This question is not for handloaders but I hope I get input. I'm trying to decide on a load. I've seen a Winchester offering that is a 210 gr. soft HP and a Hornady 180 JHP-XTP both intersest me. Any users of these? Or is there another commercial load out there one should consider? Since I'm a first timer with the .44Mag I'm thinking I don't want the heavy hitters just yet. Plus I'll be shooting from sticks and in thick brush so shots if available should be fairly close. I have 3 wks. off time between now and the end of the year so let me know so I can get started.

Well I don't think you should decide on a load until you try it in your gun. A load that may be accurate in one gun may not shoot so well in another. Personally, I would probably go with something a little heavier than the 180 XTP. The Winchester 250 grain Partition Gold is an excellent bullet for deer. I don't like the sivertips though. You might also try the generic Remington 240 JSP, I've had very good luck with the way they shoot.

My contender happens to shoot the heavy's a lot better than the light ones. I like the way 300 gr XTP group and I'm quite sure when I get the oppurtunity they will drop about anything.

I'm with Gary. The 180's are a little light. I like the 240gr pills in my 44's. I have not shot a lot of factory ammo as I handload for my guns. The factory ammo that did shoot well in my 44's was the Federal "American Eagle" 240gr SJHP. I would not hesitate to use them on deer sized game.

About any mid-level or greater 240 JHP/JSP will work for deer. My family factory load is the Remington 240 JHP. It works in the Ruger carbine, Redhawks, Anacondas, and S&W's.

Thanks for the replies. I was trying to find out what ammo might be a good starting point. I will be trying the load out first to see if it shoots decent in the gun. About the American Eagle ammo I was in a store with some, there was every caliber except .44mag. I wonder if that was because of it's less than $10 a box price or performing well.

federal was selling a 300gr cast performance hardcast load, before I started reloading about 5 years ago. I shot them out of my super black hawk and they were very accurate and penetrated inanimate objects very well. I now handload 320gr cast performance bullets but you might check because I'm sure federal still offers the load and it should work great on everything from deer to bear.

the fed american eagle 240 gr. load is very accurate in my gun as well and i don't think you could do much better for moderate range deer as long as you don't try to shoot thru them lengthwise. if your store didn't have them it's because if they had 'em at $10 a box, they will be gone at that price. they usually run from $20-$24 per 50. nothing wrong with the quality, though.

btw, if that store is selling them for less than $10/box, give me the address.

FYI, The Federal Cast Core 300's are Cast Performance Bullets. I have found them to be the most accurate factory cast loads in my Ruger SBH. Pricey but great bullets. Shoot for the shoulder though and try to break some bones.

I would also concure that the 180's are too fragile for Deer. Not an XTP but several years ago I shot a large Whitetail Doe at a range of about 40 yards with a 180gr. JHP I have Handloaded for my 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk. I hit the Doe high in the shoulder and let me tell you that bullet all but exploded. I think I could have fit my hat in the exit hole on the other side. What amazed me was that it exited at all.

A buddy bought a 8 3/4" S&W Model 629 Classic a few years back. The dealer he bought the gun from gave him a heck of a deal on the Federal / American Eagle 240gr. JHP's. Well that ammo shot great in my buddies S&W and he has taken at least one whitetail with that ammo with great results.

Larry

bisley44 I found this ammo on clearance @ Kmart in Rocky Mt. NC. Try your local store.

thanks, kaylee1. i'll try my k-mart and see what they have. man, if i can get it for $10