fmj
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by fmj on Jan 3, 2011 15:49:56 GMT -5
OK kids, I am in the market for a new "deer gun". I am looking at the Marlin 44 mag/spec. very closely.
The idea here is to eventually have a rifle/pistol matched set.
Right now i have a S&W 686 chambered in .357 but not sure i want a "deer" rifle chambered in .357. I think i would rather get a rifle in .44 or .41 rem. mag. then down the line add a .44 or .41 rem. mag. six cylinder/hog leg to the safe.
I understand .44 ammo will be easier to find initially but remember i have a reloading press in the basement and will be reloading once i get a good store of once fired brass accumulated. So this makes it a bit easier for me to go with the .41 Rem. mag. That being said, its a lot easier to find .44 bullets than .41.
My theory is bigger hole = less will to run when talking whitetails.
What are all y'alls thoughts/ideas/advice on this subject.
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Post by anthonydykes on Jan 3, 2011 16:20:59 GMT -5
I myself would steer away from the idea of using a 44 special round. IMO a 44special is not enough to take down a deer. I'm NOT saying it can't be done, or even that it HAS'NT been done, It is just my opinion that a 44 special lacks the "KNOCKDOWN" power for large animals like deer. As for the .357, I would stay away from this also. As before, this is just MY opinion. I have a buddy that has a nice scoped .357 rifle thats very accurate. He and his son both deer hunt with it. BUT every year they shoot at SEVERAL deer that they SWEAR they hit, and they do find blood trails(even though they are VERY small) and NEVER find them. I KNOW FOR A FACT they both can shoot VERY well, because they live about a mile from me, and come over to the house to shoot all the time. Like I said In MY opinion, It lacks the raw knockdown power. Now, as for a 44 MAG. I know TONS of guys that hunt with these. I myslef would love to do the same, but its just not in the cards right now finance wise. IF you decide to hunt with the 44 MAG. and you plan to reload, Let me know I went through some of my reloading stuff to dig out some 44 MAG shells for frenchy the other day, and i still have some good brass. atleast a few boxes.
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Post by posiedon on Jan 3, 2011 18:55:07 GMT -5
I am a big fan of the 44 Mag. However since you are a reloader I would go with a 460 right now under Indiana law you have to trim the brass just a little to get it under spec but they are suppose to be changing that part. My dad has been playin with loads since the pistol rifle law started and hes got it shooting right around MOA at 100yds out of his Encore shooting the same bullet we shoot out of our muzzleloader 275gr Hornady XTP Mag. I have seen several deer shot with this and the only one that has needed tracking wasn't really a track, it just rolled down the hill. But with any caliber shot placement is everything.
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fmj
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by fmj on Jan 4, 2011 9:34:45 GMT -5
no worries bro, i wouldnt use .44 spec to hunt with. The rifles can shoot either/or thats why i typed it.
I figure as with the 357/38spec the POI would be WAY different. When i shoot .357 rounds thru the 686, i hit well. Then i shoot .38 spec. it hits WAY high. I owuld have to figure it would be the same deal with .44 mag/.44 spec thru a rifle....but this is just a guess.
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Post by frenchy on Jan 4, 2011 15:31:27 GMT -5
you should be fine with a 44mag
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