handgunhunting

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

Curious about how heavy and bullet tip for a .44 mag...I am hunting deer this year first time with a pistol?

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Welcome to the forums. Howdy

Myself I've never been handgun hunting, nor do I know the size of the deer in your area but I'd imagine you'd want atleast about 700ft-lb's of energy on target for a handgun (I think its about half of what I'd want on a rifle myself :?), and quickly looking at Remington's website they sell Remington Core-Lock 275gr rounds that will have that energy out to 100 yards but I'd keep the shots under about 50 yards myself. Smile

Dimitri

Crackshot · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 10:32 am Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

240gr minimum Very Happy

........ realy anything over 240gr is over kill for a white tail, I dont care how big they are. Ive had complete pass throughs with 180gr bullets out to 75+ yards. Very Happy

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Well there you go Dave experienced advice! Smile

Dimitri

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

Thanks for the imformation!........Dave

Crackshot · Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:42 am Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

No problem. You can use 180's and 200's as well as 210gr bullets just pick your shots.
and the key to becomeing a great hand gun shot is practise practise practise.
Good loading and good luck.

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

Thanks I'll do that..180's and 240's are availible where I buy ammo..what about bullet tips?..I want one that will mushroom like a rifle bullet?.....................Dave

george20042007 · Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

Try a jacketed flat point 200 to 240 grains. I've had good luck with them in 45LC, 454 and S&W 460. Although I don't have a 44 mag, I don't see much difference between it and the calibers I mentioned in terms of bullet design for hunting.

Keep it coming...

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

Ok I'll check into those.What about brand?..It's a ruger super redhawk..and I'm not sure I know what jacketed is..sorry I am really new to pistol hunting, ask anything about rifle hunting and I can find my way around..ha ha..thanks for the answer.......Dave

Crackshot · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:33 am Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

Hornady and Sierra are top shelf bullets, Hornady XTP's are my choice for hunting.
Jacketed bullets have a thin copper jacket, Your best bet if pinching pennies is lead bullets with gas checks(gas checks are a small copper cup pressed and crimped on the base of a lead bullet, it keeps gases from deforming the base of the bullet) for hunting loads.

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

awesome...thanks!.......Dave

george20042007 · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 10:56 pm Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

Crackshot is right. I prefer the Hornady XTPs as well. I don't like hunting with an all lead bullet & I think the RedHawk prefers jacketed bullets when it comes to 44 mag.

Keep it coming...

Dave Hunt 1 · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 8

Thanks partner..whats your thoughts on federals, winchesters or remington brand ammo for hunting..the last box I bought was remington and it was the box I purchased for trying out my pistol when i got it..I think it ran me like 26.00 bucks for the box..what kind of prices you think i should expect?..thanks Dave

george20042007 · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

Dave Hunt 1, I don't buy ammo as I reload everything I shoot. So, I couldn't tell you what to expect since I haven't purchased any factory loads or even look to see what the price is on the shelf. I bought some 300 Weatherby ammo at $56.00 for a box of 20 when I first got my rifle, but, in short order I got the dies, press, brass & other components and never looked back. On average, you'll save 50% by handloading...but, money isn't my big concern...it's a hobby...and you can Tailor your ammo to your gun. Smile

Keep it coming...

Crackshot · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:34 am Post subject: Re: handgunhunting

Same here! I have not purchased a box of ammunition in 25 years! Sorry Dave hunt 1 cant help you with the price of store bought ammo.
Why dont you purchase a little lee press and some dies and load your own? Its loads of fun and cheaper than buying loaded ammo.
I have a little Lee press I would let go cheap to help a guy out. Very Happy

Dont have any spare 44 mag dies though. Sad