What do you feel is the optimal metplat size for hunting with hardcast bullets for distances out to 150 yards in a .44 caliber. I'm wanting to experiment with some different hardcast bullets in my T/C 445SM for deer/bear hunting at longer distances with accuracy. There are metplats ranging from .280 up to .350 with the LFN, WFN, LBT and Keith/Thompson style bullets. The only long range handgun hunting I have done has been with bottle neck cartridges and jacketed bullets. I shoot hardcast from my .44 and .45LC revolvers, but I keep shots on game at 75 yards max and mostly less due to iron sights. I like a 280gr. WFN-GC in my .44 and a 320gr. WFN-GC in the .45LC, but like I said, it's for short range hunting and I'm wanting to stretch the legs on my 445SM. with something new.

The LWN or LFN usually gives better accuracy at the longer ranges. EX: Montana bullet works has a RCBS 300gr with a Meplat of .280 and it is a Keith Style Bullet. Also they have a 315gr LBT style w/ a .340 Meplat Either one should give you good performance at 100 to 200 yds. BH is 22

It is funny you mention Montana Bullet Works! I'm currently shooting the 315gr. you speak of as a hunting load with good results, but I feel the barrel can do better. My plinking load is 26 gr. of 2400 with a 250 gr. Sierra TM which produces tiny groups at 100 yds., so I know the potential is there. I'm wanting to try 280 gr. to 300 gr. bullets now just to see if I can get better accuracy with a little less bullet weight and the others you list are on my radar. I'm just unsure to order the LFN or the WFN and then there is the Keith design from RCBS. I asked MBW if they offered sample packs of their bullets for purchase, which they replied they do not, I just don't want to buy full boxes only to find my barrel doesn't like them. Thanks for your reply CT.

Keep it simple. The bigger the better.

Amen. If you're going to punch a hole in something, might as well make it a big one.

Yes Sir, I agree. I'm just trying to make a long range (150/200 yard) 445SM load. I went ahead and ordered the 280gr. and 300gr. LNFP bullets, they both have a .300" metplat. This should still be a bone crusher load at 1700 fps with a 15 BHN hardcast. In my .44 and .45LC revolvers I sure do like the nastiness the WFN bullets create in critters. . .very impressive.

At the 445 Super Mag speeds you will get better accuracy with a harder bullet, at least 22 brinel.

[/quote] At the 445 Super Mag speeds you will get better accuracy with a harder bullet, at least 22 brinel.
[/quote]

I've read back-n-forth opinions in regards to the BHN of bullets velocity and accuracy. . .what are your thoughts to this? Is it because if it is harder it tends to be more slippery going down the barrel?

DON'T FORGET, THE HARDER A BULLET IS THE MORE BRITTLE IT IS, AND THE FASTER YOU SHOOT IT THE MORE LIKELY THAT IT MAY NOT MAINTAIN ADEQUATE BULLET INTEGRITY. HARDER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.

The good news is that bullet hardness and brittleness don't have to go together. They are different physical properties. In the old days, bullet hardness was raised by increasing the percentage of tin in the alloy. Those bullets became very brittle and unsuitable for penetration. However it has been found that keeping the tin level low and increasing the antimony percentage results in a bullet that can be heat treated to give strength without being brittle.
http://www.lasc.us/HeatTreat.htm

Bigger is better , as said, I cast my own, I like a little soft , not super soft, for a little expansion.