44 mag bullet performance
 

I have done some ballistic tests with some 300 grain 44 mag bullets at subsonic velocities. I used the Nosler hollow point, the Sierra soft point and the Hornady XTP. The bullets were shot at about 975 fps mv at a box filled with wet magazines from about 50 yds. In the first testthe magazines were tightly packed,in the secondI removed several magazines from the box to give it a looser feel. I was careful to place each shot into an undisturbed area. The Nosler shed its jacket both times and had the least penetration both times. The Hornady and Sierra both performed well with theHornady penetrating thefurthest in the tight mags and the Sierra penetrating the furthest in the loose.What promptedthis testis ashot I made on a200 lb wild boar from about 75 yds with the Hornady XTP. While the hog expired after a short 30 yd run I was not real pleased with the performance of the bullet. The bullet had total penetration without seeming to expand at all. I was looking for a bullet that would expand but hold together enough to exit at these lower velocities. Here is a pic of the bullets tested with the retained weights shown. The Noslers were weighed with the remaining jacket material. As it is I think I will stick with the Hornady although I would like to test the others on actual hogs. I plan on doing the same test with the Speer, Hawk Precision and the Ranier plated bullets. Any Thoughts?

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

I like doing these kind of tests - although they can sometimes give you false data. You might consider some of the Nosler Partition HG bullets for this application. Hogs are pretty tough hombres.

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

I agree, for what you want to do try NP's...

Drilling Man

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

I would use a LBT Heat Treated style bullet. Good luck.

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

Roscoe and DM,
I would consider the Partition HG but it is only available in 250gr. I am looking for the biggest chunk of jacketed lead at <1000 fps I can find. I would use 400 grainers meant for a 444 marlin if #1. They would fit the magazine of my 77/44 and #2. If I could find data for them.

Handloader,
I am not familiar with a LBT Heat treated bullet.

Thanks for the input guys

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

WHY????? I thought you wanted "good" penetration andALSO "expansion"?? With heavy bullets all you will get is penetration.

The 250 is heavy enough to do the job (if you want some expansion) and still light enough to get some velocity...

I've harvested moose, white tails, blk tails, ect. with my S&W 44 revolver, and personally i was always seeking both penetration AND expansion...

Drilling Man

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

Remember DM, I am keeping my velocity below 1000 fps. You are right, I wantpenetration AND expansion. That is exactly what I amtesting for. At this low velocity I am trying to get the biggest punch I can. As you know a 300 grain bullet at 975 fps has more thump than a 250 grain bullet at 975 fps assuming it expands enough to deposit some of its energy into the beast. As stated above, I have had the opportunity to test on one living critter. It had a 44 cal in hole and a 44 cal out hole. Although the hog died quickly I cannot help but think I little expansion might have hastened his death especially If I had not made such a fabulous shot. Maybe there is not a 300 grainer made with a soft enough alloy and thin enough jacket to do what I want. Maybe the Nosler shown above is the bullet that I am looking for but there is something about a bullet that parts ways with its jacket that irritates me. Then again I only want the jacket to get the bullet out of the barrel. hmmmmm. Has anyone had any experience with the Ranier plated bullets?

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

Swampstander:

Go to http://www.castperformance.com/?uid=170&page=1652for info on LBT style bullets. Good luck.

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

I think you need to study up on NP's as they are NOT designed to "part with there jacket" and that's what makes them so good!

The nose expands well, and the base (rear 2/3's of the bullet) drives on through. It's the best of both worlds!!

Drilling Man

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

I agree with DM. Get the 250 grain NP's, and crank those babies up as fast as they willSAFELYgo!! I am not understanding why you are wanting to shoot under 1000 FPS with bullets to be used on hogs, in a cartridge that is capable of much, much more!!

RE: 44 mag bullet performance
 

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subsonic = very very quiet