Just wanted some of your expert opinions about the use of a 240 gr.HP lead bullet with a thin copper coating out of my .44mag for deer hunting. From what I have read, it seems that this bullet will come apart. What puzzles me is that I see postings saying lead bullets perform better on large game. So what is your opinion? Jacketed of lead for best knock down power on deer?

Thanks

[ 08-23-2002, 07:04: Message edited by: tundrarules ]

I can't speak about the Rainier plated bullets but I know for a fact that the Hornady 240 gr. XTPs work well on a good sized 3 point blacktail.
On the butcher's scale it was 185 lb. minus skin, head, and legs. My guess was 220 on the hoof. Bullet ended up on the far side under skin. this cast vs jacketed is an age old debate. For bear and elk, I use 310 gr. hard cast for penetration. For deer the XTPs. You pay your money and you take your choice. Slim p.s. you might want to post your question over on the Handgun Hunting forum.

I can't give you an expert opinion, just mine from very limited experience. One small spike at 50 yds 180 gr Sierra JHC, 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. 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. One very small doe, 40 yds broadside complete penetration 170 gr SWC cast bullet 357 Mag. 10" Contender. 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

My only experience with the plated bullets is funny! A friend bought a bunch of them and loaded them for his glock 10mm......when the trigger was pulled on one of them there was no telling where it would go! Point of impact varied by 2 or 3 feet a 50 yards!!! The bullets also left copper "strips" in the barrel, not stripes, strips that could be pulled out and handled!

I'd suggest that you forget the plated bullets!

I currently use plated bullets. I think they are great. I shoot a lot of .45acp and they work great for me. Clean bbls and good accuracy. You should buy a box and try them out. I am sure they have improved a lot since you last tried them. I am not trying to go cheap for a hunting bullet, I am just curious about the solid lead bullet on Whitetailed deer.

[ 08-25-2002, 14:12: Message edited by: tundrarules ]

tundrarules,
IMO, For deer, I don't think it would matter all that much what bullet you use comming out of a 44mag. If...and I say IF you can place a perfict shot in the vitals. But most of the time this just aint the case. Almost all jacketed bullets for the 44 are soft lead with a copper jacket.
And then there are hard cast with no jacket.

What I do is this. If i'm going to hunt a stand, then i'll use some type of JHP or JSP in my handgun. But if i'm going to walk and stalk then i'll use the hard cast, for ya never know what type of shot you'll be taking and a good hard cast bullet will crush bone without commin apart and make one heck of a big hole in and out
Now I'm talkin deer in the 200lb and under range, and out to about as far as you can shoot a 44mag.
Sorry I don't know about the Rainer bullets though.

Rainer bullets, from what i have read, are basically cast bullets that are copper plated. The following info is from their website...

"INNOVATION = PERFORMANCE
"HEX" HOLLOW POINT

The successful implementation of our "RESTRIKE" technology has allowed Rainier Ballistics to now manufacture our "rapid expanding" HEX Hollow Point. Listen to what Tom Burczynski, designer and patent holder of the Sarfire, Quik-Shok and Hydra-Shok bullets had to say; "There's no question that the combination of stress risers and malleable copper plating used in Rainier's HEX H.P. bullet provides the shooters with an excellent, rapid expanding bullet."

This is listed under their "FAQ" section...

Q. Do your bullets have ANY velocity restrictions?
A. In general, our bullets typically perform their best when shot at velocities no greater than 1,350 to 1,400 Feet per second (FPS).

Q. What type of crimp should I use?
A. A slight taper crimp. NEVER A ROLL CRIMP!

Q. Why is there no cannelure groove on your 38's and 44's?
A. Because our bullets are so soft a cannelure groove is not needed to achieve a positive, tight grip of the bullet in the case mouth

I would say that last answer pretty much sums it all up....

[ 08-25-2002, 23:17: Message edited by: mssmagnum ]

Ok, they dont use cast bullets....

"To ensure uniformity, our bullets are formed from lead wire that we manufacture at our facility. This wire is then used to swage (not cast) the bullet cores. Once formed, these lead cores are electroplated with the same high-purity copper used by computer circuit board manufacturers. These plated bullets are then swaged a second time (RESTRIKE) to ensure the tightest uniformity possible. Finally, every bullet is inspected for any defects that might inhibit performance."

Hope this helps....

[ 08-25-2002, 23:20: Message edited by: mssmagnum ]

Even the HUGE fans of hard cast lead bullets will tell you, for whitetail sized deer, your probably much better off with a JHP. I