10 October 2010, 06:15
TexagatorNew Guy Needs Help With .44 Mag Elk Hunting Load
Can someone please offer some suggestions for for a good elk and black bear .44 magnum load?
I'm planning to take
my Ruger Redhawk elk hunting with me this year. Where we're going, it's a combination of long shots in between large areas of thick, dense forest. Based on past experience, it's certainly possible to get a 50 or 60 yard shot in the Aspens.
I was hoping to perhaps use a 300 grain cast bullet such as
this wide flat nose gas check by Cast Performance but I will defer to the experience of others. Please keep in mind this will be shot from a 4.2" barrel. While I do want enough force delivered to the target, I would like to avoid excessive unburned powder being sent into the air and/or unnecessary muzzle blast. I'm not sure which way to do this that is sensible or if that's even possible with this revolver. I need some help.
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you.
10 October 2010, 07:57
BuglemintodayMay want to post this in the "Handgun Hunting Forum", you will get a lot of great feedback from those guys!
18 December 2010, 08:21
kingdTex, I been loading the 300grn Castcore for awhile over 19-19.5 grns of H110. Accurate and hits hard. Mt SBH likes it and so does my 16" Winch. Trapper. Killed a hog at 85yds opens sites w/ my trapper. Made a hole like a 1/2" drill bit. Pretty good w/ my old ass eyes. I love that bullet! Anyway mt 2 cents worth.
30 January 2011, 12:03
RothkeHodgdon H110 -- made for 44 magnum loads. You get the highest velocities with the heaviest bullets. But it may not work in your short barrel.
Ruger is designed to go big/heavy in 44 mag. -- but I'd get rid of the snubby and look for a handgun designed to hunt, 8" bbl. or longer.
30 March 2011, 22:18
Fat_AlbertHere is a write-up on Beartooth bullet site with load data. It is 2nd artical on the page.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/open_sight/index.htm