Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Jan 2011
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    Erie, Pennsylvania
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    Default .44 mag deer ammo

    What ammo do you guys who hunt deer with a .44 mag pistol use?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    The Sticks
    (Mercer County)
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    Either a 255 grain LSWC that I cast, or a Sierra 240 grain JHP handloads. Both get driven to measured velocities of 1320-1380 fps from my S&W 6 1/2" M29, and are both very accurate. Loaded up and fired some 300 grainers, but have not tested them enough to feel like they will fill a spot in my rotation as of yet.

    Glad you stated, "Hunt with", as I have yet to shoot a deer with these loads, but have no doubt they will, and can flatten soundly any deer that walks this state at reasonable distances with a good hit. Interesting to see what others use.

  3. #3
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    Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    For me, I use handloaded Hornady 240gr HP-XTP's over a stout load of H-110 with Remington cases and CCI LP mag primers. I've been hunting and shooting with this load for a long time and it has accounted for several deer along the way.

    For black bear, I up the load to 300gr bullets.

  4. #4
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    Apr 2009
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    Duncannon, Pennsylvania
    (Perry County)
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    I currently have 255grn Cast Performance WFN, 240grn Hunters Supply SWC and 225grn Speer SJHPs loaded up to test. I also have 270grn Speer Gold Dot SPs but I'm leaning towards my model 92 for them. Going to have a 44 test day as soon as I have a day off that's nice. Once I test them I'll share the powders and amounts that I'm keeping.
    It's all fun and games, til someone shoots your bobber!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
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    Grove City, Pennsylvania
    (Mercer County)
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    Being one of the resident "old farts" I would sugguest the load that settled on in the '70.
    The Keith Load which was developed by one of the fathers of .44 Magnum, Mr Elmer Keith.

    22.0 grains of #2400 with his #429421 bullet for 1225 fps. out of a 4" Smith which was Elmer every day carry firearm. This is a hunting loading pure and simple. I have heard that today's 2400 is a little hotter so start out at 20.0 grains and work up from there.

    It was good enough for old Elmer it's good enough for me.
    Last edited by MOUNTAINORACLE; March 2nd, 2011 at 05:04 PM.
    The oracle is in. Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill!!

  6. #6
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    May 2010
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    Midwest City, Oklahoma
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    240 JHP or 240 JSP Remington. Or reload some 300gr harden Lead SWC!!

  7. #7
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    Mar 2008
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    Cresson, Pennsylvania
    (Cambria County)
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    I shoot 240gr lead bullets at around 1100fps out of a Redhawk.Can't remember the load.It's a little light but the deer I shot only went about 20yds.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    Quote Originally Posted by DougX View Post
    I shoot 240gr lead bullets at around 1100fps out of a Redhawk.Can't remember the load.It's a little light but the deer I shot only went about 20yds.
    That's not too light for a deer. Hell, that's a warm 44spc load and the 44spc is more than adequate for deer. Most guys shoot hotter loads for more range. No deer is going to notice the difference between your 1100fps load and someone's 1300+fps load.
    It's all fun and games, til someone shoots your bobber!

  9. #9
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    Sep 2008
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    Near Indiana, Pennsylvania
    (Indiana County)
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    Buffalo Bore Deer Grenade
    http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php...t_detail&p=232
    IIRC, this was pushing 1600fps through my 6" 629 Smith.
    Drops a deer pretty immediately

    I also have used Winchester 210grn Silvertip hand loads but cannot remember the powder charge off hand.

  10. #10
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    Jan 2011
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    Erie, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: .44 mag deer ammo

    Wow--That Buffalo Bore load is hot! Maybe a little overkill for deer but I'll have to check them out and see how they shoot in my 629. Unfortunately I don't hand load any more. I used to but its been a long time. I quit when I went to college at a later age then it was graduate school and jobs in other states for 10 years. I never missed any deer hunting, but it took a toll on a lot of the shooting I did and I eventually sold all my loading equipment. Not sure I'm up to starting to load again so I'll be going with factory loads for the foreseeable future.

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