Illinois DNR laws changed this year allowing us to take a handgun afield during the regular firearm deer season. I'm going to carry my .44 Colt Anaconda, iron sites, with me, and if a shot I feel comfortable with presents itself, take my deer with it. However, I find myself in need of some ammo first. As a non-reloader, what off-the-shelf cartridge would you recommend?

Any 240 grain will do fine , no need to go to the 300s. I.ve always used the 225 Speer. Find the load that is most accurate for your gun. You should get 1 1/2" group or less at 25 yds.

There's two schools. Some like expanding jacketed bullets and some like hard cast bullets. Both have merits but I like cast because they have a better probability of exiting and therefore a better blood trail if needed. Federal makes a great line of cast-bullet hunting loads for pistols; check their web page. If you go jacketed, all brands 240gr or over are pretty good for the purpose. I stay away from the 180's for anything over 100 lbs.

I've used 180 and 200 gr JHP's out of a 10" Contender to take deer. A 44 is plenty for deer.
I'd buy a variety of factory loads and see what you gun shoots best.

John,

Ive had pretty good results shooting the 240 grain Hornady XTP's out of my Super Red Hawk. You get lots of shock and penetration on deer sized game with the XTP hollow point.

Good luck.
Fordfreak

I have a S&W Performace Shop V Comp in 44 mag, and I use the Factory Load of Federal Gold Medal 250 FPJ for all my bear hunting as back up to my bow. Very accurate load.....had a friend nailed a grizzly with this load with one shot.