One of the most popular rounds used for deer hunting is the .44 Magnum. Perhaps you are wondering what is so particular about this ammo? In short, it packs a lot more punch than the typical 30-06 Springfield. It also has less recoil, which will help young and inexperienced hunters stay on target and get off second or third shots if necessary. In addition to being robust and accurate, the .44 Magnum produces many fragments that can devastate an animal in one shot.
The .44 Magnum ammo is also used for various other more miniature games, such as squirrels and prairie dogs. The ammo is readily available when you need it while being a bit more expensive than standard rounds you might purchase at your local hunting store. The.44 Magnum is known for its versatility and cartridge longevity, so you don’t have to worry about finding ammunition if you’re planning on hunting in an area with harsh climates.
This ammo is an excellent choice for those who want to take down bigger games with their rifles, but other alternative rounds can also be a great option. Unfortunately, the .44 Magnum is often overlooked because it is so popular, so let’s look at some of the best factory loads on the market.
Top 5 Best 44 Mag Ammo for Deer Hunting with Rifle Reviewed
The.44 Magnum is one of the more powerful handgun rounds on the market, and it has been around since 1955. This hunting ammo is often referred to as the “Big Bear” or simply “The Bear.” This ammo is very versatile and can be used for various hunting applications. However, it was initially designed for shooting large animals with big bore rifles.
Federal Premium Full Metal Jacket Handgun Bullet 200 Grain 45 Caliber
This ammo is designed to accommodate hunters who have rifles chambered for the.44 Magnum. It is accurate and powerful ammo that holds its velocity and energy well. The brass casing allows for a more accurate shot with less wear and tear on your rifle than other options on the market. Also, if you get the brass casing, you can reload your ammunition using different powder charges, which will allow you to create your loads for hunting situations.
Magtech .44 Mag JHP 200 Grain with Clean-Burn Technology
This ammo is designed for hunting big game and elephants, and it is loaded with a jacketed hollow point design. It also has a polycarbonate tip which will help you penetrate the game’s hide without hurting it. In addition, this ammo gives you about 1,255 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle so that it can take down even the biggest animals with ease.
Hornady Interlock JHP
This best ammo is designed for big game hunting and is an excellent option for those looking for the big game, including deer. The hunting bullets are made with an interlock jacket, which is a design that allows the lead core of the bullet to expand like a regular lead bullet, but it also gives you more penetration. The interlock jacket allows this round to travel deeper into the game’s body, which will get the job done quickly and effectively.
Buffalo Bore .44 Special Jacketed Hollow Point
This ammo is designed for hunting big game and features a jacketed hollow point bullet. It is also loaded with copper-plated lead to reduce fouling and excellent ammo for deep penetration. The copper plating also helps this round retain its velocity and energy, making it an excellent choice.
Corbon .44 Special
This ammo is designed for hunting animals such as deer. It features a polymer tip that reduces over-penetration, and the bullet is designed to feed through a weak game without destroying its insides. In addition, this round is loaded with high-velocity lead ammo with a flat base that provides excellent accuracy.
There are many different types of rifle rounds available on the market, but some are designed for specific purposes. The above five are considered some of the best 44 mag ammo for deer hunting with heavy rifles and are the most suitable for taking down larger animals without sacrificing accuracy or ease of use.
The Best 44 Mag Rifles
All models of the 44 Magnum rifle are pretty powerful, and each one has a particular purpose. Therefore, it is best to find the right one for your specific needs and environments. The six models we will point out are considered the most popular among users, and each provides unique features that make it ideal for hunting, plinking, or target practice.
The Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum
One of the most successful 44 mag rifles ever created is the Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum, first introduced in 1979. The rifle is currently sold in three different models:
Standard model
This model comes with a standard barrel and an adjustable rear sight. It can be used as a deer rifle, but its primary purpose is for target shooting and plinking.
Cape-Cod model
Only 13″ in length (the shortest rifle in the series) includes a hammer spur that can be cock on single action and has an adjustable rear sight. The barrel is designed for short-range shooting.
Sheriff’s model
This version includes a heavy barrel, an adjustable rear sight, and a blade front. It is 27″ long and weighs around seven pounds. It is excellent for hunting and can be used for self-defense.
Regardless of the model you choose, all the Blackhawk 44 mm rifles deliver exceptional accuracy at medium distances, thanks to their excellent quality barrels and excellent sights.
The Ruger New Vaquero Model .44 Magnum
The New Vaquero model by Ruger is an excellent 44 mag rifle for home defense and the outdoors. It is a single-action revolver with a 4.75″ barrel, an adjustable rear sight, and a blade front sight. The weight of this rifle is about 48 oz., which makes it an excellent choice for hunting. Also, it features a six-round cylinder capacity and is easy to use.
Uberti 1873 Cattleman .44 Magnum
Another excellent 44 mag rifle is the Uberti 1873 Cattleman, which comes as a kit with a hardwood stock and forend. It includes all the parts needed for assembly. This rifle features a 3″ round barrel, genuine walnut stock, crescent butt plate, brass bead front sight, adjustable rear sight with a middleweight hammer spring. It also has a case-hardened frame and blued finish standard.
The Uberti 1873 Cattleman is an excellent 44 mag rifle for hunting and self-defense.
The Ruger Super Single Six Convertible revolver
This 44 mag rifle has a 7.5″ barrel and features an adjustable rear sight. The frame is a steel alloy, and the barrel is made out of stainless steel. Also, the Super Single Six Convertible has a single-action trigger with one transfer bar ignition system for extra safety. It can hold an eight-shot cylinder capacity or a six-shot cylinder capacity.
Colt 1873 Single Action Army Revolver
This 44 magnum rifle is very similar to the one above. It features a 5.5″ barrel, an adjustable rear sight, and a single-action trigger with one transfer bar ignition system. In addition, this Colt rifle includes a six-round cylinder capacity and is made with a steel alloy frame and a blued finish standard. The price makes this an excellent buy for all your shooting needs.
Nighthawk Custom Single Six Revolver
Another excellent 44 mag rifle is the Nighthawk Custom Single Six Revolver. It is among the best 44 mag revolvers, with an adjustable rear sight and a 3″ barrel. It also comes with a six-shot cylinder capacity and features a Uberti hammer and trigger system for added reliability. In addition, the Nighthawk features ornate scroll engraving and a custom leather holster.
Conclusion
Consider many factors before selecting the best 44 mag rifle for your needs. We recommend paying attention to the weight, barrel length, barrel type, bullet weight, and most importantly – the price. When shopping for a new rifle, make sure that you consider all of these crucial aspects to get the best deal.
The 44 Magnum is compelling ammo that can take down any game. The above five cartridges are excellent, and each one delivers exceptional performance at a very affordable price. So first, look at the features you need in a rifle to find the right one for your needs. Then choose the cartridge that is best suited for your purposes and start hunting!