I just got a super redhawk not too long ago and have shot 500 44 specials through it, and am fairly used to the gun, but I want full power mag loads for deer and I need to know the best bullet to use. I just loaded 150 mag loads with 14.5 gr of blue dot with a 240 gr SWC. I have never hunted whitetails with a pistol, but am looking forward to it. Your opinions will be appreciated

NOT an expert, as i've only killed one 8 point with .44 mag. but 21 gr. alliant 2400 powder and 240 gr. hornady XTP bullet did the job. i prefer the jacketed bullets for hunting and lead bullets for lighter practice loads. although some use hard cast bullets for hunting. been thinking about trying lighter bullets like 200 gr. XTP, but they will not extend your range. i've shot lots of 180 jhp sierra's but never at game.

I can't give you an expert opinion, just mine from very limited experience. One small spike at 50 yds 180 gr Sierra JHC, 2400 powder, 44 Mag 10" Contender. Bullet came apart, complete penetration just below spine, one shot kill. One 8 point 182 lbs dressed, 66 yds, quartering away complete penetration 200 gr Nosler same 44 Mag. 2400 powder. One shot kill. One young 7 point same bullet, fired from a muzzleloader, complete penetration broadside shot, looked like bullet came apart judging by the internal mess, one shot kill.
I think shot placement and reasonable ranges will allow a wide latitude in what bullets will work for deer. I'd pick what your gun likes best.
I am switching to a heavier bullet in the muzzleloader.
Greg

Well I like 24.4 gr. of Win 296 pushing a 240 gr. XTP. I have never had a XTP fail on me. I use the same load for a 240 hard cast bullet also but with out the heavy crimp. IMHO the standard rule of thumb is jacketed for medium size animals & expansion (deer sized game) Hard cast bullets for larger game & penetration (elk/bear) 22.6 gr of Win 296 & a 310 gr hard cast FN is what I carry for elk and bear. Hope that helps. Slim

I guess I�ll have to go with the 300 grain XTP over a charge of 20,6 grains of Vihtavouri N110, it reaches something in the 1300 fps range and is extremely uniform in both velocity and performance.

My load for deer is 22.5gr of Vihtavouri N-110 and a 240gr XTP bullet.This load from a 9.5 BBL is going 1650fps

I don't know if it is the best but my load is definitely strong medicine on deer and black bears. I use 20 grains of H-110 and the Speer 270 grain Gold Dot soft-point. Nothing I have shot with it has required a second shot.