.44 hunting load question.

[WaCoyote]

FINALLY got my ruger dialed in tight. I've had a lot of trouble cooking up an accurate load for hunting but I finally got a really good one. Problem is it's only 200 grn. I know the standard load is 240 grn SP for hunting but this 200 grn load shoots so well I'd like to use it.

Anyways the load is hornady 200 grn HP/XTP pushed at about 1600 fps.

I would think this would be fine for whitetails but I have no experience handgun hunting. I've wanted to hunt with a pistol but have never felt real comfortable until now.

What do you think? To light of bullet?

PS I doubt if the shot would be more than 60 yards or so.

Thanks in advance

[popgun]

Re: .44 hunting load question.

wacoyote, I also hunt with a .44 mag. I do love the 240 grain XTP but only because it has worked well for me. Both my New Super Blackhawk and my Desert Eagle shoot it well zeroed at 75 yards.

The main thing is that you are already "dialed in tight" with the 200 grain.

If it ain't broke you don't need to fix it.

Good luck and good shooting.

That 200 grain XTP will kill a deer just as dead as a 240 grain.

If you later find out that a heavier bullet might work better, then try it, but I wouldn't switch if that bullet you are shooting hits the mark.

....popgun

[WaCoyote]

Re: .44 hunting load question.

Thanks popgun.

Havent tried the 240 xtp. But have tried a few different 240's. Gold dots were the best until now but these xtp's are great. Tried lots of 240 factory stuff. I was convinced I just couldn't shoot the thing but now I know I can. Thought I was losing my mind. In fact I had considered just selling the darn thing. I could shoot ok but not good enough to hunt.

I'm going to give these a shot. Literally.

Thanks again.

[hangunnr]

Re: .44 hunting load question.

The 200gr XTPs work very well on deer sized game. I've shot 5 or 6 whitetail with them and have no complaints. I prefer the 200 over the 240 just for the added velocity possible with the lighter bullet. They will be a little flatter at extended range.

If your gun shoots them well I'd say stick with what you have.

I've been shooting the Nosler Partition 250gr lately. I've backed down a bit on the range I'll shoot a 44 at and this bullet is the best as far as accuracy is concerned. They're somewhat on the spendy side of life but I don't shoot the volume I used to so it balances out I guess.

hangunnr

[WaCoyote]

Re: .44 hunting load question.

Thanks HG

I figured the 200 was enough but thought I'd ask. I'm really excited about this year now. Hopefully have some pics to post in Oct.

Thanks again.