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#39448 - 11/17/08 04:50 PM

44 Mag bullet choice

sureshot43
newbie

Registered: 07/14/06
Posts: 34
Loc: SE Pennsylvania

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I may have already asked,but, I am currently shooting the 240 gr. American Eagles. My gun seems to like them. I am curious if anyone has used them on deer, and what the results were. I have a Redhawk with the 7 1/2" barrel. I will be reloading for this gun in the future, but for now I am stuck using factory stuff. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

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#39449 - 11/17/08 04:59 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: sureshot43]

TCMan
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Registered: 09/01/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: New Orleans Louisiana, for the...

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That is Federal ammo. It lists a 240 grain at 1440fps. The box has it listed as a hunting round. All right that being said… that ammo should be awesome. If you hit something with that round they are going to know it!

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#39450 - 11/17/08 05:05 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: TCMan]

sureshot43
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Registered: 07/14/06
Posts: 34
Loc: SE Pennsylvania

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I am not going to go crazy with long range shots. My comfortable shot right now is 75yds or less,and where I hunt, I cant see farther than that anyway. I know someone would bring this up,so I thought I would save some time.BTW, gun has open sights,no scope planned for this gun.

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#39451 - 11/17/08 05:23 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: sureshot43]

liv2hnt460
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Registered: 06/28/08
Posts: 52
Loc: Upstate NY

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My dad and I have worked with quite a few load combinations for our .44 SRHs. We mainly use Sierra 240 grn Sports Master Power Jacket bullets. Accuracy has always been "good enough" however performance at all .44 Magnum ranges (0-100 yds) has always been excellent. This, in our experience, has always been a great bullet for the .44 Mag.

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#39453 - 11/17/08 05:29 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: liv2hnt460]

sureshot43
newbie

Registered: 07/14/06
Posts: 34
Loc: SE Pennsylvania

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When I start handloading,those and the Nosler JHP's will definatly get a try,as well as the LBT stuff. Where I hunt though,If I dont drop it on the spot,I need a good blood trail to get the deer as quickly as possible,or some other guy migth claim it as his(has happened B4).

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#39464 - 11/17/08 06:22 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: sureshot43]

bisleyfan44
old hand

Registered: 01/18/04
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Loc: People's Republic of MD

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While I mostly use Hornady XTPs in my 44 now, I've killed several deer with the 240 Fed AE round. It was always very accurate in the various 44s I've owned and terminal performance was awesome. The only downside to it was whatever powder they loaded, it was very dirty and left alot of residue behind. I would definitely recommend it though and wouldn't hesitate to use it again myself.

BTW, the velocity listed on the box is 1180 fps. Don't know how accurate that is.

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#39467 - 11/17/08 06:32 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: bisleyfan44]

TCMan
Gun Slinger

Registered: 09/01/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: New Orleans Louisiana, for the...

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I wonder if it has changed

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=87

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#39473 - 11/17/08 07:01 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: TCMan]

Jeremy
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Registered: 02/29/08
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Loc: Gloucester VA

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Sureshot, I just started reloading this year and it is a must for the 44. You can load a wide range of loads. I am using the 240 xtps with 23.5 H110. I have not gotten a deer with the 44 yet! I have used them in my muzzleloader for 4 yrs now and had only 1 negative shot to speak of. Mainly on my part! Bad shot placement, still got the deer about 350 yards away! Keeping my handgun shots to a short range if possible. I am in some thick cover!

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#39479 - 11/17/08 08:10 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: Jeremy]

jamesfromjersey
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Registered: 01/18/04
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Loc: New Jersey

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SS43, A friend used the 240gr American Eagle ammo on a feral goat at around 30yds with a double lung shot. The goat showed no reaction to the hit and after a fast walk of about 40 to 50 yards the goat fell over. Later after checking the inside of the rib cage we found the the bullet penciled through through without any expansion. He now uses Hornady ammo with the 240gr XTP.

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#39496 - 11/17/08 09:40 PM

Re: 44 Mag bullet choice [Re: jamesfromjersey]

Chaos
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Registered: 11/15/08
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I have found the XTP's in 240gr to be very accurqte when loaded over a full charge of win 296. I have taken a number of deer and a large pile of hogs with this bullet. It doesn't matter what velocity that I load it to, it NEVER EVER expands. NEVER.
This year I went to a Homecast kieth style bullet with the same results. Very accurate with No expansion. It's also a damn sight cheaper than the xtp's.

Chaos

Edited by Chaos (11/17/08 09:42 PM)

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