Need advice on .44 mag

First, I have to say it's great to hear from a fellow traditional archer. Second, you can't go wrong with a Ruger. I have a Super Blackhawk that has served me very well.

As far as ammo goes, I would recommend bullets in the 200 to 250 gr. range for deer. I'm partial to Hornady XTP's or Speer Gold Dots.If you handload, H-110 has proven to be the best powder for Magnum loads. I also shoot a lot of .44 Special loads using cast bullets and Unique powder. Although many will disagree, I prefer jacketed HP's over cast bullets for hunting purposes.

I have also used shot loads, both factory and handloads, and have never been impressed. The pattern is so wide I doubt you could hit a rabbit further than 8 or 9 yards, probably less. These loads were originally intended for snakes and pests at very close range. They may shoot differently out of other handguns, but they are pretty useless out of mine.Let us know how they work for you!

Good Hunting!
 
Congrats on your choice of the Super Redhawk.
It's by far the strongest double action revolver out there.

When you get out and shoot it, I think you'll find you're a lot more accurate shooting it single action, rather than double action. But, the best part is, you have the choice!

My SRH (the .454 model) is very accurate, and I think you'll be pleased.

For huntign thin-skinned game, the 270-grain Gold Dot soft points are great. The 240-grain Gold Dot hollowpoint should do just fine on deer also. Pretty much any 200-grain on up round should do fine on deer IF you place it right.

Have fun and happy shooting!
 
What barrel length did you get that Super Redhawk in? I have nothing but good things to say about Ruger revolvers, as in my experience they are tough, reliable and affordable sixguns. For a while I used a 6" Super Blackhawk (yes, it was cut down). It was used when I got it, and after many hot rounds the cylinder base-pin liked to, ummm, shall we say, attempt to eject. But the pistol held together and still shot well, which impressed me enough.

Now my love affair is with a 6" S&W 629-1. Bought used, looked to be unfired. Smooth, well balanced and attractive revolver. It will hold up to more pounding than I care to sit through.

Good luck with that Ruger and let us know how it shoots. I highly recommend Hornady 240gr XTPs if looking for accuracy. Never took a deer with them, but I doubt you would be dissappointed.
 

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Doerdie ,
Nope not even close. I'd say a bolt action is akin to a compound crossbow.
Speed has nothing to do with it.
A S/A revolver is a traditional type arm.
A D/A revolver is more of a modern design.

A bolt action pistol is "tricked out" and also IIRC not available in a .44Rem Magnum. FWIW, I'd have to say a semi auto in .44mag would probably fall into the tricked out catagory too. Both would be akin to a compound recurve IMO.
 
Well boys and girls...picked up my .44 today and shot 6 rounds outta her. :D
I was expecting my arm to get taken off and that is one sweet shooter. I found the recoil to me more than manageable. Nailed a can at 15 yards with the first shot...shooting iinstinctive. When I tried to use the sights i couldnt hit a lick. Got a Bushnell trophy red dot I'll play with later. Might not...might stick to "instinctive" if I can get it down. I definately want to get ear protection...what a ringer.
 
Congrats and good luck, the Super Redhawk is a fine, sturdy revolver, only reason I traded mine was the trigger pull with a coil spring just wasn't for me.
Got an 8in Anaconda, very accurate and also very sturdy, my favorite is a 629 Custom Carry w/3inch tube, balances very well in my hand, superb trigger pull. Latest aquisition is a 629 Limited Stealth Hunter from the S&W Performance Center, haven't shot it yet but from the fit and feel it seems to be all business as far as a hunting revolver goes, hope the range is open this weekend!
 
More about ammo...

Deerman,

Interesting website, I will delve deeper into that later.

Being that you are into traditional bowhunting, I would take a guess that you might have dabbled in making a bow or two from traditional bow woods (osage orange, yew, etc.) and maybe you've done the same with arrows, broadheads, and such. Why not take a similar approach with your new 44's ammo?

RELOAD! I don't know if you have done this before, but it's not as difficult as most would be led to believe, and through reloading, you'll be able to make the absolute best possible load for your shooting needs.

You could go for some of the more modern tips that are available, there certainly are a lot of them, or, you could try something that stood Elmer Keith well for all the time he was a shooter - his 250 grain, SWC lead bullet. Any old pistol goat will tell you that lead bullets are easier on your gun, on your wallet, and they'll get the job done just as well (if not better in some cases.)

You can save money reloading also. Some might disagree - as it seems that the money they save reloading is burned up by shooting more and more, but shot for shot, reloading is the way to go.

Since you've taken the step to get the handgun, and since (by my guess) you seem to be the type who would consider it, I say do some research about handloading here, and make a decision. From the viewpoint of saving money, it's really hard to argue against it.

OBTW, I value my hearing - or what remains, so I use foamy's AND earmuff type hearing protection every time I shoot my pistols. It's really cheap insurance, and it'll preserve your hearing for when you need it.

Good luck!
Unkel Gilbey
 
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