I'm looking for some good .44 mag loads that will be lethal on deer. They will be fired in a 4" ported taurus mod. 44, and rocoil is not a problem. I would prefer something with fairly low muzzle flash. I want to try the barnes X pistol bulltes, so has any one had experience with it?
.44 mag loads for deer
- Thread starter lostdog
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Ben Shepherd
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Are we talking 200+lb mullies, or 120lb whitetails here?
Either way a 240 grainer with a charge of 2400, 296, N110, etc. that will give you a muzzle velocity of around 1300-1400 should work well. (Assuming a hollow point design. If its a soft point, you'd only need around 1200 for it to work.)
If the bigger spiecies, you might want to look at a 265/270 or 300 grain HP @ 1100 or better option. Or a good 300grain hardcast lead SWC at around 1000 would work well. Although I'm not sure how well the taurus will handle the heavier slugs.
Sorry I'm not more help, but I'm not sure what weights your particular slug is offered in.
My deer load is a 245KT HCSWC @ 1550. But I use a super redhawk, I doubt your taurus would handle that load, it's pretty stout.
Either way a 240 grainer with a charge of 2400, 296, N110, etc. that will give you a muzzle velocity of around 1300-1400 should work well. (Assuming a hollow point design. If its a soft point, you'd only need around 1200 for it to work.)
If the bigger spiecies, you might want to look at a 265/270 or 300 grain HP @ 1100 or better option. Or a good 300grain hardcast lead SWC at around 1000 would work well. Although I'm not sure how well the taurus will handle the heavier slugs.
Sorry I'm not more help, but I'm not sure what weights your particular slug is offered in.
My deer load is a 245KT HCSWC @ 1550. But I use a super redhawk, I doubt your taurus would handle that load, it's pretty stout.
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Ben Shepherd
Member
Just noticed your desire for low flash. This being the case, VV N110 would be one of, if not the best powder for your application. Especially considering your short barrel length.
Marshall
Member
If you're hunting in timber, shoot him on the left side of the darker patched area and it won't matter which .44 mag load you use. 
stans
Member
Since you are in South Carolina, I am thinking whitetail deer. I would opt for a 240 to 250 grain bullet. A hollow point may or may not expand too rapidly, but I would expect it to have problems with penetration if it happened to hit the shoulder. A soft point would be a good choice as would a LSWC. 180 grain bullets might work, but there again, they are designed for rapid expansion.
Mannlicher
Member
I like the Speer 270 grain GDSP over 22 grains of H-110. New cases only, Federal 350 LP mag primers. This is my load in my Marlin 1894 lever gun, but it works (and KICKS) ok in my 629 Mountain Gun.
Ben Shepherd
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Mannlicher, I've used a similar load in my SRH and winchester 94 trapper(slightly heavier powder charge). Very clean, accurate and consistant. Good load. It's a laser out to 100 yards in the 94.
As you noted, you know when you touch one off, that's for sure.
As you noted, you know when you touch one off, that's for sure.
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