I mentioned this in another post. But, 2 years ago I was in my stand with my SBH waiting to pop a doe when I was interrupted by text messages from my son that he had his first buck down. Last year my house flooded in October, and didn't get to hunt at all.

This year, I've decided to only take my 1961 Marling 336 in .35 Remington, and My SBH .44 Mag to the field. I would like some recommendations on .44 Mag deer hunting loads. Store bought stuff. I don't reload.

Hornady 240gr XTP, it shoots great, it's not expensive and I couldn't hardly believe how good it works on deer.

X2

I agree on the Hornady 240 grain XTP's. I reload, but my reload is basically the same as the factory load.

That's great. Gonna try to buy some this weekend, and give it a try.

Thanks

This.

Dog pile on the Hornady 240 XTP...I reload and shoot factory in a pinch.

Another option would be the Buffalo Bore 225 gr Barnes load - disclaimer, I have not used this factory loading, but the advertised velocity should be just right based on my experience with the Barnes bullets in other calibers. The Barnes VOR-TX load seems a bit anemic, based on reported velocity.

X3

Garretts of Texas has some Defender loads with 310 grain Hard cast that is very accurate in my SBH These are not +P loads and they will do the job. FYI I have the 4 3/4" barrel, and the recoil is fine.

The 240 XTP is accurate and will get the job done, for deer. I will not knock them. But if you prefer cast, I would much advise the Garrett over the Buffalo Bore.
If you ever go after large Hogs then Garrett is the only way to go.

Thanks Cherokee. Was not aware of Garretts. Looks like they're just west of Fort Worth, in Weatherford. I go through there occasionally. Their 420 gr. 45/70 ammo looks interesting too.

I shoot 240 gr XTP's Fiocchi Extrema.
Cherokeetracker said it best, they will get the job done but will not knock them.

Pass through even with strong quartering shots at 75 yards. I took it upon myself to open up the hollow point a little with a drill press and the bullets lost 9 grains. Accuracy is not affected and I will try them again this fall on some does. I suspect I will get more wallop and knock down than before.

On hogs that have thicker skin I always lay them flat. No need to open up hp's. Seems deer just dont offer as much resistance. Havent hit a big bone yet as i know that will do it for sure. So opened HP's on the XTP this fall for me.
Good luck,
SnT

I have been using Remington's 250 gr. JHP ammo in my Ruger Carbines for almost fifty years. Accurate, reliable, cheap (relatively), and dependable expansion. Never found a reason to change.