hiking .44 mag ammo help

[counter-clockwise]

I am very new to the forum, so I apologize in advance if this topic has been beaten to a pulp in the past- but I need advice from the experienced. I am a 1911 fanatic. I have carried one as long as ive had a permit. Ive now been quite taken by my 6 in 629-5 that I purchased recently. I think it a potentially better choice for woods carry in my area rather than my 1911's. I live in the foothills of, and go hiking in the Smokey Mountains of east TN. The black bears here don't seem to get very large as opposed to some places(that ive seen), but I felt it wise to pick up the .44 for the job anyway... (not to mention it was a great excuse to pick up a beautiful mag revolver)

Now for the question: for the most dangerous critter around here, I'm sure a .44 is more than capable. If you were in my shoes going hiking in these parts, what loads should you use? I currently have some old Remington 275 grain core loks, federal soft hp, magtech soft fp, and some crazy Remington 180 grains pushing 1600+ fps... which would you use, if any? If not any of these, what would you use?

I know not to use +p or +p+ , and know I'm nowhere around any browns. Just looking for the proper .44 for the situation. thanks in advance!

 

[Mule88]

I would think any of the 240 grain Hollow or soft points would do well for you. Try different loads or factory if you don't reload and use one your gun shoots well with. Keep within standard factory pressures and your good to go. Enjoy your new gun!

 

[MJFlores]

Anything like stated above, Federal sells a jacketed hollow point that's really a big 240 grain soft point with a dimple in the tip. Pretty stout too. Even Winchester white box soft points are a pretty potent load. Just practice with it a bit and make sure you can put a full cylinder on target...recoil from a magnum can make it hard as a defensive gun. Bear attacks are very rare, but it's good to be prepared for piece of mind.

 

[NCavi8tor]

I carry my 629-6 in the woods with Buffalo Bore 270 grainers. Anything that will kill a deer will also dispatch a blackie. Hornady XTPs are another good choice.

NC

 

[counter-clockwise]

Thanks everyone. I have been practicing quite a bit. I know theres no wonder bullet that goes where it needs to-do I must do my part. I had my suspicions that most 44 rounds were prob ok- just wanted to be reasonably sure. We have had some attacks around here. Also thinking bear mace may be good to bring if the wind and rain isn't too bad.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Get the 240 gr JSP from Winchester (White Box) or Federal (American Eagle) for practice andf/or carry if you so desire. If you want a JHP, get a 20 round box of Hornady Custom 240 gr XTP, fire 6 - 8 rounds to confirm same zero as the JSPs and use the remaining 12 for 6 in the cylinder and 6 for reload.
No need for monster Buffalo Bore / Garrett / Double Tap style loads in your area.

 

[counter-clockwise]

Ok, sounds good to me. Ill check out the hornaday ammo. I love the leverevolution in my .450 marlin, ive never used their pistol ammunition, but I'm sure its good stuff.