Question about an Encore 44 Mag with 15" barrel

[kb]

I am interested in getting a 15 inch 44 mag barrel for my encore, and I was wondering what everyones experiences were with them.  I will be using this basically as a deer hunting (whitetail) gun.
 
I already reload for the 44, so that is the reason for my choice in this caliber.
 
My concern is the recoil, accuracy, and max distance that it will be capable of a clean kill.  I know my own limitations, but what is the  cartridges limitations?
 
Is this a 100 yard gun?  I am in a shotgun only area, but handguns are allowed (already have a revolver), and this will legally fit right in.  
 
My other choice is the 270 Win.  How would this be in the above configuration?  I reload for this caliber as well, and have entertained this for a while too....  Is the recoil too much with the 270?
 
Thank you for your responses,
 
kb

[Redhawk1]

The 44MAG in a 15 inch encore would be a 125 to 150 yards gun. Myself, I would keep it at 100 yards. Now the .270 could be a 200 yard gun. I had a 15 inch Encore pistol in 30-06 and I did a lot of shooting at 200 yards at the range. But I only shot one deer at 75 yards with it. Recoil is how you perceive it. To me neither one was that bad, and while hunting I did not even notice it. Good hunting and good luck with your choice.  

[mikemayberry]

My 12 inch .44 mag shows potential for up to 100 yards.  Grouped the other day at 2 inches with 5 shots and would have been better off another rest I'm sure.  This was with handloaded 300 gr. Hornady XTPs.  The 240 gr. XTPs I think I will primarily use for hunting don't drop near as much as the 300's do at 100 yards.  

Still working on loads but that was with Alliant 2400 at 15 gr. for the 300's and 18 gr. for the 240's. Recoil is not bad at all and it fits in my bandolier holster while in the field.

Can't wait for a hog or deer or coyote to give me a legal chance.

Mike

[kb]

Well I came across a deal on a 44 mag in a 10 inch barrel.  I figured that I would give it a try.  Any suggestions for a load that works best?  A fast powder or a slower one.

Thanks,

kb

[Redhawk1]

I use 2400 powder in my 44 MAG 20 gr. with my 240 gr. bullets and 17.5 gr. with my 300 gr. bullets. But there are max loads from my Hornady book. So approach them with caution.  

[Gregory]

I practice with my 14" 44 Mag. Contender at the range, out to 100 meters
(110 yds).  The gun is probably more capable than I am out a bit farther but that's my self imposed max range I'd shoot at a deer.