Best Bullet

[sjs]

For a fairly heavy, hunting, hard cast bullet for .44 magnum, what is your pick for the best brand?

I'm looking for 250 to 300 grain, non-expanding, SWC or similar type, for hogs. Ideally, it would also be acceptable for deer, even though it is not an expanding type. Some places and seasons I can hunt both at the same time.

Not the cheapest, or pretty good, but is there one of the makers you think stands out for quality.

Montana, Oregon Trail, Missouri, Beartooth, etc., the descriptions sound great, and some cost more than others, but without experience buying these I could use suggestions.

I'm also curious whether the LBT type are a good idea for such hunting, given that my hunting will be at close ranges, in thick brush. I have never loaded LBT.

 

[SuperMan]

I've had bullets from Cast Performance, Beartooth, Penn, Leadhead and Montana...all were excellent.

Just pick one in the weight range you like and go for it... I like ones with a large meplat and short nose...as in LBT WFN design. The original and improved Keith bullets will work just as well...

Bob

 

[mikld]

If I was buying bullets for your purpose, I'd look at Bear Tooth Wide Flat Nose bullets. They come in 250, 256, 300 grains and more. I have used these in all 5 of my .44 Magnums and they work quite well in my Puma. For a mold to cast your own, look for a 256 gr Ranch Dog RNFP. These are designed for hunting in either handgins or rifles.

 

[sjs]

Thank you, sounds like I will be Ok with a number of different vendors.

 

[Engineer1911]

Lyman cast gas checked 255 grain: Lyman 2-Cavity Bullet Mold #429244 44 Special 44 Remington Mag (430

"Bob's Bullets" always has some in stock, or ingots ready for casting. If you cast your own, there will never be a bullet shortage. Scrap is available at your local range. It really is that simple.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I use my plain base cast 250 gr SWC(Lyman or Saeco) puushed by 20 grs of #2400.......Have shot thousands.......

 

[fredj338]

I cast my own but if buying, Montana Bullet works has a lot of options & though not cheap, very high quality.

 

[elpac3]

I have shot both Rim Rock 265 grain SWC and Western Bullets Lyman #429421. My personal preference is the Keith style Lyman #429421.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I only cast and shoot the original " Keith " swc 245 gr (H&G 503) . I have discussed heavier bullets with Veral Smith @ LBT Molds . He feels that his 260gr WFN is the optimum weight for the 44 mag for a wide nose cast bullet . For me , the original " Keith " bullet gives me everything I want or need . Others opinion will vary .

 

[mikld]

FWIW, if you buy bullets make sure they fit your gun; for revolvers get bullets the same diameter as the cylinder throats, and for rifles, .002" over groove diameter...

 

[rwsmith]

I'd strongly recommend.....

I'd strongly recommend coated bullets. Missouri makes real pretty ones.