MAG-NA-PORT STALKER

[old coach]

I just got my new hunting handgun. I put on a 2X Leup. in a TSOB mount.
Now in need reccomendations for a factory load to use on deer.
This is a 44 MAG with a 8-3/8 bbl.
No shot over 100yds, most with a rest.
Handloads welcome.
THANKS

[Dusty Miller]

Deer are not hard to kill.  Pick a 240 gr. bullet that looks good on the shelf and punch it thru the boiler room!

[MS Hitman]

Standard loads pretty much are 24.0 gr of WW296/H110 or 21 grains of 2400 behind a 240 grain bullet.  I've killed 26 whitetail deer with .44 mags using a variety of jacketed and cast bullets.  A good hard cast 240 SWC or LBT does well; same goes for the Remington SJHP or the XTP.  I do not recommend bullet weights lighter than 240 grains in the .44 Mag as I prefer penetration over trying to make a "Swift" out of a revolver.

[Special Ed]

I prefer the 200 gr Hornady XTP. I have never had the need for a 240 gr bullet on whitetail. A little less recoil for the shooter when using the 200 gr bullet also.

Either will work fine, pick what is comfortable for you to shoot, recoil wise. IMHO you don't need to use a max load for either one, once again pick a load that you shoot well & use it.

Ed

[44 Man]

I have been using the speer 300 plated soft nose bullet for years but I am going to change to the 240 gr XTP.  The 300 is much more that needed for whitetail (although it would be great for elk) and just punches through leaving a .44 caliber hole the same as a cast bullet.  If I'm going to do that, I'd just as soon use cast.  So I'm working up some loads with the XTP for this season.  I know you can get the max from 296/110 but it also seems to have more recoil and muzzle blast.  I have used and will continue to use 2400 for all my .44 Mag loads.  44 Man

By the way, congratulations on a fine revolver.  The Mag-na-port Stalker is my favorite hunting revolver.  I had one made up on a FA .44 Mag by Ken at Mag-na-port and I love it!