44mag and 300gr

[Python]

Haven't fired a 300 grain in my Vaquero, yet.

[al45lc]

Originally Posted by ElmerFudd

I joined here just to answer this post. The diameter of a case has nothing to do with it's capacity. I have been running 300-340 grain HC through 44 mags for over 10 years. Garrett arms has been around longer than that and goes to 330gr with no problem, and buffalo bore and few others go to 340 grain. The fact is that the 44 magnum case has enough capacity to push a 340 grain round to over 1400 fps. With no problem and no over pressure conditions. The hottest loadings for the 44 give 1600 FPE, the normal hot loadings give 1200-1300. Not sure why people think that 300 grainers are something to be avoided. They have become so common and present no problems at all. And critters will feel the difference between a 240 and a 300+ grain round. Lot more energy, more momentum and higher ability to break bone.

I agree (except for the Diameter of a case having NOTHING? to do with it's capacity)
Fact is, for hunting in particular, the 240 is now a lightweight, the 270 intermediate, and the 300 is at the low end of the heavy bullet spectrum.
For large game, a proper heavy bullet works well, and terminal ballistics are very sketchy regarding meplat and performance.
However, for low velocity (as in high power rifle compared to standard handgun rounds) bullets, history has evidence that heavy bullets work well.
The article posted spoke to "tissue crushing capibility", but this is a VASTLY varied concept having to do with shot placement, animal, and even circumstance. If shooting a close threatening bear, wound channel be damned, penetration to the brain or spine is the key, and heavier bullets can often carry through tough bone and muscle due to retained energy.
If shooting your Deer or elk after a successful stalk or from a blind, the lighter bullets would do well if they don't need to penetrate a heavy shoulder bone.
I don't see wound channel in a .44 or .45 as an issue, you already have a large channel due to caliber (compared to say, a 7mm) so penetration is the real key, as witnessed by dangerous game hunters using solids.
I cast my .45LC heavy bullets hard, and have never lost an animal, and most show very minimal expansion, even in an Elk.

[ElmerFudd]

yeah, I meant in this case, the diameter and case capacity at the velocities talked about is irrelevant. If we were talking about pushing 340 grain slugs at 1700 fps out of a 5.5 inch barrel then case capacity(volume) ,which is dependent on diameter and length of case, would matter.

There is tons of published load data for pushing 300 grain bullets at reasonable velocities and staying within current pressures. In fact, I think all of the current factory loadings, including +p loadings are within the original pressure specs of the 44 magnum(not the current pressure specs which are lower). The only exception may be the buffalo bore 340 +p+.