Handgun Hunter Magazine - Forums: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag

You are not logged in. [Log In] Handgun Hunter Magazine » Forums » Discussions » Handgun Hunting » Hunting Load for deer with 44mag

Page 1 of 3

Topic Options

Rate This Topic

#207722 - 08/17/20 08:34 AM

Hunting Load for deer with 44mag

BobRos
journeyman

Registered: 10/09/05
Posts: 61

Offline

What loads are you guys using for your 44mag's on deer?

I don't reload and have used the Hornady brand in the 240 grain and tried the 225 grain "lever" rounds.

My Encore groups the 240gr tighter.

I've been looking at the Buffalo Bore brand.

I tried a search here for this topic but came up empty.

Top

#207725 - 08/17/20 08:57 AM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: BobRos]

RH Custom Guns
member

Registered: 10/17/18
Posts: 122
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Offline

For deer, the 240gr will do just fine. I even use 180gr XTPs on our smaller TX deer and it does the job.

Top

#207727 - 08/17/20 02:33 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: RH Custom Guns]

H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 02/13/08
Posts: 2366
Loc: Louisiana

Offline

Two loads I use
240 XTP over 18.5 2400 LPM primer
240 Remington HP 18.5 2400 LPM primer

The Blackhawk shoots the XTPs best
The Contender likes the Remington's
S&W is about the same on both.

_________________________
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.

Top

#207728 - 08/17/20 03:44 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: H2OBUG]

rougerocco
member

Registered: 11/27/15
Posts: 162
Loc: Michigan

Offline

I like a bullet that opens up and cause internal damage. XTP have worked for me. My SBH groups them good. I just got turned on to Atomic 240g with a Bonded Match Hollow Point bullet moving at 1500 fps. I was getting them for the price as range rounds! I have doe hunt coming up early Sept. plan on using them. Will let you know..

Top

#207729 - 08/17/20 03:55 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: rougerocco]

Sawfish
veteran

Registered: 02/10/04
Posts: 1244
Loc: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia

Offline

The old Remington 240 gr. jacketed hollow point is a mainstay in 44 Magnum handgun loads for whitetail. I have shot a number of whitetails and hogs with this bullet in both pistols and my Ruger rifles. Even though many may consider it old tech, it still does the job.

_________________________
Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting
Patron Member NRA;
Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA

Top

#207731 - 08/17/20 04:07 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: Sawfish]

Franchise
Distinguished Expert

Registered: 12/21/08
Posts: 4815
Loc: Castalia, NC

Offline

Any bullet that shoots accurately and reliably in your 44 mag should be just fine. I like 240 gr HP'S, but a bunch of guys here in NC use 180 gr and 200 gr bullets with no problems.

_________________________
The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind

Top

#207732 - 08/17/20 05:05 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: Franchise]

wvhitman
old hand

Registered: 12/04/05
Posts: 1024
Loc: WV

Offline

Sawfish X2. 240 Rem. HPs are nice & soft and do a lot of damage to deer. About anything works in deer, but the ones I've had very poor luck with (less damage, more deer movement) are 240 XTPs, 240 Sierra JHCs, Norma 240 HP steel jacket, most SP bullets. Leads work OK if you get both shoulder blades. Not so good with only one.
I've killed deer with all the above bullets, but the later bunch
allowed more deer movement than the first.

Top

#207734 - 08/17/20 10:53 PM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: wvhitman]

Drycreek3189
journeyman

Registered: 02/26/20
Posts: 97
Loc: Texas

Offline

Sawfish X3

Top

#207868 - 08/31/20 11:19 AM

Re: Hunting Load for deer with 44mag [Re: Sawfish]

TM
enthusiast

Registered: 12/27/12
Posts: 205
Loc: Kansas

Offline

Originally Posted By: Sawfish

Deer are very thin skinned and penetration is easy, I have used the Remington 240 gr JHP with success. You are correct, the bullet is "old tech", but deer don't need high tech "boutique bullets" to bring one down. They are not as tough as elk and bear.

Top