A group of us gather every October in Hondo, Texas to perform live bullet/load/caliber testing on bovines (Watusi, water buffalo, bison, long horn). All of this is done on the ground at spitting distance and we've had a couple of "oh crap" moments with bovines exhibiting attitude and bad behavior. Last year we put a dozen animals (give or take) down in 2 1/2 days. The skinners were crying!

I'm guessing those skinners had blisters! Hondo is an interesting place, spent some time there one year when we were wintering at Bandera. They also have a very interesting "event" called a "Hog-Dog" baying contest. Didn't see the one they had there but I attended one east of San Antonio & it was wild to say the least.
There was a guy inside the ring with a plastic 55 gallon barrel cut in half, length ways that kind hazed the feral hogs a bit. I won't go into too many details but when I started videoing they told me to turn off my camera..... Anyway, the guys I was hunting with told me some really crazy stories about these events. They had huge trophies they handed out.
This is some of the feral hogs used in the Hog-Dog baying contest. I have another photo of the guy standing behind the half barrel I'm trying to find, he was pretty busy keeping those hogs away from his legs!



Dick

Being a rookie I could use a little help. Could you guys give me the name of the of the cast bullets that you prefer. I plan on loading in 44 mag and not sure which direction to go as far as the weight is concerned. Not knowing much but is there a big difference in bullet weight versus recoil?

Forgot to ask, what is a punch bullet?

Thanks,
Bamabow

A punch bullet is a brand of solid bullets that are machined out of brass. They'd don't deform when hitting bones and such and travel straight through your target. Considered by many to be the ultimate performance cast style bullet. They are expensive. I'll let others answer the 44 specific question.

If you are looking to purchase some top notch cast slugs, I will suggest Montana Bullet Works. They are insanely quick to ship, good folks, and produce a fine slug.

My buddy ordered from Beartooth bullets in October of last year and just received his shipment notice. When he called to ask about his order they shrugged him off. He won't order from them anymore, and I can't blame him.

I'm not bashing Beartooth, but if you want them sooner than later, Montana Bullet works is the way to go.

Yes, if all are driven hard. You can load down heavy bullets to a lesser velocity than a lighter bullet and reduce recoil respectively, but "for evey action there is an equal and opposite reaction" and if pushed to their limits heavier bullets will kick harder.

Montana Bullet Works is a good source for cast bullets for a .44 mag. My experience with them was with the 300 gr Wide Flat meplate and the 265 gr semiwadcutter both with gas checks. Both were very accurate. I shot local whitetail weighing in between 130 and 150lb. at ranges of 100 to 125 yds with both bullets. The deer were equally dead with either bullet. No bullets were recovered. I prefer the 265 gr at higher velocity for the flatter trajectory and slightly less recoil. The 300 WF was interesting as well. At 100 yds I could hear the thump of impact even with ear protection and substantial hearing loss. No leading with either bullet. Dave will guide you as to hardness vs velocity you intend to shoot.

Cast Performance are the only hard cast I use. Never an issue, and VERY consistent from bullet to bullet. I like heavy for caliber, so I liked the 335gr WFNGC for my 45 Colt. Order on Monday, go shooting on Friday.

Whit

Is the JRH Holiday open to others? Can you send me the details?

Thanks
Mark

Ive liked my rimrocks. Quick shipping as well

Cast Performance, Rimrock, Montana Bullet Works, Beartooth, all make good cast bullets. Just don't order from Beartooth if you're in a hurry.

Mark, I will send you a PM.

Thanks guys for all the help.
Bamabow