Originally Posted by
Mr_Happy1
I recently found a great deal on a used RedHawk 44 mag with a 4.2in barrel. I have no knowledge or experience with the caliber, and here in West Texas, it is just not that common, other than as a range toy. I bought it strictly as a hunting sidearm, for when I am hog hunting. My typical hunting pistol is a 10mm, so if I hunt anything else, I will probably use the 10mm. I fired some 44 mag Rem 240 jhp, and some 44 Special Hornady, just to check function.
Is there anything pencils to Ruger revolvers I need to be aware of?
NO. JUST HAVE FUN
All the revolvers I own, or have shot, were Smiths.
The magnum was brutal, any tips to tame the recoil?
HOGUE MONOGRIP OR A PACHMAYR. In my experience it's a matter of desensitizing to it.
What are the general loadings like?
240 GR is the GENERAL hunting load.
Buffalo Bore makes different offers in 44 Special, +P, +P+
Also makes 44 Mag Light, antipersonnel
Underwood makes hot ammo, also.
Heavy load?
Buffalo Bore is what I prefer. Hard cast.
They make 44 Magnum (heavy), 44 Magnum +P, and +P+ all the way up to 340 grains. Nice and spicy.
It's used for grizzly and brown bear, moose.
At what point would you recommend a hard cast bullet, jhp, or sp?
Hard cast for defense against a bear. +P or +P+
JHP for Defense
Special ? Never use it.
Special+P or +P+ can be used for wild boar, black bear.
Who do you trust for hunting loads?
Hornady, Underwood, Buffalo Bore.
I realize projectile selection is important, given the power of the cartridge, is it as critical as in smaller calibers?
Absolutely.
I really enjoyed shooting the 44 Special rounds, what is a good self-defense load for it?
44 Special +P, 44 Special, 44 Magnum.
Which speed loaders would you recommend?
I used just HKS for all of mine.
Chest Holster:
Kenai looks awesome since it's kydex and nylon but it's $150. It's modular so you can use any pistol with a $75 part that is specific to each gun you carry.
I have a Grovtec chest Holster which fits all of my big frame revolvers except the 8 3/8" 460 XVR with a Matchdot red dot, sight.
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