Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting What 44 Mag Bullet for Deer

240 JSP Winchester worked just fine for me last week. Took a button buck @ 60 yds. with a high shoulder shot, never knew what hit him.

I usually like to tell them what I shot them with as they are taking their last breath.

Everyone should know what hit them.

"Did ya feel that, hoss? That, my friend, was a 280 grain single action army, 45 colt, probably going at 1000 fps by the time it pole-axed ya. Thought you should know...."

I like those 250 grain Nosler partitionGold loads from Winchester.

Shoot those thru my ruger deerfield

White box Winchester 240grn softpoints. I haven't had a deer go more than 50 yards yet.

It is. One 300lb hog, 2 rack bucks, 1 doe, 1 coyote. None survived or were difficult to find.

Myself, my Dad, and my brother all shoot either XTP or Nosler 200 gr JHP's over H110. We all use the same load. Guns are Ruger Redhawk 5.5", Ruger Redhawk 7.5", S&W629 6", Marlin Carbine, Marlin Trapper, and a Ruger 96. Have had many "Bang-Flops" with this load. I can't recall actual powder charge, but my dad is a very conservative reloader so I am sure they ain't hot. I also shoot 315 grain casts out of a 4" S&W Mountain Gun. Only shot one deer with it so far and hit it right on the shoulder and it actually knocked it over, but range was less than 20 yards so I don't call that science......

The XTP's and Noslers shoot identical, although I like the performance of the XTP's personally.

Only 44 bullet I used was with a muzzleloader @ 13-1400 fps. Rem. 240 gr. soft point. A buck @ 25 yds. through the heart. Blood trail was very easy in 2" snow. It went about 70 yds.

I really like 240gr XTP's at handgun speeds, 1380ish.

I've loaded a few for my 444 and they tend to be a bit explosive, 2350ish.

Wondering what kind of velocity you are getting out of your 20" tube?

They're going to be rolling at about 1650-1700 if loaded max and they are upsetting enough to preclude two holes at that speed. Throttle them back a bit or use a heavier flat point bullet. Best play in the world with a .44 Mag rifle is bullets such as Vic referenced (Beartooth Bullets 300 grain WFN), cast or paper patched of similar design and weight. They will still be faster than a handgun but the form and terminal performance will do the job.

I use xtp 240 in my muzzleloaders at about 1500,and they drop fast and I always get a pass through.
I tried some other bullets last year and went back to the xtp's.
they may cost a little more,but Ill pay it gladly.