Another 44 Magnum question

[gregintenn]

Has any of you shot deer, or other big game, with cast bullets. How do they stack up against jacketed hollow points for hunting?

[Curiousgb]

Try out the Bear tooth bullet forums. Shooters Forum - Powered by vBulletin

[I_Like_Pie]

Deer are soft. Cast will work, but why risk an injured deer getting away from a combination of buck fever and mediocre bullet performance. Again...it will work if you do your part, but I prefer a HP jacketed bullet.

What I use is the Nosler Sporting handgun 240gr. JHP in bulk pack. They aren't cutting edge, but will expand in a deer at decent velocity, will not lead a barrel when pushed really fast, and are relatively cheap at around $40 for a box of 250. If it where any other target such as black bear or pig then you very may be better off with the additional penetration of a good cast bullet.

This allows one to practice and develop a load without breaking the bank. More shooting = better likelihood of a successful hunt. They do open up in deer about nickel sized at about 1200fps. They often have jacket separation if they hit bone, but they almost always enter and exit to let a lot of blood out. They are also a favorite of muzzleloaders shooting them in sabots.

[guyandarifle]

If shooting cast make sure it's a wide meplat design, like an LBT. Guys like Elmer Keith and Larry Kelly shot the hell out of everything that walks with the .44 and hardcast bullets...you can too. (Just don't shoot soft or RN bullets, at least not for hunting)

[dlm37015]

all i use are cast in a 44 i do use keith type bullets . they have always worked well for me