I'm new to this forum and for that matter forums in general so forgive me if I'm starting a topic that has already been discussed. I have searched the Internet for days and can't quite find an answer specific to my quandary. I was given a box of Hornady 165 grain interlocks. There is load data for them in my Hornady manual in the handgun section but I've been reading a lot about how these particular bullets will not perform at revolver velocities due to it being designed for the 444 Marlin. The load that shoots well is near max load for IMR 4227 with no pressure issues. The real question here is is this bullet going to expand enough to humanely take a deer or similar sized game at close to moderate range (25-75 yards) or should I put these loads aside and try to develop a bullet/powder combination more suitable to a hunting revolver? And if this bullet will not expand at these slower velocities, would it be a suitable last ditch woods/bear defense. I'm not asking if a 44 mag is suitable as a bear deterrent nor do I believe it will work as well as a hard cast lead bullet. I believe in bells, bear spray, rifle, and if all else fails, luck and a handgun. In that order. I just don't want to waste these rounds down range to a piece of paper since I have plenty of 44 special and light mag loads to do this with. I'd rather find a suitable use for these loads since they shoot very accurately. Any experiences/opinions would be appreciated. Thank you for any information you have.