Need some advice from .44 Mag Pistoleros

[76aggie]

I don't know a lot about firearms and pistol loads. Going on a hunt this fall where those big grizzly bears are known to be. Will carry a .44 Mag. In the past, the pistol was just extra weight and never had to use it. Always brought heavy hollow point loads. Have now been reading the hollow points probably would not allow for a lot of penetration and have been recommended a Buffalo Bore 225 gr. Keith (load). What is meant by Keith?
Any other recommendations on a hard hitting load with excellent penetration?

[SL1]

Elmer Keith was instrumental in developing the 44 mag. He hot rodded the 44 specials to magnum energy before there was a 44 mag.
I would go with the BB44 mag loads, if I couldn't have a 12 gauge slug gun.

[SL1]

They make a hot 340 grain +P load but you should have a new pistol for that hoss.

[Txhuntr2]

Go with Hardcast for sure. Like these>

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/hard-cast/products/44-remington-magnum-255-grain-lead-keith-type-semi-wadcutter-gas-check?variant=18785707819065

[Txhuntr2]

Or these depending on what pistol you have and whether it can handle the load. (read the description in the link)

https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/hard-cast/products/44-remington-magnum-plus-p-plus-340-grain-lead-flat-nose-gas-check?variant=18785705066553

I am partial to Underwood over Buffalo Bore

[TacticalCowboy]

I load a 310 grain WFNGC over a healthy dose of H110. Here’s a shoulder from a cow elk that got hit with it.

[McClain]

There was a thread just recently with a link to an interesting article on effective bear rounds. Perhaps someone can repost that link or direct you there. Just make sure you are comfortable with and can shoot whatever round you choose!

BTW, does 76Aggie reflect the bicentennial class of ‘76? Class of ‘76 here. Whoop!

[ACbob]

What kind of revolver are you taking? If single action, I'd find something different. Time is critical if it hits the fan, and single action may not allow more than a shot or two. Just got back from Wyoming where there are grizzlies. My .44 is single action only, so I took a couple of 10mm instead. Less powerful, but pretty hefty and able to get a lot of shots downrange quickly. Fortunately didn't need them. Oh, and from what I've read bear spray is far more effective in deterring an attack. We carried both.

[76aggie]

I sure hope someone will re-post that link. Like I said, I am not much of a gun person. I know who Elmer Keith was but had no idea he had anything to do with improving .44 loads.

And yes. 76Aggie does refer to the Bicentennial Class of 76.

[76aggie]

ACBob, bringing a Taurus Tracker 5 shot. Double action. Very lightweight and since we are being dropped, all weight is critical. Thought about a 10mm and the added firepower but in all reality, if one of those bad boys really comes at you, a man would be lucky to get off one, maybe two shots. Those big bubbas can really move!

[mrc]

I load a 310 grain WFNGC over a healthy dose of H110. Here’s a shoulder from a cow elk that got hit with it.

This is the load you need, I run these about 1100 fps in my 629, you need the penetration in a load that is controllable. My normal hunting load is a 265 grain WFN at 1100 fps and it will penetrate thru any hog lengthways.

[Kossetx]

76, Read some Kieth books. They're not just historical, but entertaining. I may have two Hell, I Was There copies. I'll check next week. If I do, it's yours to read then pass on to someone else.

BTW, I shoot a .44 because of his books but when my son guided in alaska he carried a 12G pump, not a 44. Lodge rules.

[McClain]

I sure hope someone will re-post that link. Like I said, I am not much of a gun person. I know who Elmer Keith was but had no idea he had anything to do with improving .44 loads.

And yes. 76Aggie does refer to the Bicentennial Class of 76.

I think this is the link to article I was referring to:

https://www.ammoland.com/2018/02/defense-against-bears-with-pistols-97-success-rate-37-incidents-by-caliber/

Good luck with the hunt! Will follow your posts and would like to visit with you more at some later point.

[RattlesnakeDan]

I used to run the Garrett 330 gr Long Hammerheads, can only shoot them out of a Ruger though. They pack a punch.

[Starvin]

Some good advice above. For sure no hollow points A good site to visit and learn from is Gary Reeder's form and website (gun smith in Flagstaff Arizona)