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azredhawk44 · January 20, 2010, 04:29 PM

OK, lots of ground to cover here, but I'll give it a try:

Let's ignore the actual GUN and just focus on the cartridge.

.44 magnum.

You can have a lot of different power levels based on the amount of propellant (gun powder) and how heavy the bullet is. The .44 magnum can be loaded from 180 grain to 300 grain bullet weights in common commercial offerings, and even up to 335 grain weights in boutique offerings.

180gr JSP/JHP - Great handgun round for antelope, javelina, smaller deer. High velocity, so great for longer shots if you prefer your gun to shoot flat and not have to account for bullet drop. Light construction makes the bullet mushroom or possibly even fragment on target. Bad for defense against large, determined animals like bears.

240gr JSP/JHP - Great handgun round for deer, hog or elk, possibly even black bear. Moderate velocity but greater penetration. Change it to a hardcast wadcutter for even more penetration.

300gr cast - Great round for the lower 48 states in bear territory. In the hands of a skilled shooter, capable of putting down large aggressive animals (moose, brown bear, etc). Bad choice for 2-legged defense due to extensive penetration.

The .44 special is typically used for 2-legged protection, when carrying a .44 magnum handgun. The most commonly praised load is Speer's "flying ashtray" Gold Dot hollow point design with a 200 grain JHP bullet.

Guns themselves?

Hunters like long barrels for two reasons:
1. Long barrels give better sight radius.
2. Long barrels give more powder burn time, and higher velocity.

Anything from 4 to 8 inches, typically.

Hikers like light weight and shorter barrels for several reasons:
1. Heavy guns wear on you after awhile.
2. Unlikely to ever actually use the gun, but when you need it... you REALLY need it.
3. Short barrels draw faster than long barrels.

Hikers are typically seen with anything from 2.5" to about 5".

January 20, 2010, 04:29 PM	#2
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	OK, lots of ground to cover here, but I'll give it a try: Let's ignore the actual GUN and just focus on the cartridge. .44 magnum. You can have a lot of different power levels based on the amount of propellant (gun powder) and how heavy the bullet is. The .44 magnum can be loaded from 180 grain to 300 grain bullet weights in common commercial offerings, and even up to 335 grain weights in boutique offerings. 180gr JSP/JHP - Great handgun round for antelope, javelina, smaller deer. High velocity, so great for longer shots if you prefer your gun to shoot flat and not have to account for bullet drop. Light construction makes the bullet mushroom or possibly even fragment on target. Bad for defense against large, determined animals like bears. 240gr JSP/JHP - Great handgun round for deer, hog or elk, possibly even black bear. Moderate velocity but greater penetration. Change it to a hardcast wadcutter for even more penetration. 300gr cast - Great round for the lower 48 states in bear territory. In the hands of a skilled shooter, capable of putting down large aggressive animals (moose, brown bear, etc). Bad choice for 2-legged defense due to extensive penetration. The .44 special is typically used for 2-legged protection, when carrying a .44 magnum handgun. The most commonly praised load is Speer's "flying ashtray" Gold Dot hollow point design with a 200 grain JHP bullet. Guns themselves? Hunters like long barrels for two reasons: 1. Long barrels give better sight radius. 2. Long barrels give more powder burn time, and higher velocity. Anything from 4 to 8 inches, typically. Hikers like light weight and shorter barrels for several reasons: 1. Heavy guns wear on you after awhile. 2. Unlikely to ever actually use the gun, but when you need it... you REALLY need it. 3. Short barrels draw faster than long barrels. Hikers are typically seen with anything from 2.5" to about 5".