full size .44 mag sd/hd rounds?

[bullseyebob47]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HRtfkXFbmY

after watching that ranger .45acp im very impressed. i would like to load my s&w model 29 with that if they make it in .44 mag? if not, what do you use for sd/hd in a full size .44 mag?

 

[jmr40]

My opinion, which may not be shared by all. But I'd feel very well protected with a 240 gr HP loaded at around 1100 fps. A little more or less wouldn't hurt. This is in the hot 44 special+p range or mild 44 mag loadings. I've fired some loads at this speed and recoil/blast are not bad at all. I cannot imagine a human threat needing more power.

 

[lobo9er]

44 special I think is all you would need also. I am a new convert to 44 SPL. In a Ruger SRH its like shooting 22lr with a louder report.

 

[Dan-O]

.44 special flying ashtrays for me please.

 

[dickydalton]

44 Special Remington 240 Hollow Points outperformed 44 Mag Black Talons I have when shot into a clay bank. I don't carry with BTs anymore.

 

[Barry the Bear]

The 240 gr federal Hydra shock have served me well.

 

[lobo9er]

Usually unless I'm in the woods the magnums stay in the box.

 

[B!ngo]

Piling on...
.44 Mag's are for good-sized 4-legged creatures or 'special social situations' but surely not for SD/HD. Too rough on the shooter who might want to take more than one shot or if said shooter does not live alone out on the prairie or desert. Too loud, to much flash, too much penetration. Just a bad idea imho.
In fact, for HD I'd gladly trade a 5 or 6 shot .44 for an 8 shot .38.
B

 

[woodwrkr]

I'd probably try these:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=271

SWC-HP GC ought to do very nicely.

 

[silicosys4]

When I carry a .44 mag as a ccw, its loaded with 240gr. Hornady xtp's handloaded and going 1100 - 1150 fps out of a 3" barrel. Penetration isn't too excessive into wet paper, expansion is still good. Not too bad to shoot but follow up shots suffer a bit. I consider it a bridge between a full house .44 magnum going 1250fps, and a hot .44 special going 900fps.

I rarely carry it as a ccw, as i have better choices, but that's what's in it when I do.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I use 200 gr Gold Dot JP in 44 spl in my 44 mag and 44 spl charter arms carry or home

 

[Gordon]

A good "normal" 240 JHP for my 4" Mountain Revolver which does under 1200 fps in the 4" barrel. The Remington

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/40...40-grain-semi-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-25

works well for me. When in bear country it is a heavier and stronger load tho. That load also works well in my old Ruger .44 semi carbine.

 

[HankB]

Full power .44 mag is more than I want for home defense - earsplitting volume when fired, and more recoil than I can manage if rapid fire against multiple opponents is required. A warmish .44 special is the ticket . . .

Now, if someone only loaded soft .44 special HBWC slugs backwards, that would be a nearly ideal home defense round; Buffalo Bore comes close with their soft SWC-HP loads, and they make a hardcast full wadcutter.

 

[9mmfan]

I agree, .44 mag is way more than I would want to touch off indoors. As far as that goes, so is 9mm but that's what sleeps in my nightstand. Like that should shock anyone.

On an unrelated note, I have found myself intrigued by the .44 special of late, but have a few guns chambered in .45 Colt so I'm not sure that is something I really need to get into. It's going to be a while before I can buy another gun, so I have plenty of time to think it over...

 

[cochise]

I think your .45 Colt is the best self defense handgun. Big bullet, moderate recoil, and terriffic stopping power.

 

[DM~]

Of course, the right answer is, carry lighter loads for SD and full power for hunting. That's one big advantage of the magnum, you can shoot either load in it.

DM

 

[back40]

same here. .44spl for self defense, even some woods carry. mags only when needed or for the range,