ballistics of 240 grain JSPs

[CouchTater]

If I buy a .444, the first load I'd want to develop would be a light load, I've been thinking a 240 grain JSP at maybe 1800 fps. I.e. a bit faster than .44 Mag but much slower than full throttle .444 loads. Mainly for familiarization and range practice, but I'd also like it for deer if possible. Looking at my Speer manual, their 240 JSP starting at 1800 fps is down to 1231 fps at 150 yards, and trajectory is really steep from 150 to 200 yds.

Is this simply the case that in .429", 240 grains doesn't have enough sectional density to provide 200 yard effectiveness? Obviously I could crank the muzzle velocity up to 2300 fps or more, but then there's the concern of that being too much velocity for what is likely a bullet designed for 1000-1500 fps impact velocity. I know eventually Hornady will have a light "gummy nose" bullet that will combine light recoil and decent 200 yard ballistics, but that'll be years down the road I expect.

Have you .444 folks developed a good light/fast deer load, or always use heavier bullets, or what?

[LVRFAN]

I'm looking at doing kind of the same thing- only I want to use a cast lead bullet around 250-275 grains at 1800-2000 fps. Looking for a plinking and small game load- you know, "for squirrels and such".

[Starrbow]

We run a Speer 270gr Gold Dot around 1900 to 2000 fps for deer size game, its very accurate and bullet performance is tops.

For a Cast bullet in that 275gr range you need to contact Ranch Dog, His 285gr TLC is a outstanding bullet in the 444.

http://gunloads.com/fam/ranchdogmolds/

.................................................. .......................................Marko