hunting formula........... ;)
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Offline bigvarmnt

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2012, 01:46:41 PM »
If it's one of the older overbore barrels you may want to check into heavy cast. Accuracy shouldn't matter much at that range. Just hit it and knock it down ;D
Otherwise I like the 200 gr also.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2012, 12:19:34 AM »
As mentioned its gonna depend in your bore. Some older ones did get pretty big. Making them really only accurate with a cast bułlet. ( In order to get propped diameter)

As for pistol billets worries, its actually light hollow point worries because of coarse they are all pistol bullets ;). BUT this is just because of the much increased velocities. As a hand loader you could easily build loads perfectly adaquity for your 200g slugs from your longer rifle tube.  Just be aware of pistol velocities for that given bullet and build rifle loads to approximate them and have fun!

The manority of my deer hunting is just as you describe. Much was done with a bow. But a wrecked back ended my archery. I can still shoot but 4-6 arrows is about it from a compound and maybe a dozen from my recurves. Before pain stops me cold. ( Also quit golf that I enjoyed) I do like traditional archery quite a bit!

A loading like this. Using your 200g .429 bullet at say 1400 will put the smack down on any deer at your 50 yard distances! Even a bit farther, no worries! As a bow hunter you know how to get close be quiet. patient and place your shots. Treat it like a noisy bow WO a string and enjoy it brother!!

CW
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Offline smokeater

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2012, 05:31:10 AM »
Might not be on same topic, but does anyone know the twist rate on the H&R 44 mag barrels?  Have a Ruger Flattop 44 spec and thinking about getting 44 mag rifle for companion piece.  Have heard that the Marlin 1994's may or may not shoot cast well due to their slow twist.  I have had a  New England with 3 barrels , all shot good except the 308, got rid of all of them, but would like a 44 mag I think.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2012, 05:40:51 AM »
H&R 44mags are SAAMI spec 1:38" twist, all H&R twist rates can be found in the FAQs sticky.

Tim
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Offline keith44

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2012, 11:08:29 AM »
Quote from: hoytcanon on November 02, 2012, 01:02:46 PM
Hello Folks... I have a .44 Mag on the way. I am looking for advice on short range hunting loads... 10-50 yards max... mostly 20-30 yards... for thicket deer.  I have been told some of the pistol bullets don't hold up well in a rifle... what would be your recommended bullet and powder... I have Hornady 200 grain HP XTP bullets and Lil' Gun/H110 powders already... I have 100 pieces of Win brass .. I have Skinner Black Gold peeps enroute also, plus this barrel is being cut down to 18" and a new front blade tapped. Any and all info would be appreciated.


I've had great success with 240 grain cast bullets sized to .431 or .432 over W296/H110, or 2400 lit by standard large pistol primers.  100 yard shots down to one shot that was 5 feet from the muzzle.  I do not trust any lighter weight, or lighter constructed bullet
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Offline Hunter6657

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2012, 02:35:09 PM »
240gr Nosler JHP or Hornady XTP over 24grs of H110 or W296, Win Large Pistol Primers or CCI LP.
Good for 0 to 125yard shooting on deer and further if you hold higher.
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Offline hoytcanon

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2012, 03:33:10 PM »
I now have Hornady 200 gr XTP's, and Sierra 210 gr and 240 gr JHC's to try out... I will give the Nosler's a try also and see which the gun prefers... open to other suggestions and loads...
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Hoyt Handi's; Ultra Black .22 K-Hornet Shorty, Black Synthetic K-Hornet Shorty & Nickel .410 Combo (sons), Ultra Granite Grey .22 BR Rem, Ultra Nutmeg .223 & .30/30 Shorty Combo (sons), Ultra Forest .223/7mm-08 Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest .243/.308 Combo, Ultra Nutmeg .243/.308 Combo (sons),  Jacaranda/Cocobolo .30/30 & 7.62X39 Shorty Combo, Ultra Black/Stainless .260 Rem Stub, Ultra Black/Stainless .338 Federal Stub,  Ultra Grey .358 Win, Ultra Grey .35 Whelen, Walnut/Cocobolo Mannlicher .357 MAX, Buffalo Classic Mannlicher .44 Mag Shorties w/NDS-38 peeps (X2; Sons & mine), Ultra Grey Stainless .45/70 & .243 & 20 Gauge Combo, Buffalo Classic 26" .45/70, 9.3X74R Mannlicher, Synthetic Nickel .410 & .30/30 & Versa Pak .22 LR Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest/Cocobolo 12 Gauge 3.5" Turkey; Most scoped with DNZ or Dura Sight one-piece bases and Mueller, Hawke or Nikon scopes... several with Skinner Peeps and Williams Fire Sight ramps.

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: .44 Mag Hunting Load info???
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2012, 05:33:46 PM »
Quote from: Hunter6657 on November 03, 2012, 02:35:09 PM
240gr Nosler JHP or Hornady XTP over 24grs of H110 or W296, Win Large Pistol Primers or CCI LP.
Good for 0 to 125yard shooting on deer and further if you hold higher.
/that has been my load for many years, has worked very, very well.  DP
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