Author Topic: 44 questions (Read 668 times)

flatlander · « **on:** December 16, 2003, 08:39:56 AM »

Just picked up a 44 mag barrel for my contender. Since I've never used one before, what would you all suggest for bullets, etc for deer at 100 yards or less? Also, what is a good scope for the 44 that will cost under $200? Thanks. I'm thinking 180 XTP bullets with a 4x scope of some sort. Seem reasonable?

KYODE · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2003, 10:18:37 AM »

i'm loading 200gr hornady xtp's with h110 powder. .5gr under max gave just under 1900fps out of the 14" barrel. i still need to finalize the load, and i'd say it will reach 1900fps.
i mounted a 2x6x32 simmons on the 44mag 14". $119 from midwayusa.com. i like it so far.
alliant 2400 powder and 240gr xtp's gives great accuracy too. i still have some tinkering to do with this barrel, but i do like the whole setup really well. good luck.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2003, 11:10:53 AM »

I would start thinking of 240 XTPs if I were you. It's what I use and I've killed a bunch of deer and other game with them. Most 4X scopes have a rather narrow FOV, too narrow to suit me for shots which often come well inside of 50 yards where I hunt. A 2X is really all that is need for the ranges of the .44 Mag. Either that or a variable of 2-6 or 2-7 is what my handguns wear.

GB

helobill · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2003, 01:30:57 PM »

I'll go with GB on the scope power. Had 2-6 and 2.5-7 on 44's in the past and they almost never left the lowest setting, so I went out and bought a straight 2x weaver for a little over $100 (I think Optic zone and swfa ahve new ones for not much more than that). It worked fine for over 3 years. Sat on a Ruger SRH 9.5", sold the scope and am selling the gun. Went with a 7.5" barrel for shots under 75 yards and will either leave it open sighted or put a red dot or another 2x on it. My longer range handguns wear the 2-6 Bushnell Elites for shots over 100 yards.
My 2 cents...
Bill

Bug · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2003, 02:11:31 PM »

Just kidding, guys!

From the FWIW department, chances are, that any bullet you pick for the .44Mag will do well for whitetails. However, the heavier weight bullets will give you an extra margin of penetration, should the angle not be optimum. A lot of cast bullet shooters will suggest that you ain't really serious, unless you use a bullet with a huge meplat (flat nose), that weighs in excess of 300gr. Well, I'm not gonna say they're wrong... BUT, I will say that for whitetails at 100yd, or less, you'll not likely need any more weight than 240gr. Some like 200gr better. Some even like the 180s. A lighter weight bullet will give you a bit more energy, due to increased velocity, But will also likely give less penetration. Trajectory won't be much of an issue at <100yd. I would advise trying several bullets of 200gr or better. XTPs are a good place to start. Work your loads up, and compare accuracy. Do some expansion testing too. Then go with whatever works the best. By the time you do all the homework, you should be knowledgeable enough about your gun, your abilities, and your chosen load, that you will be ready to hunt. Above all, remember, IT'S FUN!!!........................Bug.

flatlander · « **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2003, 02:29:53 PM »

It sounds like I need to consider something a little heavier. I'll try the 200 or 220 grains to start with and see how it works. I can't wait to get out and try it out. Thanks for the input!

Gregory · « **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2003, 02:49:08 PM »

flatlander, your post said you had 44 questions, I only see three questions. Where are the other 41 questions? :-D

Seriously, I've used 180 and 200 gr JHP bullets with success out of a 10" 44 Mag TC Contender. If I were you, I'd test some 200 and 240 gr bullets out of your gun, find the one your gun shoots best and go deer hunting! Bug gave some sage advice.

I've got a 14" barrel TC now so I'm shooting the 240 gr Nosler JHP. I found the 200 gr Nosler out of a muzzleloader made mush out of the inside of a deer so I think the 14" barrel may be pushing it to the limit.

My favorite scope for this gun is a 2X Nikon. I prefer it to the Leupold 2X for it's better field of view and better brightness. I don't think you need anything over 2X for a 44 mag. in my opinion.

flatlander · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2003, 02:11:55 AM »

:-D
I just figured I'd hold back a bit at first. I bet I could do another 41! How about just one more (for now): Will this barrel take a heavier base & an extra ring or will it hold up ok with a standard setup?

flatlander · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2003, 07:12:31 AM »

Yes they do! I have a T'SOB clone on a 30-30 barrel and it does look good! I'm thinking of doing the same for this one.

Pie-bald · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2003, 08:01:41 AM »

I've had a SS 14" 44mag barrel for several years and never got serious about it till this year. I have a 6-screw base and 3-rings on a 2xBurris. Tried everything out of it (180,200.240 & 300gr)with great groups using H110(a buddy of mine has a 10" that we never could get to shoot close to my barrel) I decided on an older published load of 27.5gr of H110 using a 200gr HornadyXTP. Here in Ohio one can get real close or have an open field shot. I chose to go with the 200 to gain xtra yds if I needed it. I shot a nice doe @ 40 running thru woods and was pleased with bullet results. Turned heart into shreds with minimial meat damage. One note: entry hole was 2x the size as exit. I think shoulder was back and scrunched up together when bullet entered. I was pleased with results!