I am going to be getting into reloading 44mag and was wondering what bullet you guys recommend for shooting whitetail. Also will that same bullet be fine in 44 special target loads. If not suggest a bullet for that. thanks

One bullet for all uses is a hard call but for the hunting puposes the accepted bullets range from hard cast to JHP but the weight is usually 240gr. It is enough bullet to do the job. I would say that a 240 gr JSP loaded with a near maximum (accurate) charge of H110 would be your best bet for a good hunting load. Practicing with it is going to be something you will have to deal with. For me it is a punishing job to fire near maximum loads in a 44 mag. Others, like my brother enjoy it.
Paul

I've always had the best luck with 230-240gr JHPs for full power loads that are accurate. Also 23.0gr of H110 is an excellent combo.

are all the companies equal in quality or will one be better than another. Also what do you guys believe the range is? 100 yds? 200yds?

I use Sierra 210gr JHC over 22.7gr Aliant 2400 in Winchester cases with Winchester standard large pistol primers.
Also I use Rainier 300gr flat points over 18.1gr IMR 4227 with the same components as above.

is there a major difference in recoil in those loads crackshot??

I've just started shooting my 44 and I have 2 load that I am using at the moment. one is a 251 gr cast swc over 4.3 gr clays as just a plinking target load and the other is the same bullet over 25 gr WW296

the clays load is really cheap and plesent a guy can shoot those all day long. the other is holding a good group at 50 yards and isn't at the painful level just a little abusive. don't want to go through more than about 100 with out takeing a bit of a rest.

Yes there is. The 210gr seems to kick more to me....but thats just me I think. the 300 shoots soft as this load is not very hot, barely functions the DEP. But its very accurate!
Also shoots groups in my S&W 629 CL you wouldnt believe.

bodyalter wrote:

don't want to go through more than about 100 with out takeing a bit of a rest.

What's tha mattrer wiv ya bodyalter old mate.......only a hunnerd rounds before taking a rest.....ya turnin' into a girl scout mate????

:haha:

Apologies to rdncktnk and keetowah.

Cheers, Vince

Petrey10:

I have had excellent results with a 240g hardcast semiwaddcutter over Blue Dot. I use the same for both target and hunting.

lol it could be that I'm wussing out but I only had 100 loaded up last time I was at the range and the biggest thing that got me was the concussion in the shooting lane...made my eyes a bit wobbly. The range that I went to had 20 foot high berm at the end, and 20 foot dirt sides so every round felt like it was pulling some of me down range.

I can recomend the Lyman Devastater If you cast your own, or know some one who will cast them for you.