Ammo (weight ) Question(s). not reloads

[MrBill120]

I thought this question fit best here....

I am waiting on my new acquisition....a 3" 44 magnum. I went out and bought a box of Winchester 240gr JSP@ Walmart....for the same price they had Remington 180gr. I know obviously the 240gr is a heavier bullet, but my question(s) is/are: why 180gr over 240gr? Which would have more recoil? What would the benefit be of one round over the other?

I am looking at factory loads only, I do not have reloading equipment.

Thanks!

 

[xring44]

I doubt that there will be any appreciable differance. Lighter bullet= more powder, higher velocity versus heavier bullet, less powder, lower velocity. I can't tell a great deal of differance in my .44 magnum useing 240 grain bullets and 300 grain bullets, each with maximun charges of powder.

Either will be a substancial amount of recouil in a 4" revolver!

 

[ALERIC]

The 180 gr ar faster and will give you less recoil. The 240 is kind of a standard load for the 44 mag it has more power but also more recoil. It kind of depends on your prey what bullet you use. The 180 is great for target work it will also work well on deer. If you start shooting large hogs ,bear and elk you may want to go to more substantial bullets 265 gr and 300 gr. If you want less recoil you can try 44 special loads in that 3 inch gun.

 

[MrBill120]

OK, thanks guys for the info. I've only owned 38spl, 9mm and 22's up until now.

I figured if I buy a box of 44mag here, and a box there that by the time my FFL receives the gun I should have a few hundred rounds stock piled. A friend reloads, so I will give him all of the brass.

 

[Der Verge]

I have been shooting a .44mag for quite some time, and have taken a few deer with the ol revolver, and know several people who have also. As a suggestion, if you are going deer hunting, leave the 180gr ammo at home. If you hit decent size bone square, you are not going to do the kind of damage you would like. I stay with 250gr and up. I personally like these...
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/48827-57614-196.html

As the others have stated though, the heavier the bullet, the more recoil. On the flip side, the heavier the bullet, the more penetration on target. If you are just punching paper, get the light ones.

 

[MrBill120]

OK thanks for the tips!

 

[Sport45]

The recoil and velocity differences also mean the lighter bullets will hit the target lower. Knowing this helps when trying to find the right load for a fixed sight handgun. I'd expect a .44mag to be factory regulated for 240gr.