Cor-Bon Recently released 2 loads for the .44 Mag using the Barnes X bullet.
Both are standard pressure loads, so they wont cause anymore wear and tear on the 'Smith than any other load.
Some friends and I, ran both loads through Ordnance Gelatin a while back.
I'll be hunting this year with the .44 Mag DPX 200gr load, instead of my almost 20 year tradition of hunting with my own handloads.
Great penetration, early expansion, large/long temporary stretch cavity, and the thing acts the same wether or not 4 layers of denim is used as a barrier(Like fur) to expansion
On medium to large Deer, you should get complete penetration with this load.
If cost comes into serious play, look into the 240gr loads from
Black hills and Cor-Bon.
Both are first rate conventional bullets with a proven track record on Bambi!!
The data for the Cor-bon .44mag and .44SPL loads we tested can be found at
www.stoppingpower.net under "Test bed".
Hope this helps!
E4E
P.S.
My favorite handload for Deer uses the 210gr sierra bullet.
It dosn't penetrate or expand as much as the 200gr DPX load!