44 MAG for western whitetails?

[T.R.]

I've read some unkind things about this little gem from Ruger. But its a genuine keeper! I clobbered this dandy 3X3 buck at about 80 yards or so with one shot through the chest. A long stalk along the Grande River in Perkins County. Hunted with Hornady Custom 240 grain XTP ammo. The bullet made a ghastly exit wound and was never recovered.

I owned a Marlin 1894 but it didn't shoot nearly as straight as this Ruger. Doesn't matter if the bullet is a sl-o-ow 44 Special or heavy 300 grain 44 MAG, this Ruger shoots small groups. This carbine seems to like 240 grain XTP best, perhaps because of the .430 diameter.

I carry this carbine on alll my backpack trips into the Bighorns for bear protection, although I've never actually had to use it that way. But it certainly feels right late at night when the wind howls down the canyon and makes its ominous moaning sound.
TR

 

[Ranger J]

There is nothing wrong with a .44 carbine on deer size animals within its limits, which is about 100 yards. This is great in the Ozark woods where it is thick but you would probably have to be good or lucky to have shots that close in a lot of Western deer hunting areas. My Deerfield goes regularly with me during season in Missouri.
RJ

 

[Preacherman]

A .44 Magnum carbine is at least the equal of a .30-30 out to 100 yards or so, and IMHO hits a bit harder than the latter, due to the fatter, heavier bullet. I've taken deer and hogs with my Marlin, and consider it an outstanding round within its range limits. (Bear in mind the humungous number of deer, hogs and bear that were taken with the good ol' .44-40 in days of yore . . . the .44 Magnum from a carbine is a far more potent round!).