44 mag deer load

cecil30-30

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Joined
Dec 5, 2006
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32,045
Location
Morgan Co
I just acquired a marlin 1894 in 44 mag. Plan on making it a woods deer gun. Going to put a low profile red dot on it. Apparently 44mag ammo is still hard to find and when you do find it, it is pricey. I found some Hornady 200gr xtp decently priced. I was hoping to find some 240gr stuff. Any experience with the 200gr xtp on deer?
 

BigRed1080

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Sep 1, 2020
Messages
307
I don't personally have any experience, but my grandfather killed a lot of deer with a 44 mag 220 grain. He use to buy it from the co-op counter so that should tell you how long ago it was lol.
 

TNlandowner

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Mar 28, 2006
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1,510
Location
Carroll County
I once used my Ruger Blackhawk (10.5" bbl) with 240 XTP to take a deer at 110 yards. It did the job due to bullet placement through both lungs. I think you'll be ok with the 200 grain bullets. However, the 240 & 200 grain round lose a lot of energy past 75 yards. I now try to keep shots under 50 yards
 

Billboy

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Joined
Dec 6, 2007
Messages
450
Location
Knoxville
I've taken several deer with my 7.5" Ruger Redhawk using the 200 XTP and they all died within 50 yards. Ranges varied from 20-70 yards. Full penetration and nice exit wounds on all of them.
 

tnanh

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Joined
Feb 18, 2019
Messages
1,074
I was talking to some guys at the gun shop a couple of months ago and they both shoot white box Winchester in their 44 mags. Its 240 grain jacketed soft point. I have the same gun as you do and mine surprised me with the groups it shot with Hornady 240 grain xtp. 1 inch groups at 75 yards but have not shot a deer with it yet.
 

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