44 Magnum Hornady 240 Grain XTP at rifle velocities

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hossfly

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So Hornady now has recommended velocity 700 to 1500 fps written on the box of the 240 XTP. My Marlin with a typical load of H110 clocks at 1680 fps. The rifle really does like this load, as do my revolvers.

Any hunting duty with this gun will be Southeastern Whitetails. Do I need to be concerned about that bullet failing to hold together at 1700 fps. I could have sworn in the old days they rated that bullet for more speed.

Any input from people who use that bullet at rifle speeds would be appreciated.
 
I just saw a review of 9mm out of carbines by Lucky Gunner.com (you tube video). In it they did the exact kind of testing you're asking about -including gel testing to show depth of penetration and expansion for various rounds - designed for pistols but getting increased velocities out of a carbine length barrel. You might want to check them out to see whether they've done something similar with 44. mag...
 
I've been running that same bullet (out of a R92) over IMR4227 and have had nothing but complete pass throughs even through both front shoulders on good sized northern deer at even very close range. No issues with bullets failing at carbine velocities.

Been a great whitetail bullet for me.
 
Thanks y'all. Bigbore I would have thought that too but it specifically says muzzle velocity. They don't make the Mag version in 44 like they do in 45. Gotboostvr pretty much eased my mind but they used to rate that bullet up to 1800. I wasn't sure if they changed the bullet.
 
A quick email to double check if anything's changed might be prudent. I've got a few hundred loaded up from years past. Thet very well may have changed something recently
 
Pardon the stupid question, but if a .44 mag bullet sheds a jacket on its way through a southeastern whitetail will the deer even notice? It’s still a pretty sizable chunk of lead going on it’s merry way...

Folks successfully hunt these things with much less powerful rounds every year.
 
Bluetopper if you shot the ones with 1500 on the box you just gave me the green light. Honestly dairyvet is right but that label on the box just nags me bit. Thank you.
 
Not sure if this helps, it's a recovered Hornady 240 gr XTP from a rifle running about 1700fps, jacket appears to still be intact.

index.php
 
The 44 cal 240 XTP is rated for 900-2200fps muzzle velocity, and 900 to 1800fps impact velocity. Under 900, expansion won’t be impressive, above 1800, the wheels will come off. Between, you’ll have a relatively mangled bullet which expands considerably and sheds quite a bit of weight. Dead is dead, however, and running 240grn of bullet into the vitals of anything in NA will usually end in death.
 
I worried about that when I saw it on the box I bought just before deer hunting. I run the 240 XTP in my super redhawk with a max load of H110. Had a complete pass through on a large Doe this year at about 40 yards. Never found the bullet. No signs of it coming apart.
 
I know people like them but I just don't care for XTP's. Even though deer don't take much killing, I've had and seen too many tender Hornady bullets fail on deer sized game. I see no reason to take the chance when the excellent Gold Dot is on the market.
 
Craig in my case it's just the one that gun likes. O shoot lots of bullets. Mostly cast in revolvers but I haven't shot any cast this Marlin likes.
 
I know people like them but I just don't care for XTP's. Even though deer don't take much killing, I've had and seen too many tender Hornady bullets fail on deer sized game. I see no reason to take the chance when the excellent Gold Dot is on the market.

I’m curious, have you tried gold dots or deep curls at rifle velocities? I tried 158 deep curls in my 357 maximum once and they did not work well.
 
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