Trying to duplicate my favorite deer load in .44 Mag

[Mannlicher]

I have been trying to duplicate the Factory Speer 270 Grain GDSP .44 mag load.
I have used this factory cartridges in my Marlin 1894S for years. This has been my deer, and pig load of choice. It works well, killing clean, and quick. The only problem all along, as been the cost. Around here, when I can find a box or so, they cost about $19/for 20, or .95 a trigger pull.

I found the bullets online, at MidwayUSA. I am using 22 grains of H-110, and CCI 350 Mag primers. The brass is new Starline.

Over the past few weeks , I tried the first loads, using 18, 19, and 21 grains of powder.
The loads with only 18 grains were not very accurate, groups at 50 yards were over three inches. (I use a Weaver V4.5 Scope on the Marlin, set at top magnification for testing)
The loads with 19 grains were faster, at about 1450 fps, but no more accurate.
At 21 grains, I was getting an average of 1585 fps, with three shot groups of 1.5 inches at 50 yards. Absolutly no high pressure signs.
The recoil feels almost exactly like the factory loads, speed is about the same, and accuracy is similar.
The last load I tried was with 22 grains of H-110. This load isfaster (over 1600fps) than the factory loads I have, and is very accurate. I loaded up another 100. The fired cartridges eject cleanly, and I see no signs of excess pressure. Primer pockets, case necks, and measurments at the pressure ring show no problems. I think I have found my duplicate load.
Cost wise, the reloads, including the brass, are running about .35 each, or $7 a box, instead of the $19. When I reuse the brass, the cost drops to .22 a round. MUCH better pricing, and now I will be able to practice more.

The same loads shot well in my Model 29 Smith Mountain Gun, but the recoil is pretty stiff ! No double taps with that load. For me, this is strictly a rifle round.

 

[griz]

How well does that bullet work on deer? I have considered loading it but thought it might be a little tougher than I needed. I would probably use it in a Ruger 77-44 or in a muzzleloader with sabots.

Thanks, Griz

 

[Mannlicher]

Griz,
I have taken 6 deer with the factory Speer 270 grain GDSP. Every one was under 75 yards, most less than 50 yards. Not one of the deer moved more than a few feet. In no instance was the bullet still in the deer. The SP made a .44 caliber hole going in, and a golf ball size hole going out.
I am a careful shot, and I stalk, or still hunt. None of those 6 deer were running, or even knew I was around. This round will penetrate a deer from one end to the other.
Hogs react well to this load also, every one I have taken has been a quick kill, with only a few requiring more than the initial shot.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I have been told that speer intends these for large/dangerous game use.

I have not tried to duplicate it out of my 9.5" SRH, as I am totally satisfied with how it preforms, and don't use this preformance level in any type of high volume.

My gun does shoot fast on average, but these things are really fast. The 2 times I've chrono'ed them they were going right at 1600fps 10' from the muzzle.

Haven't chrono'ed them out of my winchester 94 though. But accuracy testing gives me 1 ragged hole of about 70 caliber at 25 yards.

While I haven't taken game with them yet, given the accuracy, the slug preformance I've seen in penetration tests I've done, and the velocity they run, they'd be almost overkill on smaller deer species, but perfect for mullies or pigs. I would even go after elk with them if for some reason I was out of my 300 grain loads.

I've only ever loaded them up a couple times, but IIRC I was running the same powder charge as you, with similar results.
Thanks for the reminder, now I've got the urge to dig through my notes and maybe load some more up.