44 mag and a mule deer

F

fed168

New member
How practical (realistic) is this? The subject who brought it up wants to take a mule deer with a .44 mag rifle, using bullets around the 300gr weight.
A flight of fancy?
 
I think you could reasonably shoot to maybe 100-125yd if the shooter is up to it and the rifle gives decent accuracy. I agree with the 75 yd limitation with handgun.
I would probably poke my .44 levergun out to 100 but it wouldn't be my first choice for muleys.
 
Done it with a .357 Magnum. Revolver! A forty-four Magnum from a rifle will decimate a mule deer inside 100 yards. And it is a great choice for hunting in wooded areas.
 
The effectiveness of a .44 Magnum on deer is about the same as that of a .30-30 Winchester, But your maximum range is limited to 100 yards.
 
My preference runs to Speer 240gr JHP. Max loads out of a 20" barel give good tragectory and energy out to 150 yards, and it lacks for nothing as far as penetration.

I've never seen a broadside or front quarter shot stop in a Whitetail deer. The only slug I've ever recovered from a deer was a head on shot that stopped in the steak section.

I wouldn't think twice about using the 240's on black bear up to 500lbs.

Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top