Im going mt. lion hunting with a Ruger 44 magnum 4" redhawk scoped. Any suggestions on handloads. Considering Hornady XT 200 gr or 240 gr and 2400 powder. I dont want to recoil my hand off just kill the kitty.

I used 11 grains of AA #5 behind the Lyman 250-grain #429421 for a long time. It is not particularly robust in the recoil arena, but I can guarantee you it will shoot through any mountain lion you come across with ease. It runs about 1100 fps. They are not a tough animal at all; lots of folks shoot them out of trees with 357s...

I love 2400 in the 44 Mag, have been using it since the '60s to the tune of ~15,000 rounds to date. For best results use a HEAVY crimp. One of my favorite loads is the heavy Keith 250-gr SWC over 20 gr 2400. Not quite as much recoil & blast as factory loads but I've gotten better accuracy and perfectly fine killing power.
Regards, Joe

Longer Barrel !. I use 24.0 grains IMR 4227 with 225 JHP and also 24.0 grains with Win.296 faster but

not as accurate from my Pistol . I have a Hog's leg at 7.5" scoped that will REACH OUT and ROCK

many things at considerable distances . I prefer the 225 JHP to the heavier bullets less recoil

and makes things just as dead !.

Sierra 180 JHC, 26.5 gr. of 2400. It’s accurate and deadly with a medium crimp on the bullet.

Concur on the 180 Sierra HC for use on kitty. I suggest working up to 20 gr of Blue Dot though for a little less muzzle blast and recoil. Velocity should be close to 1400 fps (at least it is in my 4" Colt Anaconds) out of your 4" Redhawk. 1400 fps with that Sierra bullet should provide very decent expansion and penetration on kitty.

Larry Gibson

If you use the Hornady XTP(Hollow Point) or any other Hollow Point, there is a chance the Bullet will "not" Exit. Perhaps that is an advantage for you if you are trying to save the Pelt.

As for Loads, use one found in your Manuals.

I use H322. Suprised nobody mentioned that powder. Maybe I'm th eone misisng the boat

i use 19.0 grs. of AA-#9 or
22.0 grs of W-296 wit 240 Hornady 240 XTP