Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Help me decide on a single shot: 44 mag or 38-55 for deer

I've used the 38-55, which really is a PITA to get ammo for.
I've bought the stuff to load for it, but for limited use primitive weapons seasons it really is handy to be able to pick up ammo off the shelf.

In this case, I'd use a 44 mag. If she outgrows it, you can get a reamer & ream to 444 Marlin if you need more fps out the end of the barrel.

My son killed three deer with the Target Classic .38-55 when he was 7. We have had incredible performance out of that rifle that far exceeds what the ballistics would suggest. We are in Mississippi and have a similar "primitive season". The Winchester ammo is like shooting a .22. I wish they made it in the Handi-Rifle. It is a wonderful youth cartridge.

It is amazing to me that the .38-55 seems to be considered as an enemic cartridge and the .375Win that was offered in the Win XTR Big Bore is a real thumper. They are almost identical.

I never liked the idea of buying a youngster a "dandy little .410" while dad carried a 12ga. Same goes with a deer rifle.

I have ordered a CVA in 44 Mag....couldnt find anything in 38-55 around here...I will let you know how she does with it. She got her first but on Dec. 9 using a Ruger Hawkeye in 6.8 topped with a Conquest. It sure is a sweet little rig for a smaller kid...and maybe a dad or two.

I've had .44 magnum,38-55 and 45/70.Go with 45/70.

Stan in SC

Why not the .444??????? Mine in the H+R shoots great!
Jus' axin'??????? That and the Limbsaver pad work great...My GF will enen shoot it......



George

I own a 444, and I love it..

but between the OP's choices, my preference would be the 38/55 hands down.

If you are not a rifle looney the 44 mag will be your best bet in terms of convenience to obtain ammo etc. and still be acceptable in he recoil dept. A 45-70 can have some noticeable push back in a light weight rifle like some of the handi rifles etc. I have a buddy that uses a little 44 marlin and he lays them low out to about 125 yds ( his longest shot yet). All pass thru's and none have gone over 25yds. If you are a looney another friend has a 38-55 and it's pretty cool but we roll most of the ammo for it home grown down to casting the bullets.

44 Magnum- practical
45 Colt (properly loaded)- just because
38-55- nostalgia

Any of the three will work well

I would look at using the Hornady 44 Mag leverevolution loads. I think it would be a great bullet for your daughter.


ddj

Cor-Bon
Double Tap

I found the Double Tap 255 grain Hard Cast Keith Style loads at 1450fps shot very well outta my Blackhawk 7 1/2" barrel.., thinkin they'd do well out of a rifle.

If it were me and I wanted penetration at moderate velocities I'd run a Hard Cast over an expanding type bullet, everytime. YMMV

Wow...I appreciate all the replies. My daughter took her first buck this year (225#, 3.5 yr old, 9 pt) with the 6.8 SPC, but when it comes to shooting a .444 or 45-70, she is 55-60 pounds dressed and soaking wet. I do not want to overdo it, rush her, and cause a "scared of it" problem.