newbie question

fuct · 02-12-2008, 11:29 PM

hi guys i need some input, using a 44 mag taurus what do you prefer fmj or soft points in 240 gr say for the purpose of black bear or mountain lion, my brother in law needs to get a rifle but likes the handgun better so just wonderin for his sake what the preference of bullets would be, thanks

mwlu711 · 02-13-2008, 04:26 AM

softnose or or hollow piont

SwedeSteve · 02-13-2008, 07:52 AM

I would go with controlled expansion.

lefty o · 02-13-2008, 11:14 AM

you need an expanding bullet. nice name, not!

two-70 · 02-13-2008, 12:10 PM

i would think yoou would get better penetration with soft points but the hollow point would expand faster

oldjarhead · 02-13-2008, 12:20 PM

Definately NOT an FMJ!

samuel · 02-13-2008, 01:56 PM

In rifle cartridges,The exposed point was intended to allow the lead core to start expanding upon impact and the copper jacket which is harder than lead was expected to help control expansion.Originally the copper jacket was used because it is harder than lead and doesnt melt from hot gasses but soft enough to make a gas seal in the bore,allowing hotter powder loads to create higher velocities.The problem with exposed lead is it gets distorted in magazines and causes instability.The hollowpoint was designed to extend the harder copper past the soft lead preventing distortion of the point.For target the hp can be the same thickness as the rest of the jacket but for hunting it helps if it is thinner so it will help in expansion.A fmj covers the lead completely,not allowing it to expand,causing deep penetration but leaving a very small wound channel and little release of energy to cause rapid death.FMJ,s should never be used for any kind of hunting.In handguns the point is protected better and isnt sharp pointed making it hard to distort. sam.

fuct · 02-13-2008, 02:59 PM

thanks for the feedback, iv'e tried to convince him that a fmj is not as good as the winchester 44 mag soft points he's been using i had him shoot some wood to show the difference in damage and showed him even though the fmj went deeper the soft point did more damage, hey thanks guy's.

02-12-2008, 11:29 PM	#1
fuct Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7 Trader Rating: (0)	newbie question hi guys i need some input, using a 44 mag taurus what do you prefer fmj or soft points in 240 gr say for the purpose of black bear or mountain lion, my brother in law needs to get a rifle but likes the handgun better so just wonderin for his sake what the preference of bullets would be, thanks

02-13-2008, 07:52 AM	#3
SwedeSteve Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 8,875 Trader Rating: (0)	I would go with controlled expansion. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-13-2008, 12:10 PM	#5
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,755 Trader Rating: (0)	i would think yoou would get better penetration with soft points but the hollow point would expand faster __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

02-13-2008, 04:26 AM	#2
mwlu711 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: north centeral idaho Posts: 40 Trader Rating: (0)	softnose or or hollow piont

02-13-2008, 11:14 AM	#4
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,672 Trader Rating: (0)	you need an expanding bullet. nice name, not!

02-13-2008, 12:20 PM	#6
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pottersville, MO Posts: 661 Trader Rating: (0)	Definately NOT an FMJ!

02-13-2008, 01:56 PM	#7
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,050 Trader Rating: (0)	In rifle cartridges,The exposed point was intended to allow the lead core to start expanding upon impact and the copper jacket which is harder than lead was expected to help control expansion.Originally the copper jacket was used because it is harder than lead and doesnt melt from hot gasses but soft enough to make a gas seal in the bore,allowing hotter powder loads to create higher velocities.The problem with exposed lead is it gets distorted in magazines and causes instability.The hollowpoint was designed to extend the harder copper past the soft lead preventing distortion of the point.For target the hp can be the same thickness as the rest of the jacket but for hunting it helps if it is thinner so it will help in expansion.A fmj covers the lead completely,not allowing it to expand,causing deep penetration but leaving a very small wound channel and little release of energy to cause rapid death.FMJ,s should never be used for any kind of hunting.In handguns the point is protected better and isnt sharp pointed making it hard to distort. sam.

02-13-2008, 02:59 PM	#8
fuct Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7 Trader Rating: (0)	thanks for the feedback, iv'e tried to convince him that a fmj is not as good as the winchester 44 mag soft points he's been using i had him shoot some wood to show the difference in damage and showed him even though the fmj went deeper the soft point did more damage, hey thanks guy's.