The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 44-40 for deer.

**Mike Irwin** · February 1, 2001, 06:10 PM

Doc,

Read Alex's message again.

He wants to use black powder.

In a modern .44-40 cartridge, that's no more than 36 grains of black powder, which would give, at best, 1000 fps out of a rifle, and I suspect it would give less than that.

You're getting better than that out of a .44 Mag. in a handgun normally.

But, you are correct, I'm damning with faint-to-no praise.

Yes, the .44-40 does have the power to take deer, but only under optimal conditions. The same is true of hunting a deer with a handgun.

But, I still don't think it's prudent UNLESS:

1. You've the disciplin to choose your shots carefully.

2. You've got the disciplin to pass up shots that you're not confident in making, or which are too long.

3. You've got the ability to put your shot into the vital zone at varying ranges.

February 1, 2001, 06:10 PM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Doc, Read Alex's message again. He wants to use black powder. In a modern .44-40 cartridge, that's no more than 36 grains of black powder, which would give, at best, 1000 fps out of a rifle, and I suspect it would give less than that. You're getting better than that out of a .44 Mag. in a handgun normally. But, you are correct, I'm damning with faint-to-no praise. Yes, the .44-40 does have the power to take deer, but only under optimal conditions. The same is true of hunting a deer with a handgun. But, I still don't think it's prudent UNLESS: 1. You've the disciplin to choose your shots carefully. 2. You've got the disciplin to pass up shots that you're not confident in making, or which are too long. 3. You've got the ability to put your shot into the vital zone at varying ranges.