Handgun bullet choice for whitetail

[27hand]

.44 handloads

I've stuck with 240gr Speer soft points over 24.7 gr of 296 since about 83. ( Ruger Redhawk)

It seems the bullet design changed slightly along with the numbering code on the box. I noticed the last box of Soft point 240's have a less rounded edge to the exposed lead than the earlier bullets.
Perhaps they are 2 different types ( early # is 100 4457 and latest soft point is 100 4454). I have to research this to see what, if anything has changed.

Both are listed as soft points, same weight and general design, but shaped slightly different.

I just sized a couple hundred cases and found 2 WW super cases with longitudinal splits about 3/8" long starting about 1/4" back from the case mouth.

I've lost track on how many times these cases were sized so figure the brass has weakened. I have yet to see this with the other mfg's.
Does anyone know if there is a difference in wall thickness which might cause this?

Anyway, I rarely just take the pistol to hunt but have taken deer on my weak side out to about 40 yds and the round puts the deer down so I have no complaints.

 

[GTS Dean]

I've killed 14 Tx whitetails with my Ruger 7.5" pistols. All have been with Hornady 200 gr jhp & xtp offhand out to 50 yards. All were 1 shot kills. I took a W Tx Muley at 55 yards with the same ammo, but it took 2 shots. A 240 jsp would have been better.

 

[HellBlazer]

I shot an 8 point buck over the weekend with a 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum. Winchester 240gr Jacketed Soft Point. Dropped him like a bad habit.

That ammo is cheap too. Grain choice & all the technical stuff is important... but not more important than shot placement.