Out of curiosity what is the best bullet for use in 44 Mag for Africa?

[Ridge Runner]

.....well,...I had intended to place these next to the respective animal as a sort of conversation pieces. And I had only intended the 44 to be a backup in thick bush going after a wounded buffalo or in case of a charge where I couldn't get my rifle up.

I do have to admit I have contemplated reloading one of the bullets to hunt a bear or a pig with just to satisfy my own curiosity.

I have several of these bullets reloaded awaiting their chance to be used on game. I try it with another of these previously used bullets.

 

[rnovi]

It would be nice to be able to buy bullets like that commercially in the U.S. Unfortunately, they have been erroneously labeled "cop killers"

Lehigh Defense make a bullet very similar to that. If I were forced to choose one bullet in the .429 caliber to load up heavy in my .44, this would be it.

Lehigh Defense 44 Cal (429 Diameter) Bullets 265 Grain Solid Flat Nose

Lehigh Defense Match Solid Technology utilizes unique processes to deliver the highest levels of repeatability. While traditional jacketed bullets...

www.midwayusa.com

I’ve also loaded up 310 gr. Hardcast bullets in the WFNGC design. I suspect they will be more than “good enough”.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Lehigh Defense make a bullet very similar to that. If I were forced to choose one bullet in the .429 caliber to load up heavy in my .44, this would be it.

Lehigh Defense 44 Cal (429 Diameter) Bullets 265 Grain Solid Flat Nose

Lehigh Defense Match Solid Technology utilizes unique processes to deliver the highest levels of repeatability. While traditional jacketed bullets...

www.midwayusa.com

I’ve also loaded up 310 gr. Hardcast bullets in the WFNGC design. I suspect they will be more than “good enough”.

The bullet used and pictured is the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator.

Unfortunately I don't remember the bullet weight 250gr,....or 300gr maybe.

I'll have to look but I can post my recipe and maybe with the velocity. These were meant for use in my Magnum Research BFR 44 mag., 4-5/8" barrel. These loads have a bit heavier powder charge, but not max powder charge, than what I use in my double action, 4-1/2" barrel, 44 mag. using 240gr bullets.

Both the 240gr semi jacketed soft points and these Lehigh EP bullets are very close to the same POA/POI at 25 yards with the 2 different recipes.

 

[Brent in Az]

I too, am a fan of the big hard cast bullets.

 

[jlb1036]

go with any hardcast 245-320 grs bullet what you need is deep penetration heavy bullets for more kinetic energy terminal ballistic efficiency
dont forget ELMER KEITH 250gr swc hard cast

 

[Wyatt Smith]

go with any hardcast 245-320 grs bullet what you need is deep penetration heavy bullets for more kinetic energy terminal ballistic efficiency
dont forget ELMER KEITH 250gr swc hard cast

I love the Kieth 44 bullet, it’s all I load for 44 caliber. Mine is a clone of the H&G 503 and weighs about 260 grains. It’s as close to Keith’s original design as you can get.
Lyman changed the 429421 a couple of times much to Keith’s disappointment.
However Elmer never used “hard cast” bullets. His alloy was 1-16 with tin, much softer than any alloy used by commercial casters. The reason commercial casters use the “hardball” alloy, (92 lead, 6 antimony, 2 tin) or a variation of it, is to keep the bullets from getting damaged in shipping. It has nothing to do with terminal performance. It can sometimes be a bit worse as the bullets can become brittle.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Here are some 44 specials loaded like Keith would have, I used VV N-110 instead of his beloved 2400, but the performance is the same. It gives me 1135 FPS out of the 4.5” ruger blackhawk.

 

[Cucuy]

44 spl and mag shine with gas checked and hard cast. I like big meplats and I cannot lie!

 

[Brent in Az]

Buffalo Bore makes a dangerous game load for the .44mag.
Never tried them, but they seem pretty stout

 

[ftrovato]

Solid Flat Nose Bullets that don't expand that weigh at least 260 grains. You would be surprised how well these will penetrate.

 

[Est.1970]

I did not realize this thread is now 5 years old! Great thread! Thanks for the updated replies.

I have talked with the owner and shot Maker bullets, but only 30 caliber stuff. I noticed today he has two bullets in 429, but I haven't tried either. These will be solid copper expanding, but there's no picture.

Maker Bullets.

 

[cajunchefray]

View attachment 701102
Here are some 44 specials loaded like Keith would have, I used VV N-110 instead of his beloved 2400, but the performance is the same. It gives me 1135 FPS out of the 4.5” ruger blackhawk.

@WyattSmith, do you cast or purchase these bullets?
I don't cast , but may get into it to make a bullet that Elmer Keith originally designed ( and some others as well).

My .44 Special Ruger Flattop is my favorite revolver.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

@WyattSmith, do you cast or purchase these bullets?
I don't cast , but may get into it to make a bullet that Elmer Keith originally designed ( and some others as well).

My .44 Special Ruger Flattop is my favorite revolver.

I casted them. I have only been casting for about a year now and wish I had started long ago. I shoot my six guns WAY more than I ever used to.
I just got a clone of Keith’s 41 magnum mold in the mail this week, the H&G 258.