44 mag 300 gr XTP at 1780 fps?

[WestbayWhisper]

Primary objective with my Ruger 77/44 is subsonic shooting but thinking of the momentum of the bullet put up a new question - would it be possible to use it legally on swedish elk? Pushing it at 1780 fps and it would be just over the demanded kinetic minimum. Possible or something to forget right now?

 

[dm1333]

Depending on the range I say it is possible. Shot placement and the ability to tell yourself you are not going to take a shot if the distance is a stretch for the cartridges capability count for more than the kinetic energy minimum.

I think too much emphasis is placed on having the hardest hitting flattest shooting magnum you can find, and not enough emphasis is placed on shooting skill and hunting skills.

edit: the nearest load I could find this quickly was a .45-70 300 grain at 1810 fps that gave just over 2100 ft/lbs at the muzzle and 1495 at 100 yards. Some people may disagree with me but I think if you keep the range under 100 yards this load should work.

 

[RecoilRob]

I looked in the Lyman 47th for 44mag rifle data and their max 240gr load only made 1779. Was about to say give up when I thought about VitaVuori and went looking for data.

They show a max load of 20.2 N110 under the Hornady 300XTP at 1374fps from a 7" barrel.

Many 44mag loads in the Lyman book picked up 500-550fps going from the 4"pistol to the 20"rifle. It might just be possible to do it!

It will probably be close and the only way to know will be to try some and see. Good luck on the experiment and let us know how it works out.

(Another thought, as what you are asking is a handloading proposition, you might get more info over on the handloading forum)

Edit: Should have probably asked first if you ARE shooting them at 1780 or WANT to shoot them at 1780? If you already have the load to do the deed, please disregard my post.