44 mag - 225gr XPB

[Varmint Hunter]

I'm looking for reloading data for the 44mag and the 225gr Barnes XPB bullet. The load will be used in a Ruger Super RedHawk for bear hunting.

I expect to be using H110 but I've also got plenty of Lil' Gun on hand if that would work well with this bullet in the 44 mag.

Reloading data for this bullet doesn't seem to be available anywhere. I'd be interested to know if any one has any helpful info.

Thanks - Charlie

[SwampThing762]

Charlie,

I think you may want to consider another bullet for bear hunting.  I think the 225 grain Barnes HP will not give adequate penetration.   I will give you the load recipes I used to use on Florida hogs in a 44 magnum.   The first one was with a Winny case, remmy 2.5 primer, 240 gr jsp, 24.4 grains of w296 powder and an oal of 1.535 inches for approx velocity of 1500 fps out of a Win 94 and NEF HandiRifle, loaded with a Lee Classic loader.  Lee has since reduced the load to 24 grains compressed charge with same oal.    The load is stout so make sure you get a tight crimp on it.

The other load I used is a little more forgiving. Winny case, Remmy 2.5 primer, Hornady .430 265 gr FP, H4227 powder 20.8 grains, oal 1.535 inches.   You will get approx 1300 fps out a revolver, and about 1500-1550 fps from a rifle.  Either of these loads will be more than adequate to flatten a black bear.   The 265 grain load I imagine will give you a complete pass through since it was designed as a rifle bullet.  Hope this helps.

ST762

[buck460XVR]

Charlie........ Contact Barnes and they will give you reloading info.

[Varmint Hunter]

Charlie,

I think you may want to consider another bullet for bear hunting.  I think the 225 grain Barnes HP will not give adequate penetration.   I will give you the load recipes I used to use on Florida hogs in a 44 magnum.   The first one was with a Winny case, remmy 2.5 primer, 240 gr jsp, 24.4 grains of w296 powder and an oal of 1.535 inches for approx velocity of 1500 fps out of a Win 94 and NEF HandiRifle, loaded with a Lee Classic loader.  Lee has since reduced the load to 24 grains compressed charge with same oal.    The load is stout so make sure you get a tight crimp on it.
The other load I used is a little more forgiving. Winny case, Remmy 2.5 primer, Hornady .430 265 gr FP, H4227 powder 20.8 grains, oal 1.535 inches.   You will get approx 1300 fps out a revolver, and about 1500-1550 fps from a rifle.  Either of these loads will be more than adequate to flatten a black bear.   The 265 grain load I imagine will give you a complete pass through since it was designed as a rifle bullet.  Hope this helps.
ST762
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I've used both of these bullets. Shot a ton of 240 HP & SP bullets but was looking for something with better penetration & expansion. The Barnes XPB bullets expand to nearly double there original diameter and loose no weight. I've seen 240gr jacketed bullets stopped by deer and pigs, I believe the Barnes would penetrate much better. I have also used the 265 FP by Hornady but do not believe that they expand very much either.

I've had good luck with Swift A-Frames and Nosler Partitions but just wanted to give the Barnes a try. Thanks for the response.

[Varmint Hunter]

Charlie........ Contact Barnes and they will give you reloading info.

I tried Barnes first by sending an email using a link from their web site. That was a few days ago, haven't heard back from them yet.

[SwampThing762]

Hi, Charlie.  I used the Hornady 265 gr FP for my hog hunting insteadf of a HP because the 265 gr bullet was designed for the 444 Marlin as a moose andelk slayer.   I had excellent results in that the dozen or so hogs I shot with it had complete passthroughs and one or both front shoulders destroyed and turned to Jello.  I now cast my own 12 gauge heavy slugs for the 44 mag stays quiet a lot now.   As for the Barnes HP bullet, I would do a bit of research on its depth of penetration.   

I know from occupational experience that you want to go out there with more gun than you think you will need without being buffeted by recoil.  I worked in a local ER when a fellow came in with his friends and his arm was wrapped in towels and shirts from being gored by a wild boar.   The hog laid upon 10 inches of his arm; he was not triaged in the ER but taken directly to surgery.   Perhaps I am being too cautious, but I would rather the critter be my dinner before I become the critter's dinner.

In any event, happy hunting and good luck.

ST762