Kamicosmos
Member
I have also shot a deer with a .44 magnum. I had to shoot it twice cause I didn't hit it right the first time. (275 grain JHP, about 75-85 yard shot)
Without getting too gory, I'll try to describe the wounds:
First round: I aimed way off, cause I was a relatively new shooter, and believed all the magazine and internet hype about the round 'rainbowing' badly. So, I shot the poor deer in the back. The round expanded nicely, and took a 2 inch chunk of backbone out of the animal. The animal was down, but still kicking, at least the front half was, the back end was paralyzed due to the wound.
The second shot I aimed straight on and hit it in the heart. Again, we have a 2 inch hole through a couple ribs, both lungs, and the heart was pretty much gone. The round exited the far side of the deer. I never found either round.
The .44 has plenty of stopping power. But, shot placement is key!
I agree that one might be a bit much for Self or Home defense. I prefer the .357 Magnum for that role. If I was out in the woods though were bears and cougars were known, my Redhawk would be on my belt!
Without getting too gory, I'll try to describe the wounds:
First round: I aimed way off, cause I was a relatively new shooter, and believed all the magazine and internet hype about the round 'rainbowing' badly. So, I shot the poor deer in the back. The round expanded nicely, and took a 2 inch chunk of backbone out of the animal. The animal was down, but still kicking, at least the front half was, the back end was paralyzed due to the wound.
The second shot I aimed straight on and hit it in the heart. Again, we have a 2 inch hole through a couple ribs, both lungs, and the heart was pretty much gone. The round exited the far side of the deer. I never found either round.
The .44 has plenty of stopping power. But, shot placement is key!
I agree that one might be a bit much for Self or Home defense. I prefer the .357 Magnum for that role. If I was out in the woods though were bears and cougars were known, my Redhawk would be on my belt!
