Thanks for the congrats Ron, but I forgot about the OP's topic / question.
My first hunting revolver was a SRH 44 mag. and I probably got more use out of that wheel gun than any other since. I have always run 296 and jacketed bullets through it, and with the Leupold glass on it, it will do a fine job on deer out to 150 yds. with no problem, if I do my part. I've taken a number of coyotes and jack rabbits with it too, and at some amazing distances too.
I like lighter bullets though, they have always produced the velocities I like, and have plenty of energy to drop deer out to 150 yds. with stout charges of 296 / H110, magnum primer, and a 200 gr. JHP. My favorite bullet weight is 200 grs., but I've used 180's before with pretty decent results. And even though 220 gr / 225 gr. JHP's still fly quite fast, above 200 grs. I lose too much velocity for my taste, but that's a personal thing and nothing more. I don't load target stuff for my magnum wheel guns, so can't offer any experience in that respect. My magnums always get fed magnum loads, just always been that way.
I've heard a lot of 44 mag reloaders question the lighter bullets ability to be perform accurately, but I simply haven't experienced problems taking jack rabbits well beyond 100 yds. with the 180's loaded up to max..
GS
