Ammuntion for Deer Hunting .44 Mag

[Robgoody6]

I bought a Ruger Super Black Hawk .44 Mag with the intention of deer hunting with it this year. Does anyone have suggestion on type, weight of ammunition I should try? I have read the recommended but would like to hear from people that actually own one and hunt with it. THANKS

 

[SSGSAD]

I have used BOTH 180 gr., and 240 gr., either Blue Dot, or 4227 powder, do not have my reloading notes with me... For factory, just buy what YOU can afford, and check groups, at whatever range you think you will be shooting ..... MOST people, try to stay at, or under 100 yards...

 

[cuemily]

I have had best luck with the 240 grain.

 

[bsmant]

Using my S&W 629, I like Hornady 240gr XTPs over 23.5gr of H-110, with a CCI #350 primer, 1.6" OAL.

 

[Hookeye]

I've had 3 SBH's, one Old Model and two New Models.
They all shot 180, 200 and 240 gr handloads well.
Don't have all my data handy but I always ran AA9, H110 or WW296 max'd out.
Ruger eats that stuff like candy

 

[jmiller676]

adding to this question is the LEVERevolution ammo ok to use in the New model SBH? I just picked one up too and can't wait. Also, noob question, effective range of 7.5" barrel .44 Mag?

 

[x10]

I tried the Hornady lever eveolution ammo several years ago and i've been using the 225 leverevolution in everything for deer,

In the past I had loaded 24g h110 with the Hornady XTP 250 and was happy, but the performance I've seen with the 225gr has been outstanding

 

[parson]

I use 240 gr. nosler flat points with good results. Also have used 240 gr. XTP's which work fine.

 

[indyjoe]

I've found the 240 Gr JSP MagTechs to be the only thing that groups reasonably well in my 1894. I bought many boxes a while ago, but I remember them being pretty reasonable.

 

[speedsk899]

Some good info in here. I just got a Marlin mod. 1894 from my dad. Hadn't been used in many years because it had a feed problem. Figured out the loading door (not sure if that is what its called) is really worn and was catching the edge of the case when first loaded. Need to get a new door but it still works fine as long as I pay attention when I load the last round. I plan on getting some deer hunting in this year and will probably refer back to this thread to try out some different loads! Subscribed!

 

[parson]

speedsk899
Lot's of good info here on fixing Marlin problems

Marlin Firearms Forum

 

[yotewacker]

I have a few S&W 29's. All of them prefer the 180gr. Shoots much more accurate. The 240gr and 300gr shoots much larger groups. Every gun made will prefer some grain of bullet for accuracy.

 

[BE Mike]

adding to this question is the LEVERevolution ammo ok to use in the New model SBH? I just picked one up too and can't wait. Also, noob question, effective range of 7.5" barrel .44 Mag?

The effective range is the distance that you can put every shot you shoot into a paper plate. I find the 240 gr. bullet in either a hard cast semi-wadcutter or jacketed soft point or hollow point to be good. I use Alliant 2400.

 

[luvall]

I have a few S&W 29's. All of them prefer the 180gr. Shoots much more accurate. The 240gr and 300gr shoots much larger groups. Every gun made will prefer some grain of bullet for accuracy.

What length barrel do you have on the 29?

 

[ewhitehouse]

I have had the best luck with the 240 XTP hornady bullet with H110 powder.

 

[Broom_jm]

While the 240gr XTP is a great choice in the 44RM, don't neglect the 200gr XTP! I first started using it in my 44-40, with stout '92-only loads, but have since tried it in my 44RM...it's another very good choice and offers slightly reduced recoil.

 

[Hookeye]

My Marlin 1894 shot the Hornady Custom 240 gr stuff very well.
I didn't think it very hot though.

I too shoot 200gr XTP handloads. 28.8gr of WW296 is what my old box says.
Only shot them in handguns, did very well.

 

[rhslover]

I use hornady 240Gr xtp's backed with IMR 4227. Knocks em flat