Keith L –
Your drop data is correct for the data Federal lists – 240g HP at 1760fps and a 100-yard zero. I use Speer 240g JSP’s in both a Browning B92 carbine and a Ruger 7-1/2” Super Redhawk. Velocities are 1883fps and 1519fps respectively.
Using my loads and a zero point calculated to provide Maximum Point Blank Range for a 6” target (the bullet is never more than 3” above or below line of sight), the Zero and MPBR ranges are as follows:
Ruger = 122yds, 143yds
Browning = 145yds, 169yds
The Browning delivers almost the same energy at 200 yards (750fpe) that that the Ruger does at 100 yards (779fpe). Bullet drop at 200 yards with the Browning is a tad less than 9”, a very manageable drop (it’s a hold high on fur).
The Ruger has a 2x scope mounted and I often find myself shooting (at) clay pigeons at 100 yards. I get my share of misses but get my share of hits, too. The Browning has iron sights only and I frequently use it to shoot steel gongs at 200 yards (as I was doing last weekend). Hits are not a problem. (I shoot the gongs with the Ruger as well, but the drop is greater.)
The original question was with regards to a woods cartridge for deer, where ranges are generally fairly short, and the .44 works very well in this role. For people who feel that 1,000fpe is the minimum needed for deer, the Browning’s range is 135 yards and the Ruger’s range is 45 yards. At the MPBR of 169 yards, the Browning delivers 850fpe with a drop of only 3”. This is lethal deer medicine.
Granted, it is not the best cartridge for an open-field or cross-valley shot at 300 yards.