Minimum load

What would be the minimum 44 mag load with a 240 grain soft point and 2400 powder you would hunt with? I have a very accurate load but it is around 44spl level. I know that hitting where you aim is what counts but would still like 2 holes if I have to blood trails.

Unless you have some really big deer, or they are wear body armor, your load should make it through on a broadside shot, I've done it with smaller cartridges. You can switch to a 240 grain cast bullet and up your penetration and retain the lower loading pressure.

I think 17 range with a mag primer. My guns shoot really well with the 240s in the 18.5 range and it is not that bad.

I would take that load you have and do some penetration tests. See how it performs before changing anything.

The load I'm shooting is 15.0 grains of 2400 powder under a 240 grain soft point bullet. This is very soft shooting and very accurate. I've shot all the way up to 20 grains and groups just fell apart. I'm not trying to shoot deer at 100 yards just bow range. Maybe 50 yards max. Just getting started in Handgun huntin.

Your load is plenty enough if you put it where it counts.

There has been a boat load of deer killed with a 240 slug and 7.5 grains of unique in a 44 special. I'd say your loading equals or exceeds the velocities of the special load. Put the sights where you want the bullet to go and have some fun.

I lost count of deer I killed with 44 specials using 240-250 grain cast bullets at roughly 1000fps. If you use a jacketed expanding bullet at those velocities and put the bullet where I needs to go you won't get explosive expansion but you will stop what makes them live.

Some states have minimum loads that are mandated by law; they must produce so many foot pounds of energy.

Which is a shame, because kinetic energy is merely a calculated number, and meaningless.

I

If checked in the field by a game officer how do you prove meets the requirement?

If you are checked in the field by a game officer how do you prove your load meets the requirements?

Since nobody else has replied about being checked , the burden of proof is on them. best case scenario they make you shoot it over a chronograph to see the velocity, then use a KE calculator to get FPE. Our dnr discussed how they would deal with the issue if it came up and that is what their answer was. have your load data on your reloaded ammo box and be able to provide it to them. having the link to the KE calculator on your phone and being able to show them right there would go a long way if checked. .worst case, they seize your handgun and ammo for test firing. I think you would have to be in a real grey area to get to worst case status..

How does the officer prove your load doesn't meet requirements

if you are carrying a 44 magnum why would they even question your loads un less you tell them that they are popcorn fart loads and there is a minimum