I don't know if the .44mag cartridge is prohibited in OH, but as far as hunting with one goes, I'd certainly give it more than 50-75yrds!!! Especially from a rifle!! Ruger Revolvers can handle .44mag loads that still have ~550ft.lbs. at 100yrds, which is more than enough to kill a deer (More than a .357mag has at the muzzle). I've taken deer with a glassed Ruger Super Blackhawk at ranges to just over 100yrds (104yrds by my laser), haven't had a deer get away from it yet. Not everyone can shoot handguns that well, but we're not talking about a handgun here...

I've got a few Marlin leveraction .44mags that I also use for deer hunting. The Marlin rifles are rated for higher pressures than most handguns, and most loads for rifles step it up quite a bit, usually increasing velocity compared to handgun ammo considerably. I've loaded rounds in my rifles that pushed 1800fps, which breaks 1000ft.lbs. at the muzzle. I don't know how the NEF's/H&R's compare in pressure rating, but I'd imagine they're just as high as the Marlins.

The biggest complaint I'd have with the .44mag for hunting is the same complaint I have for my beloved .45-70, you've got to shoot it a lot and at a lot of different ranges to learn how to "play the rainbow"...the arched trajectory of the .44mag turns a lot of people off, I personally like shooting that much.

If you want it, get it. Whether you're plinking at the range or hunting in the woods, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

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