Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: 1972Pinto on August 30, 2018, 01:10:57 PM
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Hey guys I just purchased a 44 mag lever gun and plan on using it for hunting small black tails on the wet side. I saw the thread in the bear hunting section about a 44 mag load, but I have a hard time thinking that a heavy, hard cast, deep penetrating, +p, non expanding round would be the best option for 70 lb black tails at 50 yards or less on the property that I hunt. Any recommendations on a good load for deer?
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I'd shoot something in the 240-250gr range. Hornady XTP's would work great. Use Alliant 2400 or H110. Note with 2400 powder you can use regular Large Pistol primers, but for H110 it is best if you use Magnum pistol primers.
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I’ve shot deer with xtp and xpb the Barnes solid copper. Both have preform well.
The gold dots are the only ones I had problems with not expanding well in hunting situations.
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I think a better question is why you would drive from Spokane to the wetside to shoot a 70lb blacktail. What is that, like 25-30lbs of meat?
But to answer your question, I think any load from a 44mag on a 70lb blacktail will be more than enough.
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Even a spike blacktail weighs more than 70lbs.
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My aunt has property on whidbey island where the deer will walk in front if you while you’re target shooting. The only predator on the island is a car and me lol I usually go at the end of the season if I don’t get anything east. But back to the topic, I worry with the hallow point bullets falling apart at rifle velocities. I know a dead deer is a dead deer but the whole point is to kill it without too much meat destruction. I’ve used slugs over there for years and if it hit it wrong half the deer is bloodshot. Hopefully the 44 does a bit less
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You can’t shoot a lever action or for that matter a center fire rifle on the islands!
Your options are pistols, archery, shotgun or muzzle loader :twocents: I’ve hunted the islands quite a bit and the best option is a shotgun or muzzle loader
