[Shawnee]

Hi Y'All...

This seems a bit more about bullet performance in hunting than about reloading so I plunked it down here. If the mods want to move it, it's their call and Ok by me.:)

Have always used Hornady JHPs in my .44 magnum Super Blackhawk for deer and they have always worked fine (which is the reason I haven't tried anything else). But was wondering if - just to prove I'm not completely cemented in my ways - I should give some cast bullet it a try.

Anyone been using cast bullets in their .44 magnum on deer with good success ? If so, which bullets and loaded to what velocities ? What do you figure (conservatively) as the effective range of your favorite cast bullet load ?

Mostly interested in "store-bought" as I do not cast and don't want to get into it for one or two calibers - so a good source would be nice. But - if there is some extra-splendid mold out there maybe I could buy it and barter with a caster I know for some bullets.

Thanks All !

[Harve Curry]

I use 330gr 45-70 I cast from wheel weights and at shoot at 1580fps MV. No deer have got away, only an oryx.

I shot a coues white tail once with my 44 special and 275 gr lead SWC at 700 fps. Distance was about 80 feet and it knocked him down. The 45-70 laod above knocks all deer off their feet. Any commercial cast bullets from any sporting goods store should suffice.

[dakotasin]

not a 44, but i've knocked down a deer or two w/ oregon trail laser cast bullets in both 357 mag and 480 ruger.

cast performance bullets is also a commercial caster that is highly regarded.

cast bullets work fine. you will get a very neatly punched caliber size entrance, and an exit - the size of which depends on how much bone you blast thru the hole.

i would suggest you look for a wide flat nose of some variety or another, and be prepared to load from scratch. cast loading is a little different than jacketed, but you will usually get a higher velocity w/ less pressure.

[MCgunner]

Cast 158s work great in .357. I can't imagine a bigger diameter bullet packin' more energy would work less well. I cast my own. Kinda sweet takin' a deer with a bullet you made yourself.

[wheelgunslinger]

MC is right. It is kinda sweet taking a deer with a bullet you made.
I like cast bullets for hunting, though I've also used the Hornady projectiles quite a bit too.
There are a lot of neat tricks to casting that can help you tailor your own recipe to the work at hand and your own preferences. Casting is fun for me.

[freakshow10mm]

Get some 250gr Keith type SWCs.

[Water-Man]

Better off using an expanding bullet on deer. Cast is good for heavier boned animals.

[freakshow10mm]

Cast will expand.

[MCgunner]

Expansion is necessary on a .30 cal spitzer, but a big ol' flat nose handgun bullet does a good job of tissue destruction even away from the actual path of the bullet without expansion. I've not have a problem with reasonably quick stops on deer with the .357. The .44 is only better.