Best .44 Magnum Defense Load?

[ArchAngelCD]

I didn't read all the posts but I'm wondering if anyone here really thinks anything in 44 Magnum won't stop a bad guy dead in his tracks???

That is a really nice Mountin Gun, nice grips too...

 

[eldon519]

Corbon .44 Special 200gr DPX
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 44 Special DPX Report.htm

 

[GBExpat]

My urban load for my S&W 629 was the Blazer .44 special with a 200 grain Gold Dot hollow point. That's the largest hollow point I have ever seen! They were also mild in recoil.

Not surprising to me ... those clock at only 778fps out of my CA Bulldog.

I have not shot any of them in my RB 3" 629-1 yet but, considering the extra weight of that pistol, the recoil will be very mild.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Back when I was shooting my Redhawk a lot, I shot hundreds of PMC's 240 grain HPs. That was a nice accurate load in my gun and I'll bet it would be a great defensive round, if I had any interest in using it for PD.

 

[dickydalton]

27 year old Mountain Revolver that's still ticking!

 

[2zulu1]

I handload for split times, this allows for powder choices, bullet weight/velocity /penetration and expansion. Sectional densities can be grouped by caliber, like;
357mag - 140gr
10mm - 180gr
44mag - 200-210gr
45auto - 230gr

I carry a M29 Mountain OWB at my place when black bears are in the neighborhood, typically 255gr WFNs from Cast Performance, wide meplat measures 0.350" diameter. Currently experimenting with Lil gun powder, have my own range so my recoil testing is one hand grip, double tap firing double action.



To give you an idea about powder selection, since the 44 mag doesn't need to be loaded max for personal defense, there are better choices than W296, 2400, H110 etc

AA #9, 22.2grs, 210gr Gold Dot @1390fps, ES 26fps, SD 10fps



Gold Dot expansion 0.750".....this is a 14"-16" soft tissue penetration load.

Experimenting with Vihtavhuori N105 powder shows significant changes in muzzle flash/blast, increased MV loading less powder using Hornady data with their 200gr XTP. ...there's a reason Hornady recommends this powder with this bullet. N105 has less of a pressure spike and longer time burn rate compared to other handgun powders

N105. 19.0grs, 200gr XTP, MV 1471fps, ES 12fps, SD 04fps.

Both the 210gr Gold Dot and 200gr XTP are excellent performing JHPs that get carry time when mountain lions are on the property, but they are changed out when in thick mesquite. Both are explosive upon impact and they both retain bullet integrity at these modest velocities.

Both are very controllable with one hand, double action shooting and split times can be pushed using two handed revolver grip.

Wood grips look nice, but I prefer the Hogues during cold weather and wet hands, wood has a tendency to slip when wet at the magnum level.

The 44mag is a very versatile caliber, more so if you handload.

 

[Captain O]

Seems that way to me. If I were carrying a .44 Mag for self-defense, I would load it to .44 Special velocities. Because you know, the first round isn't always a hit, and you might need a quick second and third rounds.

You're right, Vern. 200 grain Winchester STHP loaded to about 1000-1050 fps works well in the .44 Remington Magnum cartridge. This is a perfect combination of penetration and expansion. (It shoots as if it's a 10mm auto that's just a tad broader in the beam).

 

[au_prospector]

I just have to say those Winchester Platinum tips are too purty to shoot.

 

[Gordon]

While both is a little much for everyday carry; the 1989 Mountain revolver is concealed carryable and some old 165 grain Triton hollowpoints I have a mess of are usually packed for such business Corbon made a similar load too. In bear country the 6.5" 629 with 300 grain or heavier loads are used. Yes unless 200 grain or less .44 spl loads are used in an N frame gun your splits take longer .

 

[harrygunner]

I have one image I run through my head when deciding on self defense tools: I walk into a room and a guy has a knife raised, about to plunge it into a family member.

I always want him to be stopped immediately. Tends to throw out the concept of "excessive" for me.

While I only carry my .44 Mag in the woods with loads for animals, that Buffalo Bore anti-personnel product would be something I'd consider if a .44 Mag were my carry piece.