I've got a 6" S+W 629 that's itching to be drawn on a whitetail.
May be able to hunt with it this year.
I've had it for a few years, and it shoots well with a variety of 240 grain loads, but I recently heard that some guys prefer 200g for deer sized game.

What do you think?
Obviously the 200gcould shoot flatter depending on how they are loaded, but do they have better terminal ballistics too?

I'm not interested in any handloads, just what you can buy off the shelf.

Thanks
-Bulz

I have taken quite a few big game animals with the 44 Mag. I lean the other way. I like the 300 grain Hornady XTP. This one is factory loaded by Hornady and maybe others as well. I am not concerned about flat shooting with a Revolver as it is a short range weapon anyway. I like good penetration and a big hole.

I usually lean on the heavy side myself, but I have no experience with handgun loads for thin skinned game like deer. For anything bigger, I'd like 240 or 300 too, but just wondering about deer for now.

How far out are you comfortable with the 300g power level for deer?

I wouldn't shoot beyond 100yds, and would limit my first handgun deer to probably 50yds or so.

I agree...go heavy

one thing to look for is in some of the heavier 44 mag loads are only recommended for Rugers and single shot pistols...

I have used 240 gr Federal American eagle rounds to take deer.I use the heavy cast core for anything bigger like black bears and elk.
BBJ

id go with a 300 graing hornady

I like the Buffalo Bore 44 mag. ammo with the Speer 270 gr. Gold Dot bullet they are max loads so check thier web site they have a list of guns that are ok to use them in www.buffalobore.com I hope this helps chad

The range for a short barreled Revolver will depend on shooter skill level. I shot one Buck at 100 yards with the 300 grain but that was with a scoped Contender. I shot a Mule deer with my S&W 5 inch revolver and the 300 grain Hornady at about 70 yards. With a short barrel and iron sights, that would be about as far as I would try. You should have about 800-1000 pounds of ME at 100 yards. I had one 300 Grain Hornady pass through a Mule deer including the off shoulder at 200 yards but that was from a 44 Mag rifle. So the round is good to about any distance that you can connect with the deer.

I've taken several game animials with my 44 revolver includeing moose deer ect... I prefer fairly hard cast 250 grain SWC bullets for big game. They drive deep, and there easier on the gun than jacketed bullets. Also when cast fairly hard they do not lead the bbl at all...

They work so well, i have no need to change anything at all.

Drilling Man