.44 Rifle for deer
11-17-2011, 05:56 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Jasper, Indiana
Posts: 309
.44 Rifle for deer
I am thinking about switching to a .44 rifle for deer next season. I am looking at getting a Marlin 1894 with a 20" barrel. What would be a good/safe distance to take a deer with this round? What would be the best round, Brand/Grains to take a deer?
Thanks
Thanks
11-17-2011, 06:50 PM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 970
My father and I have used the same Ruger .44 mag rifle to take many deer.
We used either 230 or 240 grain hollow point rounds. I was using Winchester Silvertip rounds.
That gun is more than capable of taking a deer at 150 yards or less. There are few shots that a .44 rifle can't make safely compared to the other more popular rifle calibers. At least for hunting in the eastern parts of the US where we make shorter shots than those out west.
We used either 230 or 240 grain hollow point rounds. I was using Winchester Silvertip rounds.
That gun is more than capable of taking a deer at 150 yards or less. There are few shots that a .44 rifle can't make safely compared to the other more popular rifle calibers. At least for hunting in the eastern parts of the US where we make shorter shots than those out west.
11-17-2011, 07:01 PM
#3
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 43
I've taken 17 deer with Granddad's old Ruger 44. None of them were over 85 yds though. I did miss a MONSTER 10 ptr once at about 125 yds. I personally wouldn't try for anything past 100.
I have used the 240gr soft point and hollow pts......they both knock deer right on their side at 50 yds or less.
edit- the doe I took at 85yds dropped in her tracks too.....not a step.
I have used the 240gr soft point and hollow pts......they both knock deer right on their side at 50 yds or less.
edit- the doe I took at 85yds dropped in her tracks too.....not a step.
Last edited by Fretwear; 11-17-2011 at 07:10 PM.
11-17-2011, 07:26 PM
#4
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Trumbull County, Ohio
Posts: 9,520
I got my first buck with a .44mag. I forget the brand of ammo I used back then but it was a 240grain hollow point. I use reloads now when I carry it. Shot it at 65 yards in the neck and dropped like a rock. I haven't shot one with it since then, just haven't had the opportunity. But I still carry it when I wanna use something different.
-Jake
-Jake
11-17-2011, 07:53 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Virginia / West Virginia
Posts: 4,906
If you are going with that gun, you might even want to look at the .45/70. Will give you better balistics, and still a whopper caliber! 
At one point I wanted one of those guns in a .35 remington, which is pretty cool too.
I believe 240gr is probably the most common .44 cal round....and I certainly wouldn't be looking at anything over 100yds.
At one point I wanted one of those guns in a .35 remington, which is pretty cool too.
I believe 240gr is probably the most common .44 cal round....and I certainly wouldn't be looking at anything over 100yds.
11-17-2011, 08:29 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mississippi USA
Posts: 15,296
My son has killed 9 deer with his so far, with 200 grain Fiochi jacketed hollow points. One shot is all it takes. Should be good for as far as you can accurately shoot it--his is sighted in for 100 yds, but he hasn't had a shot quite that far yet.
Chad
Chad
