44mag sectional density?

[CraigC]

Perhaps had Jack hit it in the vitals with the first shot, it would have gone down sooner (this was a classic example of a poor first shot which serves to adrenalize the animal and prompts lead absorption). That said, it required less than any of the subsequent .44 Mag kills I witnessed over the next year. Yes, people do see what they want to see. But this is precisely why we video tape everything now, to avoid poor recollection. We also saw epic bullet failure with the cast bullets we used (we including you), prompting a reevaluation of using cast bullets on really big game.

My video seems to depict two buffalo shot once or twice with the .44Mag and they would've been down for good had we not pushed them. Sorry but I don't see a marked difference between them when the bullets break heavy bones and reach the far side. A .44 hole through the heart is just as effective as a .500 hole through the heart. I have ALWAYS contended that bigger was better but the things I've witnessed have led me to question that conclusion. I think they increase the odds of a quicker end but do not guarantee it. Bullet construction is far and away more important.

None of my bullets experienced "epic failure". In fact, they did quite well. I do not expect a cast lead bullet to fully penetrate a large critter and break heavy bones without deformation. Mine performed as well as could be expected but clearly illustrate the limitations of cast bullets. Others did experience "epic failure".

 

[CraigC]

I think the A-frame is an exceptional jacketed bullet, probably the best available. I think it penetrates and is more reliable than any other I've seen in action. However, they are not magic and you are still giving up penetration for expansion. Whether or not that matters depends on the quarry.

 

[Tradmark]

Evidently, semantics matter, and we just need to clarify better. I do have a cool video you need to see.