What's the 180 gr .44 Mag For?

brokenprism · May 18, 2014

I've heard rumblings about a JHP for SD, which seems insane after soaking up some wisdom here, but whether a JHP or JSP, what's the 180 for?

That is, what -- that you COULD shoot with a 240 gr .44 mag -- do you need to shoot faster?

ImprovedModel56Fan · May 18, 2014

Do you mean shoot with higher bullet velocity, or shoot more quickly, with less time between shots?

If the former, I have no idea. If the latter, probably anything you really need to shoot more than once.

With the right powder, a 180 could conceivably recoil noticeably less, and even if you only have to shoot once, it might be more pleasant than shooting with a 240.

Some folks don't like a lot of recoil.

brokenprism · May 18, 2014

I'm one of those people. : )

I meant higher velocity with a lighter bullet, not a faster follow up. I hadn't thought about the recoil factor, but I admit that a lighter bullet faster is a little more pleasant than a heavy bullet fast. I'd rather shoot a .30-30 than a .45-70 any day.

I just bought a box of Rem UMC 180 gr JSP yesterday at a Bi-Mart because it was 'only' $38! Pity the Remington 180 gr SJHP is no more. The 240 SJHP is no more too -- I thought that beautiful scalloped jacket was eternal.

Ben_hutcherson · May 18, 2014

Be forewarned that the particular 180gr loading you reference is one that always manages to get me the "What the heck was that" look when I touch one off at the range.

I'd put muzzle blast and noise on par with my handloads using a maximum charge of w296 powder and a 240gr bullet.

NE450No2 · May 18, 2014

Back in the day it was intended for longer range deer hunting, say with a scoped 44 Mag, either rifle or handgun. Also for use in personal defense, due to the lesser recoil. If I remember correctly Super Vel was the first to offer a 180gr factory load.

Today there are different levels of 180gr 44 Mag loads, the full power load and some reduced loads, meant primarily for personal defense, with less velocity and less recoil. Cor Bon also offers a 165 gr load with a listed velocity of 1300fps, that is mild to shoot, 44 Mag wise.

Rpg · May 18, 2014

I have no idea why I'd want a 180 gr 44 mag.

Sounds like a solution in search of a problem.

Just my opinion, of course.

brokenprism · May 18, 2014

After all I've heard here, I can't imagine using 180 gr for SD. I think Remington lists that load at 1500 or 1600 -- that's gotta be overkill for a target that's maybe 15 inches deep at best... or worst.

MichiganScott · May 18, 2014

I loaded up a bunch one time figuring that it should put down a deer faster that a 240gr bullet that doesn't expand. Turns out I ran out of sight with my 8 3/8" M29 before I could zero it. I gave up on it and went back to 240gr LSWC.

2hawk · May 18, 2014

That particular load is NOT designed as a self defense loading. You could use it, sure, but there are much better choices. Speer has a GDHP loadings in 44 mag, and they are designed as personal defense loads.

I like this one:
http://www.speer-ammo.com/ballistics/detail.aspx?loadNo=23971

Here's a thread I found on search that you may find interesting.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/195763-question-remington-umc-44-mag-180gr-jsp.html

trulyapostolic · May 18, 2014

The hydrostatic shock could be wild with a full power load, like shooting a prarie dog with a 40gr pill out of a 220 swift less than 100 yards away.

.455_Hunter · May 18, 2014

brokenprism said:
Pity the Remington 180 gr SJHP is no more. The 240 SJHP is no more too -- I thought that beautiful scalloped jacket was eternal.

What?

I think they are alive and well in the "High Terminal Performance" (HTP) line, but maybe the scallop is gone.

Not sure looking at the pictures on Midwayusa.com.

NE450No2 · May 19, 2014

From the pictures I have seen the scallops are still there on the 240gr Remington SJHP loads. They just gave them a new "High Tech" name to keep up with all the new "High Tech" 44 Mag loads on the market.

Back in the day I read somewhere that that more money had been spent on the development on that handgun bullet than any other...

It is still a good bullet. I have killed several deer with it from a rifle, and it has performed very good in actual personal defense shootings from 4" and 6" 44 Mags.
IF you can handle the recoil it is a good load.

brokenprism · May 20, 2014

Two votes for 'scallop still around.' Good! I've only seen one pic of an HTP load, advertised as SJHP, and it was a JSP bullet.

I like that old style bullet. Takes me back to the 70s. I like the old Winchester 'hollow soft point' too with a big, blunt bullet.

ddixie884 · May 25, 2014

The Super-vel 180gr JSP had a thick jacket and was made for deep penetration in game.

moxie · May 27, 2014

Good deer hunting round, esp. the Sierra 180 gr. JHC Sports Master.

B3500 · May 27, 2014

I'd think about using the 180gr jhp in a 44 special load. Presently many factory SD loads in 44spl are done in the 200gr range, but some makers offer up a 44spl cartridge topped with a 180gr jhp. Feel a 180gr jhp work as well as a 200gr used in that situation.

moxie · May 27, 2014

Depends on the bullet. The Sierra 180 bullet I recommended above for deer hunting would be lousy for SD, esp. in.44 Spl. It needs higher velocities to expand.
I'm not familiar with any 180 gr. JHP bullets in .429 diameter.

rburg · May 27, 2014

How about a little shooting some afternoon? Lets get out with our 329s. You bring along your favorite full house 240 grains, or even some of the brutal 300s. I'll just come along with some 180s. Then we'll shoot a few guns full and compare notes. How does your hand and wrist feel? I know mine'll hurt, but not nearly as bad as yours. So then we'll suggest going back to shooting. Are you real sure you want to? And then the next day, we'll see who feels better. Me from my living room and you probably from the doctors or ER where you went to seek relief from the pain.

And then the following week I'll suggest we go shooting again. Same rules. But you'll sit at home still asking what the 180s are good for.

BillyMagg · May 27, 2014

trulyapostolic said:
The hydrostatic shock could be wild with a full power load, like shooting a prarie dog with a 40gr pill out of a 220 swift less than 100 yards away.

Maybe so, but I avoid the 180s for the same reason I avoid 125gr Federals in the 357, seems like there is more throat erosion and flame cutting of the top strap. I shot lots of WW white box 110s in my old 27-2, and it has the most pronounced flame cut that I have ever seen from std 357 loads.?????

So I stay with a heavy bullet when going with full house loads???

major bumm · May 29, 2014

Generally, I see light for caliber HP bullets of all different calibers penetrate shallow (under 12-16" in jello molds). The .44 mag has a reputation for over penetration in SD, however. (I'm guessing the standard 240gr loading here)

The 180gr may be an attempt to restrict that tendency.

Personally, .44mag is not my choice for SD in EDC. I prefer to carry .44spls. (of course, spls are even harder to find!)

JMHO

What's the 180 gr .44 Mag For?

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