Smallest deer hunting load for a 44 mag?

ralphie · 06-12-2008, 02:40 PM

Ive been reloading for a few years now and normally can find what I want in a manual but this one is stumping me. Im trying to find the least amount of powder and bullitt to use in a 44 mag revolver for ethical deer hunting. I dont see many shots over 50 yards but will be hunting areas that Ill be lucky to see a 30 yard shot. Im basically looking for as light a hunting load I can get, mainly to save money.

BaserRonin · 06-12-2008, 03:03 PM

I would assume as long as you are within legal specs on your load for your area, it would be a humane load. I think I have to, aside from Caliber and length requirements, stay above 550 ft-lbs at 50 yards.

samuel · 06-12-2008, 03:48 PM

That is a terrible reason to load down on hunting loads.How much can you save by cutting back a couple grains in a load?I would advise at least using a .44-40 load which should be adequate under 50yds in a good revolver. sam.

ralphie · 06-12-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuel

That is a terrible reason to load down on hunting loads.How much can you save by cutting back a couple grains in a load?I would advise at least using a .44-40 load which should be adequate under 50yds in a good revolver. sam.

The difference between @ 25 grains and say 10 grains is far from a "couple" grains. Ive seen some target loads down to 5-6 grains, once again no where near a "couple" grains. Im not a expert reloader but what do you mean by a .44-40 load? Perhaps I should have been more specific. Anyone have a recommendation as the lighter bullitt, 180 too light or powder, say titegroup? Or are these too light? I was reloading with 296 and its 24-25 grains if I remember right. Sorry if these questions are terrible, thought I was doing the right thing by asking in a reloading forum, sheesh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaserRonin

I would assume as long as you are within legal specs on your load for your area, it would be a humane load. I think I have to, aside from Caliber and length requirements, stay above 550 ft-lbs at 50 yards.

Thanks, from what Ive been reading I could easily reduce my loads and get around 800+ ft-lbs, saving me some dough on powder.

jimkim · 06-12-2008, 04:07 PM

The legal limit here is 500 pounds at 100 yards. I like a 300 gr bullet loaded between 1000-1100 this really does the job on deer. If you do your job that is. I never really checked the ballistics but it has 666 pounds at the muzzle at 1000 fps and 805 pounds with 1100 fps. here look at these loads for starts http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/de...Powder&Source=

samuel · 06-12-2008, 05:33 PM

What I meant was a better reason would be accuracy.I just don't consider cost for cartridges I am taking game with..As to a .44-40 load,it can be fired in a .44mag and developes about 400ft lbs energy.The .44mag can easily be loaded down to about 600-700 lbs energy and still work well on deer.You would be better off to change powder and use unique or RL7 to maintain your volumn in the cartridge and consistency in performance.When you cut back in powder when using the better powders for standard loads in a ,44mag,you have a lot of open space in the case.When the powder doesnt cover the primer hole the difference in the way the powder is ignited makes for large pressure variations.This causes inconsistency in fps. This is probably what was confusing you.The powder Co,s dont reccomend a load that doesnt fill about 3/4th,s of the case.If they did you would have pressures from say 600lbs to 1000lbs all in one powder weight.By the way,you posted the right place,I just answered wrong. sam.

killer · 06-12-2008, 06:02 PM

[quote=ralphie;535038]

Anyone have a recommendation as the lighter bullet, 180 too light?

quote]

I have read the 180 was the best deer round. I know for a fact the results were much more impressive when I shot competition bowling pins. The 180 grainers always zipped through the pins and knocked them backwards with authority. Not so with my 240 grainers....sorry that's my experience and I fully intend to try it out on a deer one of these days.

samuel · 06-12-2008, 06:14 PM

The 180gr bullets may strike bone and frag instead of penetrate.I believe a higher sectional density would be better.On deer size game I always used 240,s.I often carried 300gr,s for bear defense but never had to use one. sam.

jimkim · 06-12-2008, 06:21 PM

+1 ^ I really like the 300gr loads. I'm not an expert but I think the momentum goes a long way. I've never used it on bear but on deer it is awsome.

runfiverun · 06-12-2008, 06:49 PM

look at 2400
titegroup and a 240gr bullet is pretty good up to 10gr.
reducing a load too far may also affect the bullets performance negatively.
a light loaded heavy bullet may be a better answer for you

Ron AKA · 06-12-2008, 07:12 PM

I would suggest a minimum of 1000 ft-lbs for a humane kill on a deer. And if it does not have that, then it is not a deer gun.

Ron

Midas · 06-12-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

I would suggest a minimum of 1000 ft-lbs for a humane kill on a deer. And if it does not have that, then it is not a deer gun.

Ron

What about an arrow? does it develop 1000 ft lbs?

lefty o · 06-12-2008, 07:46 PM

forget the 1000# issue. with pistols good shot placement and short range get it done.

save your money on practice rounds, for hunting, use a good bullet ( i like hornady240gr XTP) and load 'em full power.

killer · 06-12-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midas

What about an arrow? does it develop 1000 ft lbs?

I remember reading a story once about a gifted saleman selling compound bows when they 1st hit the market. He got an invite to a gun club meeting where he stunned the members proclaiming a compound bow was as powerful as a 30-06. After the laughter died down he said, "Why don't we have a test? We'll shoot an arrow and a 30-06 into a sand bag length wise."

When the test was concluded the members were astonished to see the arrow had traveled as far into the sand bag as the 30-06 bullet.

I have no point to this story it's just one I rarely get to repeat so I took the opportunity.

Midas · 06-12-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer

I remember reading a story once about a gifted saleman selling compound bows when they 1st hit the market. He got an invite to a gun club meeting where he stunned the members proclaiming a compound bow was as powerful as a 30-06. After the laughter died down he said, "Why don't we have a test? We'll shoot an arrow and a 30-06 into a sand bag length wise."

When the test was concluded the members were astonished to see the arrow had traveled as far into the sand bag as the 30-06 bullet.

I have no point to this story it's just one I rarely get to repeat so I took the opportunity.

I think people underestimate how deadly a bow & arrow really is, I'd sure hate to get hit by one

Ron AKA · 06-12-2008, 08:51 PM

I've never been tempted to take up bow hunting. Essentially all you do is cut the game and let it bleed to death - often very slowly. Not a sport to me.

Ron

single shot · 06-12-2008, 09:04 PM

Arrow and Bullet are an apple and orange - bullet kills by hyrostatic(sp) shock. The arrow kills by hemoradge(sp).Small bullet moving fast will suprise you. Dad hunts with 243 and whitetails don't go far. Normally doesn't exit so you transfer all the energy to the animal. Bullet that blows through=lose your energy. That said I hunt with a 45-70. It's all about what you like and can shoot accurately. But I really love to bow hunt and kill most of my freezer meat that way. However a 30-06 will not penetate a sandbag but a 60# old fashioned recure bow will. Put a piece of glass behind the sandbag and try it. Shoot the rifle first or you will need another piece of glass.
Single Shot

Midas · 06-12-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

I've never been tempted to take up bow hunting. Essentially all you do is cut the game and let it bleed to death - often very slowly. Not a sport to me.

Ron

How on earth do you manage to hunt and kill any type of game animal? blood and guts are part of the game, I'm afraid, seems like you may be batting for PETA

Quote:

Originally Posted by single shot

Arrow and Bullet are an apple and orange - bullet kills by hyrostatic(sp) shock. The arrow kills by hemoradge(sp).Small bullet moving fast will suprise you. Dad hunts with 243 and whitetails don't go far. Normally doesn't exit so you transfer all the energy to the animal. Bullet that blows through=lose your energy. That said I hunt with a 45-70. It's all about what you like and can shoot accurately. But I really love to bow hunt and kill most of my freezer meat that way. However a 30-06 will not penetate a sandbag but a 60# old fashioned recure bow will. Put a piece of glass behind the sandbag and try it. Shoot the rifle first or you will need another piece of glass.
Single Shot

I was just showing Ron that if a bow and arrow can kill a deer, than surely a .44 or .45 caliber slug can!

telkev · 06-12-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

I've never been tempted to take up bow hunting. Essentially all you do is cut the game and let it bleed to death - often very slowly. Not a sport to me.

Ron

Any good quality bow is more than adequte to take all game in North America. It's the person that is taking the shot that has to put that shot in the boiler room. With whitetails, and a good double lung shot, they will run 30-70yds. on average. Thats down in 3-5 seconds. Having to draw a bow with game at an average of 20 yds, with swirling winds, keen ears, and not being seen is a lot harder than shooting with a rifle at 100 yds.

Palladin8 · 06-12-2008, 11:10 PM

In a bow hunting video I watched they talked about some myths about the penetration ability of a bow versus a rifle. They shot a 55 gal steel drum filled with water with a .30-06 180 gr bullet. The bullet entered the side of the drum and never penetrated the other side of the drum. They then shot another drum with a compound bow and I think it was 55lb let off with a broadhead arrow. The arrow went clean through the drum. It impressed me but not enough to give up my guns and take up bow hunting.

06-12-2008, 02:40 PM	#1
ralphie Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 41	Smallest deer hunting load for a 44 mag? Ive been reloading for a few years now and normally can find what I want in a manual but this one is stumping me. Im trying to find the least amount of powder and bullitt to use in a 44 mag revolver for ethical deer hunting. I dont see many shots over 50 yards but will be hunting areas that Ill be lucky to see a 30 yard shot. Im basically looking for as light a hunting load I can get, mainly to save money.

06-12-2008, 03:03 PM	#2
BaserRonin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a Dark Cubicle Posts: 375	I would assume as long as you are within legal specs on your load for your area, it would be a humane load. I think I have to, aside from Caliber and length requirements, stay above 550 ft-lbs at 50 yards. __________________ "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favour of vegetarianism" ~ R. W. Inge

06-12-2008, 04:07 PM	#5
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near the Little Ocmulgee river in GA Posts: 2,288 Blog Entries: 15	The legal limit here is 500 pounds at 100 yards. I like a 300 gr bullet loaded between 1000-1100 this really does the job on deer. If you do your job that is. I never really checked the ballistics but it has 666 pounds at the muzzle at 1000 fps and 805 pounds with 1100 fps. here look at these loads for starts http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/de...Powder&Source= __________________ "Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum."

06-12-2008, 06:02 PM	#7
killer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the rat race Posts: 926 Images: 6	[quote=ralphie;535038] Anyone have a recommendation as the lighter bullet, 180 too light? quote] I have read the 180 was the best deer round. I know for a fact the results were much more impressive when I shot competition bowling pins. The 180 grainers always zipped through the pins and knocked them backwards with authority. Not so with my 240 grainers....sorry that's my experience and I fully intend to try it out on a deer one of these days. __________________ "Yeee Hawww...I'm a cowboy on an iron horse." Killer's cabin: http://buckmountainchateau.com/

06-12-2008, 06:21 PM	#9
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near the Little Ocmulgee river in GA Posts: 2,288 Blog Entries: 15	+1 ^ I really like the 300gr loads. I'm not an expert but I think the momentum goes a long way. I've never used it on bear but on deer it is awsome. __________________ "Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum."

06-12-2008, 03:48 PM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,185	That is a terrible reason to load down on hunting loads.How much can you save by cutting back a couple grains in a load?I would advise at least using a .44-40 load which should be adequate under 50yds in a good revolver. sam.

06-12-2008, 05:33 PM	#6
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,185	What I meant was a better reason would be accuracy.I just don't consider cost for cartridges I am taking game with..As to a .44-40 load,it can be fired in a .44mag and developes about 400ft lbs energy.The .44mag can easily be loaded down to about 600-700 lbs energy and still work well on deer.You would be better off to change powder and use unique or RL7 to maintain your volumn in the cartridge and consistency in performance.When you cut back in powder when using the better powders for standard loads in a ,44mag,you have a lot of open space in the case.When the powder doesnt cover the primer hole the difference in the way the powder is ignited makes for large pressure variations.This causes inconsistency in fps. This is probably what was confusing you.The powder Co,s dont reccomend a load that doesnt fill about 3/4th,s of the case.If they did you would have pressures from say 600lbs to 1000lbs all in one powder weight.By the way,you posted the right place,I just answered wrong. sam.

06-12-2008, 06:14 PM	#8
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,185	The 180gr bullets may strike bone and frag instead of penetrate.I believe a higher sectional density would be better.On deer size game I always used 240,s.I often carried 300gr,s for bear defense but never had to use one. sam.

06-12-2008, 06:49 PM	#10
runfiverun Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: soda springs idaho Posts: 338	look at 2400 titegroup and a 240gr bullet is pretty good up to 10gr. reducing a load too far may also affect the bullets performance negatively. a light loaded heavy bullet may be a better answer for you

06-12-2008, 07:12 PM	#11
Ron AKA Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 704	I would suggest a minimum of 1000 ft-lbs for a humane kill on a deer. And if it does not have that, then it is not a deer gun. Ron

06-12-2008, 07:46 PM	#13
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,103	forget the 1000# issue. with pistols good shot placement and short range get it done. save your money on practice rounds, for hunting, use a good bullet ( i like hornady240gr XTP) and load 'em full power.

06-12-2008, 08:51 PM	#16
Ron AKA Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 704	I've never been tempted to take up bow hunting. Essentially all you do is cut the game and let it bleed to death - often very slowly. Not a sport to me. Ron

06-12-2008, 09:04 PM	#17
single shot Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N.E. Oklahoma Posts: 59	Arrow and Bullet are an apple and orange - bullet kills by hyrostatic(sp) shock. The arrow kills by hemoradge(sp).Small bullet moving fast will suprise you. Dad hunts with 243 and whitetails don't go far. Normally doesn't exit so you transfer all the energy to the animal. Bullet that blows through=lose your energy. That said I hunt with a 45-70. It's all about what you like and can shoot accurately. But I really love to bow hunt and kill most of my freezer meat that way. However a 30-06 will not penetate a sandbag but a 60# old fashioned recure bow will. Put a piece of glass behind the sandbag and try it. Shoot the rifle first or you will need another piece of glass. Single Shot

06-12-2008, 11:10 PM	#20
Palladin8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 576	In a bow hunting video I watched they talked about some myths about the penetration ability of a bow versus a rifle. They shot a 55 gal steel drum filled with water with a .30-06 180 gr bullet. The bullet entered the side of the drum and never penetrated the other side of the drum. They then shot another drum with a compound bow and I think it was 55lb let off with a broadhead arrow. The arrow went clean through the drum. It impressed me but not enough to give up my guns and take up bow hunting.