44mag rifle load help and advice please

[Jeffery8mm]

I am in need of guidance!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 44 handi 22'' barrel, 4x32 nikon prostaff. I have tried numerous handloads in it and have settled on these two, I think. Let me run them by you all and see what you think

Load 1= 21gr WC820 Hornady XTP 240gr Shot 5 rounds at 50 yds this load produced 4 shots in one large hole and 1 "flier" about 1 inch above the one hole. the barrel was clean when I started, no fouling shot. Average FPS was 1615 with SD of 12.5. Will this load preform well on deer at 100 yds?? Havent shot but one deer with the 44. I see there is not alot of energy at 100 yds with the 44. But some say with teh 44, energy is not what kills.

Second load= 20gr WC820 240Gr Laser cast SWC by Oregon Trail About an 1 1/2 5 shot group at 50yds. Av fps was 1598 SD was9.1. How will a hardcast preform at 100 yds. Both of these loads are acceptable accuracy to me. Which one will be the most terminal on deer. How far is the 44 really good for? 125yds?? Are these laods fast enough? Factory ammo shoots 1750 in this rifle
Sorry for all the questions, I am just trying to get a grasp on the 44 rifle and its limitations, or lack of.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Jeffery8mm]

Anyone care to give an opinion??

 

[RadioTech]

I've not killed a deer with a .44 magnum but I have with a black powder revolver in .44.
I have a Pietta 1858 Remington with an after market cylinder that will hold 45 grains of black powder, I use Pyrodex.
I would estimate that the 45 grains of powder under a simple round ball generates less than half the power either of your loads do.
I shot a 4 point buck at about 30 yards, the round ball broke a rib going in, went through both lungs and broke a rib exiting. The deer ran maybe 60 yards and dropped.
I would say that either of your magnum loads would do much better, it's mostly shot placement.
Good luck,
Brian

 

[Corey ACP]

.44 Mag

I can tell you without a doubt that either load will work for deer at the distances you mentioned. I use the Hornady 240 gr. XTP in my muzzleloader, (not sure of the velocity) and last season took a mature Utah mule deer at 110 yds. The bullet passed completely through the chest, breaking a rib on each side, leaving a 2" exit hole.
here is the proof:

 

[rcmodel]

Either load you mentioned will shoot clear through a deer at any range you can hit one with it.
Just pick the one you like best.

rcmodel

 

[Jeffery8mm]

Thanks guys!!! Just needing that confidence booster I guess.

Jeff