Cast .44s on deer ???

[Shawnee]

Hi Y'All...

This seems a bit more about bullet performance in hunting than about reloading so I plunked it down here. If the mods want to move it, it's their call and Ok by me.

Have always used Hornady JHPs in my .44 magnum Super Blackhawk for deer and they have always worked fine (which is the reason I haven't tried anything else). But was wondering if - just to prove I'm not completely cemented in my ways - I should give some cast bullet it a try.

Anyone been using cast bullets in their .44 magnum on deer with good success ? If so, which bullets and loaded to what velocities ? What do you figure (conservatively) as the effective range of your favorite cast bullet load ?

Mostly interested in "store-bought" as I do not cast and don't want to get into it for one or two calibers - so a good source would be nice. But - if there is some extra-splendid mold out there maybe I could buy it and barter with a caster I know for some bullets.

Thanks All !

 

[Harve Curry]

I use 330gr 45-70 I cast from wheel weights and at shoot at 1580fps MV. No deer have got away, only an oryx.

I shot a coues white tail once with my 44 special and 275 gr lead SWC at 700 fps. Distance was about 80 feet and it knocked him down. The 45-70 laod above knocks all deer off their feet. Any commercial cast bullets from any sporting goods store should suffice.

 

[dakotasin]

not a 44, but i've knocked down a deer or two w/ oregon trail laser cast bullets in both 357 mag and 480 ruger.

cast performance bullets is also a commercial caster that is highly regarded.

cast bullets work fine. you will get a very neatly punched caliber size entrance, and an exit - the size of which depends on how much bone you blast thru the hole.

i would suggest you look for a wide flat nose of some variety or another, and be prepared to load from scratch. cast loading is a little different than jacketed, but you will usually get a higher velocity w/ less pressure.

 

[MCgunner]

Cast 158s work great in .357. I can't imagine a bigger diameter bullet packin' more energy would work less well. I cast my own. Kinda sweet takin' a deer with a bullet you made yourself.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

MC is right. It is kinda sweet taking a deer with a bullet you made.
I like cast bullets for hunting, though I've also used the Hornady projectiles quite a bit too.
There are a lot of neat tricks to casting that can help you tailor your own recipe to the work at hand and your own preferences. Casting is fun for me.

 

[freakshow10mm]

Get some 250gr Keith type SWCs.

 

[Water-Man]

Better off using an expanding bullet on deer. Cast is good for heavier boned animals.

 

[freakshow10mm]

Cast will expand.

 

[MCgunner]

Expansion is necessary on a .30 cal spitzer, but a big ol' flat nose handgun bullet does a good job of tissue destruction even away from the actual path of the bullet without expansion. I've not have a problem with reasonably quick stops on deer with the .357. The .44 is only better.