44 Magnum For Hogs * * *Speer Deep Curl vs Hornady XTP* * *

[@philstocks7859]

I have used Hornady XTP bullets in muzzle loaders, both .429 and .451 for years. XTPs are outstanding performing bullets on deer out to 150 yards. I've shot more than I can count. I've only shot four feral hogs with them, all within 50 yards. The XTPs worked great.

[@TargetSuite]

It is good to get your feedback on Hogs versus the xtp bullets.

[@diamond-gx1qg]

​@@TargetSuitenormally i shoot the xtps. I checked zero on a gallon milk jug with water and blew a 4 inch silver maple almost in half. Whoops. Thompson Center Encore 150 gr 777 245 gr jhp xtp.

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

I have wanted a .44 mag lever action for a while now. A repeating .44 is such a practical gun for many uses. Awesome gun!

[@TargetSuite]

Amen! It is a great and historic cartridge!

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

@@TargetSuite My Super Redhawk is my favorite handgun. Reload with love for that gun. Really want to push the cartridges capabilities with a carbine length barrel though. I hear Ruger bought Marlin so I may hold out for an 1894.

[@danoneill2846]

I sent Ron & Randall Power links to your videos . I was just with them for sun set at the lake shore patio , I gave them my take on your videos . They said THANKs for all the good will . I didn't see this video till I got home & didn't know I would make this post when talking with them . They are very happy that you did your project & they did get some calls they thought was from your video . I will see them in the morning & will tell them I made this post . They just got EL power to their lake property today , we are next door & are working on some roads together & the power line under ground . Great day for all of us . Many THANKS !!!

[@danoneill2846]

I was at their shop today & he showed me some VERY COOL projects he has been working on . One was a matched pair of freedom arms 454 , long octagon barrel , REAL Gold bead . Very tight fitting !! Set up as a hunting or target gun , Long Range . I think it would do a job on a pig !!

[@danoneill2846]

BTW I would only shoot 45 LC +P ... I shot 5 full power 454s from a raging Bull , been there done that ... never want to do that again .

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for mentioning me to the Powers. I've been meaning to call them and let them know I had posted a video or to mentioning their products. Life just gets busy and then the important things we need to do slip sadly by the wayside. I will call them tomorrow for sure.

[@danoneill2846]

@@TargetSuite I just got back from the lake shore patio again , I wanted to talk to Ron about some work that was done on our road project today . I told him about our communicatiuon & this video , he was happy to hear it . They have a lot going on today & thurs , so if you didn't get to them don't be surprised . He was a comp shooter in his younger days & is very smart & a hard worker , he has 30-40 +/- patents , and 1,000 & 1 good hunting & fishing stories . I heard some good ones tonight . Elmer Keith stories , he has em all !! Just want to let you know Message recieved !! Many Thanks !! He has tried to retire for 5 yrs , he always has a project !!

[@lloydmiller5690]

Got a new Henry big boy in a 44 magnum carbine sixteen inch barrel last Tuesday cleaned it Wednesday morning shot two shells at a target then went after deer in afternoon got a six pointer with one shot at sixty yards it is a ice light gun and short33” perfect for hunting in the woods with open sights just what I needed after having a stroke last winter leaving some weakness in my left side

[@TargetSuite]

That sounds like a very efficient use of time😄 Congrats on your buck!

[@m2gjam139]

Hey George I pray you and yours are not affected by the storm he headed your way. Hope it passes without harm or damage.

[@larryalexander4833]

Sir I wanted to say I appreciate the quality and effort you put into your videos. Always good to get your perspective and opinion that coming from a fellow American and level headed gentleman. 🇺🇲👍

[@scobun]

I feel the same way. They are just kind, thoughtful and fun to watch.

[@TargetSuite]

@Larry Alexander @KidChannel I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

[@gregggibson3109]

Thanks for the time and expense invested in putting this video together… obviously, melons/jugs don’t tell us as much as BG blocks! I would favor the deep curl as well since this is not the first time I’ve seen XTPs come apart in testing…

[@flintrichards945]

I have always used the Speer bullets they have worked very well for me.

[@TargetSuite]

That's good to know thanks for the feedback.

[@bobbidwell6195]

The DEERSTALKER was/is the first firearm I bought when I turned 18. It still is one of the handiest woods rifle. I have NEVER had to use 2 rounds to do the job.

[@TargetSuite]

That's a great rifle/carbine. I've got one myself and love it.

[@gscop1683]

I too picked up the beautiful "original" of the future 10/22.....2 years ago at a pawn shop for just over 200 bucks....cause it wouldnt feed. Tore it down and cleaned all parts and it is like new ! It is a late 70s from what I can tell, shipped around 83....It matches my early 10/22 perfectly ! So smooth to shoot !....Thank you !

[@TargetSuite]

You are welcome. I love those pawn shop stories that are a success.

[@UtSlpilot]

I used some Barnes monolithic ballistic tipped bullets in a 300 AAC Blackout and took 2 medium sized Idaho black bears and was very pleased with the bullet performance. All of the recovered bullets retained 98% of their original weight and more than doubled their original diameter. Good luck thinning out the hogs. Best Wishes.

[@TargetSuite]

Sounds like you had great luck with those Idaho bears. As for the pigs there is no such thing as thinning them out. They reproduce way too fast. My goal is to harass them so they prefer to be somewhere else. And it's a pretty effective strategy. When the pigs show up I hunt them for a few weeks, kill a few and then I won't see him for another six months or a year, sometimes longer. The real solution is going to come from a lab.

[@UtSlpilot]

@@TargetSuite I wish I lived closer... I’d be over to help! Cheers!

[@jodenthal719]

Man one of my bucket list guns. I love 44 magnum.

[@TargetSuite]

It is a sweet sweet little gun

[@Tex_I_Can]

I was beginning to wonder if you were doing ok. Great to see you again.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for that. I've been under the weather for about 10 days. Thought it was covid for a while but my test came back negative.

[@bigboyzguns8164]

Growing up in GA hunting hogs it was my experience that hollow points did not penetrate deep enough on tough full size hogs to clear the fat layer and hit the vitals. After losing several hogs with good hits switched to hard cast and started dropping them. But I also used a revolver and not a carbine.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks I appreciate that comment. I certainly haven't given up on hard cast but just wanted to experiment a little bit with some jacketed rounds. I know a lot of folks have had good luck with the xtp on pigs, but I'm thinking on a big one anything other than an ideal angle is not going to penetrate The Boiler Room. And that's where a good hard cast bullet really shines.

[@georgezink8256]

I cast 300 grain Keith type for 444 and 44 mag

[@georgezink8256]

Love my 9.5 inch Ruger 44 mag

[@tonydeaton2890]

The Ruger 44 carbine is a rare bird. Only seen a handful of them in forty years of gunshows and being a semi-serious collector. Very cool rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

They are nice rifles. Great design by Bill Ruger.

[@tonydeaton2890]

@@TargetSuite my brother had one years ago and loved that thing. He fired a lot of hot handloads out of it and eventually cracked the receiver but he was rough on all his guns. I wish they would reissue that rifle.

[@hutehund9519]

The still pic on Community helped a lot, but that was a terrific follow-up video on Patreon, George! Thank you!

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@wpwarhawk]

I used Hornady XTP factory loads take a big cow elk on a Texas game ranch. It took 4 rounds to put her down. The first three hit the point of the shoulder, all within about 4 inches. The XTP bullets broke up on the shoulder blade and only tiny fragments made it to the vitals. The first three rounds were at 50-75 yards. I was able to get closer and broke her neck with shot #4 that finished her. I’m sure the XTPs would be fine on deer or smaller hogs. I’ll use Keith loads if I ever get another chance at an elk.

[@billdye3530]

Great video. Both performed good especially considering energy dumped in first block. Either should bring home the bacon or venison. Be nice if Ruger comes out with a Marlin Camp Carbine in 44 magnum or 10mm. Thanks for your time

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching!

[@danoneill2846]

A friend let me shoot his Ruger 44 Auto . First time I ever shot it I was in the bull , with a fast lift & fire X 3 @ 50 yds . This rifle should be made with Mags . No matter , you only need 1 shot when your in the bull !!! Love my Ruger 77/44 bolt action ! All weather , camo stock . This is my favorite hunting rifle , not much it can't do .

[@TargetSuite]

It sure is a great little rifle. They did come out with the Deerfield which used magazines but aside from looking like this one it was a totally different action.

[@scobun]

I love the contrast of the classic Ruger .44 carbine with the ultra modern NV optic. I am quite surprised you are not using the Marlin .35 Remington on the pigs, though. Great video as always.

[@TargetSuite]

I have thought about the 35 Remington for a long time, but there is something about a silent second shot. I just think cycling that lever is going to alert the remaining pigs and minimize my chance at a second shot. Untested logic I admit.

[@scobun]

@@TargetSuite Makes sense. Sounds like a future video is needed to test the logic...look forward to the next ones!

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Ooooo, your son chose a very interesting caliber! 6.5 Grendel will do everything I want within 300 yards. And for good plinking, out to 1000 yards it’s supposed to be quite adequate. Interesting video George! Thanks!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching!

[@InGratitudeIam]

That was a really informative demonstration. Great slo-mo work! I've had great results in my little Ruger carbine with XTPs on little critters. That's not to say the Deep Curl wouldn't make short work of those short ribs. But because I did my feral hog hunting in California, wild Russian boars (450 to 600 lbs) just begged to be shot with either 12 ga. slugs or .308 Win rounds. The little Ruger would just piss them off. But, in your scenario, this makes total sense. Thanks, George.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Tom. You are right in that the 44 mag is not a solution for every problem. And for really large tough boars I think I would go out with a bigger stick.

[@InGratitudeIam]

@@TargetSuite From personal experience, I can say that a .308 is devastating to water pumps.

[@876mpr]

I really like cast bullets on hogs. Don’t have to worry about size or a quartering angle. 303 grain WFN’s at 1235 fps really slaps them down. I’m actually dropping down to a 253 grain Lyman/Thompson SWC at 1175 fps for this year.

[@mattpeacock5208]

That rifle is awesome, I need one. It's basically the original 10-22, before Bill Ruger scaled it down to .22LR for kids...and grown men like me. I really need one of those!

[@TargetSuite]

You are spot on it. There is definitely a DNA connection between this rifle, the 10/22, and the Ruger Deerfield. Of course they all have a DNA connection to the M1 carbine. Hmmm, maybe that would make a good video😉

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Thank you. We have harvested many deer over the years with 240 XTP. Revolver, Rifle & muzzleloader. The Speer is a top shelf bullet for sure. Both offerings are equally effective I would think. But, it seemed to me that the impact was a bit more impressive on the XTP. I may be biased though.

[@TargetSuite]

It's hard in a video of this size thrown together the way this one was to complete all your thoughts. I think both bullets are good. I was just surprised how much weight retention there was on the Deep curl bullet.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

@@TargetSuite Video is very well done. No complaints. Forgive any apparent disagreement. Just offering personal experience & observation. Great gun by the way.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I like that gun as well. I really should spend more time with it. It certainly was a childhood dream growing up to have one of those Ruger carbines

[@terryhawley202]

Great video as always. I would like to see videos of your hog hunts with both the deep curl and the xtp bullets in 44 remington mag if you can. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@TargetSuite]

I would have some footage to share, but In the Heat of the Moment I keep forgetting to hit record on the thermal camera. I shot a sow last week (Deep Curl). She was in the brush when I shot and the impact was a little far back. She ran about 60 yards.

[@msa4548]

I actually just brought a box of the Speer deep core home to try in my 454. This was pretty insightful.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍 Gosh I sure wish I could find a Rossi in 454 Casull. It seems like a perfect little gun!

[@msa4548]

@@TargetSuite I keep looking at a 45lc wondering if it could be lengthened enough to run a 454 through it.

[@oneounceslugAPEX]

I like when bullets break into peice. The 17hmrs ability to dump energy is impeccable. Even a 1oz slug will break apart in dear (usually into 3 peices.

[@johnnorman7708]

Just remember to use good flat point or gummy tip bullets for that tubular magazine. I heard Hornady lab blew up one of those Rugers many years ago from a magazine detonation. No telling what experimental bullet or shape they were using at the time. Those Deep Curl bonded bullets are proving to be "big medicine" as Teddy would have said. They are very similar if not identical to the Fusion in design concept. They are setting a new standard for lead core I believe. I liked the old XTP bullets, but may have to concede that as a game bullet the Deep Curl sure is really showing its stuff out of a carbine length barrel.

[@MarcosCaminante]

Great job George. My 1894 loves the 270 Speer with a full load of H110. Very, VERY effective on hogs and deer. However a 250 Keith style bullet is a pile driver. I have no idea what the bullet looks like after hitting a pig because I can’t keep them inside the pig.

[@roosar2001]

2400 is also my favorite powder for 44 Mag. My CVA can shoot a 2” group at 100 with one of my 2400 loads, which is really good for me.

[@TargetSuite]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@nathanlambshead4778]

I certainly miss my 44 Carbine. Bought it for my wife to hunt with in the New Hampshire woods. Perfect for whitetail in these here parts. We parted our ways, but she wanted to keep it, so I gladly ceded. She put down some good venison with that gun.

[@TargetSuite]

That's a bummer. Sorry the three of you aren't still together😉

[@nathanlambshead4778]

@@TargetSuite it happens. We are on good terms. Thank you. And thank you for the videos.

[@brianklamer3328]

I like the combination of the old school carbine and the modern night vision scope blended together!

[@af7119]

Thank you for your relaxed and practical approach. Very helpful!

[@dalejohns2758]

I've been using my Savage 93 FVSS .22 magnum for Hogs for 5+ yrs. Dropping em like flies.

[@TargetSuite]

Excellent!

[@paststeve1]

Great video George! I have a Taurus Raging Bull 8⅜" barrel in .480 Ruger. I handload 325gr XTPs for Northern PA whitetail. Brother does it do the job at 100 yds!

[@TargetSuite]

Yes, that sounds like a beast of a load for deer!

[@hutehund9519]

I’ve always been a soft point proponent for heavy, slow-moving bullets for medium size game, and that deep curl certainly qualifies. Great mushroom means great energy transfer. But you have to love the XTP. That bullet crosses calibers remaining effective from light and fast to heavy and slow. I’d like to see side by sides of the wound channels in the gel.

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Charles. If you go to my KZbin channel you'll find a tab at the top labeled "Community". You may have to scroll over to the right to find it. But under that tab and you will find a post I made just a few minutes ago showing a top down view of that gel block. The wound channels lit up pretty well with a flashlight. If you can't find that post I will leave some information in Patreon.

[@quackman7]

Love your videos. I shoot the 270 deep curls in my 77/44. 19gr H110. Its a bad mamma jamma. Only caught one in a game animal and it was a 185lb buck in a cross body shot.

[@TargetSuite]

That's a big buck. But I'm still surprised that it's topped with a broadside shot. But then again ballistic gel and a tough old Buck are not the same.

[@quackman7]

@@TargetSuite buck was walking away. Shot him from above right behind his shoulder blades. Passed through all vitals and was stuck just under the skin below white patch of his neck. Killed 4 deer with that bullet and thats first one ive caught

[@gregharris4101]

Great video as always. Thanks George

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I appreciate that!

[@rlmillercpa]

While I recognize many enjoy the sport of feral hog hunting, trapping is much more effective for population control. We average 5 pigs per outing vs the 1 (maybe 2) of our successful hunters (I use .22LR CCI Stingers for clearing my trap with tremendous effectiveness). That said, I think either the Deep Curl or the XTP would be effective .44 Rem Mag medicine on pigs at tested velocities from the Ruger with proper shot placement at reasonable ranges for caliber. Thanks for the video, George, and happy hunting!

[@TargetSuite]

I guess I just haven't been willing yet to pull the trigger on a trap. It's so effective to shoot a couple of pigs and then they don't come back for a year. I know they're still out there, they just don't want to bother me anymore.

[@Blando7887]

I have a 629-6 44mag with a 6” barrel. I wish I could use it on some wild pigs

[@frankhinkle5772]

Pretty interesting. I expect that the Speer Deep Curl will get the job done.

[@TargetSuite]

I suspect so as well. Thanks for the comment!

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

No wonder my old Dad used so many Speer bullets. That bullet certainly outperformed the other. Saying that the Hornady does have a mission still. I am sure it would perform very well on whitetail. Good video. Instead of using my .44 I think I am going to try some new Speer deep curls in my old Marlin 38/40. Even though it is well over 100 years old it still performs very well and is a straight shooter.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

I want to do some tests with the Speer deep curl. I know out of a muzzleloader, I have seen XTPs explode, and deer run off wounded. Shot placement good, but at short distance shots, velocity is up a bit high for the bullet. Most of the time they do the job, but occasionally, they don't.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

I’ve had great results with the 240 grain XTP’s on whitetail deer from a Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5” barrel. I am going to try these Speer Deep Curls if I can locate them somewhere. I had a chance to buy a Ruger carbine .44 Mag ( I think it was called a Deerslayer or something ?) I was at a gun show in Denver about 20 years ago , picked it up and held it in my hands , it just jumped right to my shoulder and felt like it was made just for me . I’ve kicked myself in rear so many times for not buying that thing ! I sure wish Ruger would do another production run of these little gems .

[@TargetSuite]

I really like the Speer deep curl bullets. And I understand your emotions about the Ruger 44 Magnum carbine. I love mine. It is my go-to Hog Gun because it is light weight and quick handling. Of course that assumes close-range shots which are the norm for me.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@@TargetSuite it’s the perfect hog rifle ! I don’t know if Ruger realizes just how much interest there is in that model rifle . If they’d start making it again , I don’t think they could manufacture it quick enough to meet the demands ( as well as .44 mag ammunition, that seems to be non existent now a days)

[@Shooter-1924]

I’ve taken many hogs and whitetail with 200gr XTP in 10mm. It would be nicer if it was a bonded round, but it seems to be very effective.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍 thanks for your comment!

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@garyK.45ACP]

Hog killing was our preferred hunting pastime in Texas after quail season ended in February and before it got too hot. A friend of mine had permission from several property owners who welcomed us to kill hogs. This was in Bandera County, NW of San Antonio. He had a pair of blue healers that could find any hog in the area, which is hilly, super thick thorn brush. Anything but a short carbine, shotgun with short barrel, or handgun was unmanageable in that brush. My friend used a Ruger .44 carbine. I know he used 240 gr. JSP bullets and he was a handloader, but I do not recall the exact bullet. We didn't have gel to test the bullets but we had plenty of "meat (on the hoof) targets", so to speak. Ranges were sometimes measured in inches and usually in a few feet. There were few places you could see anything beyond 10 yards. I killed hogs with a variety of handguns and rifles but finally settled on my Remington 870 "police" with 20" barrel and 8 shot mag, loaded with 1.25" Federal slugs. In that brush, the 8 shot mag was overkill, but that's what the gun has. There is no way you could get off more than 2-3 shots in that brush before anything you were shooting at was either dead or out of sight. I also firmly believe a big bullet is preferable to a smaller one. I would choose a .45 ACP or even .44 Special over a .357 Mag. any day. My rule for handguns was the bore size should begin with ".4--" and go up from there. The .44 carbine is an excellent choice. I consider it a serious flaw in my judgement that I don't already own one of those (or the Ruger Deerfield). I think you will be well served with that rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

Great comment! I hunted on the Flying A Ranch for three years back in the '70s, so I know Bandera well.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@TargetSuite My boyhood friend from Runnels Co. had relocated with his family to San Antonio when we were in High School. His family owned a restaurant there, which gave him a lot of contacts, between customers and suppliers, with landowners and he had lots of places to hunt in Bexar and Bandera Co. We hunted together for many years, including an annual elk trip to Montana for many years. He loved his Ruger carbine and also liked to hunt with handguns. He killed several elk with his .454 Casull Revolver.

[@TheDeerhunter42]

Love my marlin 44 mag and my hand loads xtp for deer. H110 23.5 gr. Has been a deadly combo on deer and even took a 250lb hog in the south Ga swamps. Quarter size hole on rib complete pass through. 40 yard run fell over. Hey would love to see you do a video on the 44 and hornady FTX bullets. Thanks for the videos

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Yes Sir. I too have loaded 240XTP with H110 & W296 23.5-24.5 over the years. Many whitetail in IN & MI have been harvested with them in Revolvers, Rifles & Muzzleloader. Extremely effective. Happy hunting.

[@TargetSuite]

@Georgia sportsman I've got some 265 grain bullets but that's a little bit heavy. I would love to try the lighter to 225 grain FTX bullets. That seems a better fit for the 44 Magnum.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍@Gaurdian Minifarm

[@guardianminifarm8005]

@@TargetSuite I have reloaded 44 magnum since 1985. That is well before the XTP was produced. The Hornady 265gr. FP was fun to work with. We loaded 180 SRA HC hot. 200 & 225 Speer JHP hot. 240 Remington Rosebuds hot. We shot all into wet & dry paper, sand, water jugs, wood, etc. Some failed to "mushroom" often. But the Hornady 240 JHP(pre-XTP) was quite reliable & accurate. Close 2nd was the Rosebud. But the invent of the XTP & Speer bonded bullet changed the dynamic drastically.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@davidgreve1081]

Now you have something to get those pigs with! They have been really working over your land and destroying pasture! Im ver interested in seeing just how many there are. Just a thoughht, the 44 mag is a great choice, but it still might be wise to have a backup pistol handy in case one may decide to charge you. Happy Hunting!! I hope you get all of them!

[@TargetSuite]

I have a distinct strategic Advantage hunting at night with the thermal camera. Their eyesight is bad during the day and at night it's even worse so I can get close enough to the pigs and they never know where I am. Now if I turn on a flashlight to try to shoot with that handgun I might be dead meat🥺 Thanks as always for your comments I appreciate them!

[@anthonygendron9737]

I use the 250g deep curl in my 450 bushmaster and most times the entry damage is about the size of those small footballs you give kids and the exit is a bit smaller.

[@dylanhayden8825]

I have some 200 grain XTPs that I'm planning to take up to Montana in a few days as a just-in-case for bears. I'd prefer 300 grain hard cast but I have a one of those aluminum/titanium S&W 329PDs. I bought a couple boxes of the 300 grainers and fired 5 of them, cussing after every shot (and bruising my hand) before I decided that I needed something I could actually shoot well. The 200 grain XTPs were a good balance between power and recoil. At least until I can trade that stupid stupid 329 for a nice stainless model....

[@TargetSuite]

Ouch! I think I'd be trading that super lightweight guy in for some Real Steel😎

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Great old rifle! Love mine 👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸

[@TargetSuite]

I think I remember you commenting about your Ruger Carbine a long time ago in a different video. They are great guns for sure. I hope you are getting to shoot yours more than I get to shoot mine a. For as much as I love that gun mine spends way too much time in the safe.

[@johnanderson186]

If only the Speer DEEPCURL bullets would hit the shelves again! I’ve got a stock of 45/300s on hand, but waiting on the 44s. Speer makes a darn good bullet, not to take away from Hornady. But gimme those bonded projectiles all day!

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

Fantastic video!

[@larryalexander4833]

I have couple boxes of the speed deep curl for 45 colt.. .I got just before all the mess . I haven't got around to loading them yet . But hope to get them done soon before hunting season . Should be good out of my Rossi 92

[@TargetSuite]

That bullet should work great out of your Rossi 92. I wouldn't hesitate to hunt deer at close range with that combination.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I happen to have a anti pig device . Got to love it. Awesome hammer on most anything you would like to take. Mine is for sale now.

[@TargetSuite]

What is your version of an anti Pig device?

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

@@TargetSuite it’s the same as your anti - pig device except with a tube magazine.

[@tonyricketts5569]

I believe the xtp is the medicine you’re looking for. I had a chance to buy a 44 carbine at K-Mart in the 70s for $169……….I didn’t have 2 nickels to rub together. Based my opinion on the vaporized melon and jug. I wonder if the xtp lost mass striking the Speer?

[@TargetSuite]

There was no debris around that point of contact. But there were a lot of shards in the first three inches of the xtp wound channel. I think that's where it lost most of its mass.

[@duke8152]

Speer 270gr. have worked very well for me. Accurate out of several of my handgun 44’s. I like them for my Ruger 480’s, as well in 325gr SP. There better than the XTP’s, to many jacket separations from XTP’s. To bad Nosler stopped producing the Partitions for handgun calibers. For the price, and construction of the bonded Speers it’s a no brainer. If your gun shoots them well.

[@TargetSuite]

I would say the bonded Speer bullets performed as well as the A-frame bullets I tested several months ago. And they're about the 4th of the cost. Now if I was going after bear...

[@duke8152]

@@TargetSuite Swifts another good bullet, depending on the game your hunting. People hunting thin skinned critters, favored the Partition for opening up faster.Thus, the Swift being bonded slowed expansion. I’m speaking for handgun velocities, I wouldn’t hesitate using the Swift for African critters. Speer’s been called the poor man’s Swift. Lots of guy’s like the XTP in the 300gr class, they shoot well from my G2 44, recoil is a bit more stout from the G2 using 300gr.

[@jerryhammack1318]

Great little gun for dropping hogs! Or deer in the woods! The .44 does wonders on spot and stalk hog hunting! I have found it superior to the .223 or 7.62×39. It's closer to the .300blackout ! Very impressive and dependable for hogs up close and fair chase experience! God bless you and stay safe! Pop a few hogs for a needy family and share the joy, good hunting!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks!

[@Gath8mm]

Okay, there is a difference between final expansion diameter, and maximum expansion diameter. Maximum expansion diameter happens during penetration and as the bullet contiues to penetrate and expand it bypasses maximum expansion when the lead and jacket folds back further toward the bullet shank and when the bullet stops at rest that would be considered post penetration expansion.

[@tbjtbj4786]

You could build your on traps if you wanted them. But is the deep curl a sp or hp? I have had better luck with the sp over the hp. I really like the 270gr speer gold dot sp. I have had through and though on the shoulders and gristle plate on up to 400lbs boar. And the standard 240 gr winchester white box has worked ok to.

[@TargetSuite]

Several of you guys have commented about that 270 grain Speer soft point. I sure would like to get my hands on some but I have not seen them. The Speer deep curl is also a soft point bullet.

[@callawayken650]

Glad I came by.

[@TargetSuite]

I'm glad you came by as well Ken. Been a little under the weather for more than a week. But things are starting to look up and my test came back negative if you know what I mean😉

[@dogbone1358]

Good luck!

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi George,that thermal scope is amazing! The speer sure was a hard hitting bullet the way it spun the gel block. A great video well put together.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Terry. Don't forget to check out the follow-up video I posted on Patreon.

[@terryschiller2625]

@@TargetSuite thanks George, for some reason I don't get any more notification when you post on Patreon. I'll check it out.

[@nickjm37fordel1]

Off the subject question, love your shelves, are they just lag bolted to the studs ?

[@TargetSuite]

Yes you have good eyes. I used some long 3/16 in screws with a wide head. I think they came from Lowe's.

[@dwayneirvin1033]

Love Henry and 44ftx hornady.the accuracy is awesome for " off the shelf" ammo

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@johngallagher2313]

I had about given up on you this Tuesday. Made it just under the wire. I kind of lean towards the XTP because I have used them a lot and know they work. Either one should do the job on your pigs good luck on the hunt.

[@TargetSuite]

Yes been a rough week or so. Lots going on but I was determined to get this video done today. From an analytic perspective it may have been better to wait till in the morning, but I wasn't going to be denied😄

[@michaelhogan9053]

Both rounds seem great. I thought the XTP actually hit harder, melon/water/gel. Really need a multi-material target. But both rounds WILL do the job.

[@TargetSuite]

Under normal circumstances I think you are right. It's that quartering shot on a giant hog that comes into question. At that point the 44 magnum may not even be the right tool for the job.

[@dogbone1358]

@@TargetSuite Ya gotta hit em in the right spot. 😜

[@charlesgandee4198]

Hey buddy what goin on ? Nice little rifle you got there. I just don’t understand why they don’t bring it back . I’m shooting 20.5 in the wife’s 1894 p with the 240 xtp. Very accurate and wow an absolute white tail hammer here in Ohio . I bet not many hogs could tell the difference between the 2 .Great vid and a really nice rifle take care ,I’m catching up on videos it’s been a really busy summer.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching, and thank you for your comment. And I believe you are correct in that most medium size Hogs would never know the difference. Now those big bruisers, that might be another matter

[@richardcooper6050]

Looks like either one will do the job. 2400 is my favorite for jacketed bullets and good old Unique for cast and the 44 spec loads. Hope you got a hog.

[@TargetSuite]

Not yet but I'm going to keep after him. If they keep coming back I'll strike gold one of these nights.

[@comiketiger]

Interesting video friend. I do love carbine size rifles. Thanks for sharing . God bless all here.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for watching!

[@terrell48]

That first shot sure rocked the gel but the 2nd shot maybe more so based on the violent movement of the gel block

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@m2gjam139]

Hi George I saw your message last night. I did leave a comment. Maybe it was lost in the shuffle. Great presentation hope you get those hogs. What a mess. I went on a hog hunt in PA. It was baited so it wasn't a hunt. Sponsored by the VFW. I used the Marlin 444. Dropped a couple. I really like that rifle although I wish I could loan you a Mini thirty 7.62x39 high capacity magazines. I'm sure you're Ruger .44 will be fine. Interesting comparison. Well done. Hope to here back. PS love that rifle.

[@TargetSuite]

Send me that message again. I deleted it by mistake.

[@m2gjam139]

I think I deleted it too it's fine iit was similar nothing groundbreaking. I wouldn't know how to retrieve it anyway. Get those hogs.

[@TargetSuite]

Just to be sure, is this Thomas M ?

[@m2gjam139]

@@TargetSuite No George my name is Greg. I've been writing awhile . I like milsurp rifles and served thirty years.I'm the military. Not prison that almost didn't come out right. Thanks for responding

[@matthewtalich9989]

I don't know hard choice both are great bullets. Personally I would look closer at accuracy I imagine there could be a difference especially in newer and older firearms I believe Speers Deep Curl is .429 while Hornady's XTP is .430. But I must say Speers Deep Curl provide superior cavitation while maintaining high weight retention with little to no fragments. In fact many Speer bullets seem to be on pare and in some cases superior to Barne's monolithic projectiles. I've noticed XTP's seem to retain there weight well but do fragmented a little. Generally this doesn't seem to cause any issue with regards to the XTP's ability to penetrate since they don't seem to expand much. I must admit my love hate relationship with the Hornady XTP is partly do to the high availability. Many companies other then Hornady like Fiocchi, Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Grizzly Cartridge, etc have began consuming and loading XTP'S for almost every caliber imaginable and I've noticed there quickly becoming not as easy to find as they were a decade ago.

[@gregsmith8469]

Hell of a great shot caught on tape!

[@TargetSuite]

I'd say there was some luck involved but then what's that old saying . . . Luck is just practice meeting opportunity😄

[@chrisgabbert658]

I still like the Xtp but it I was doing hog l would use the 250g partition Winchester supreme I don’t know if they make them any more.

[@TargetSuite]

That sounds like a good bullet but I have not seen any of those.

[@chrisgabbert658]

Target Suite there old 20 years and I haven’t seen any sense, I got them so I wouldn’t shoot up my Black Talons still have 36 of them .

[@jackbreedlove3740]

240 xtp in a rifle has worked well for me on hogs and deer

[@TargetSuite]

That's great. Thanks for your feedback!

[@upstatearms4]

Is that the ruger hunter carbine in 44mag????? Edit- should haven't let my excitement stop me from watching a few more minutes 🤦‍♂️ first.tike I came across that rifle is when a customer needed it refurbished for her son. Was kept in a cabinet in her grandfathers barn. Exterior or receiver and barrel were slightly rusty, stock was dull and dented. Took a month worth of time but after 120 hours bluing was done, bore was solid, no showing of any of the surface rust and the stock was refinished and hand sanded. After we brought it back, took it out to tear fire and fell in love. That was 6 years ago and I have not been able to find one of these carbines coming up for sale anywhere.

[@TargetSuite]

There's something about that Ruger 44 carbine. It either pushes your buttons or it doesn't. I can tell you and I sure the same feelings for this great and design.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

I’ve used the 240Gr XTP and the Speer 240Gr Gold Dot, side by side, in the Marlin 1894 44Mag, I didn’t have fancy gel back in those days, but, in my testing I would say that it would be splitting hairs to say which one was best! I ended up going with the Speer 270Gr Gold Dot, just better overall for my needs. I get beat up all the time about what I say about the Deep Curl, the Deep Curl is not a quality bullet, in my mind it’s no better then a “Berrys” bullet, Meaning it’s a plated bullet, a copper material is plated on a lead bullet, either by a plating process or a Vapor Deposition or a Thin Film process. TheGold Dot was a cup and core at first, then later I believe they incorporated a bonding process. Now in a 44Mag, at hunting yardage, the Deep Curl most likely will be a good bullet, the 44Mag wouldn’t overpower the bullet. But the rub is the Marlin 444, it can destroy the plated Deep Curl bullet, the 444 overpowers the integrity of the bullet. The 44Mag is a very good deer/Hog cartridge, I killed many deer, and never ever felt under gunned, it always performed superbly, the 1894 carried very well, shot good enough and was a mild kicker!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks for your comment. But I'm not sure where you got the idea that the Deep curl bullets are plated. They are actually Gold Dot hunting bullets that Speer renames Deep Curl.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@TargetSuite like I said I catch crap for pointing out the Truth that there a plated bullet, from Speers website: “We Electrochemically bond the Deep Curl Jacket to its lead core” that’s a plated bullet. When they first came out everybody beat me up, I bought a box of 44cal 270gr, cut it in half, polished it, sure enough, plated bullet, no separate copper jacket. To be truthful I have not tested the Deep Curl, VS a Gold Dot, when the Gold Dot was discontinued, I had enough loaded ones to last me a lifetime. It may be as good as good or better then the GD, the bullet I dissected had a modest jacket thickness, not as thick as the GD. A good thick Jacket plated on may not be a bad thing!

[@TargetSuite]

I sure appreciate your comments, and I'm not trying to give you crap, just help. The term "electrochemically bonded" refers to the process of attaching the traditional copper cup (jacket) to the lead core so it doesn't separate on impact. It does not refer to electroplating. That is an entirely different process.

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

@@TargetSuiteATK owns, Speer, federal, and others federal has fusion bullets, fusion and Deep Curiel are the same process, from ATK website: Overall, bonded designs provide a significant performance advantage over conventional non-bonded lead-core bullets and are available in a wide variety of styles from exposed-lead nose to polymer tipped designs for improved long-range ballistic efficiency. There are probably more types of bonded bullets on the market today than any other. One notable example is ATK's Fusion ammunition line, wherein a copper outer layer is electrochemically "fused" to an inner lead core, literally molecule by molecule, making core-jacket separation impossible from the tip of the nose back. Molecule by Molecule is a plating process, plus they never call fusion or Deep Curl Bullets “Bonded Bullets” I also seen we’re Gold Dot bullets today are also using this process.

[@maxpinson5002]

Late to the show, I know, but I can tell you from use on the deer and pigs here that the Deep Curl is definitely not a fragile plated bullet. It's a bonded jacketed bullet just like Speer says it is. I don't have any to show because they've all been pass through shots and destroyed everything from the entrance to the exit hole

[@markchambers2812]

That was impressive!!!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks!

[@billsharko3007]

I think the 300 grain bullets from either bullet company would be a better choice for hogs.

[@jedediahsibley3355]

That last one tried to get away, bang hit him b4 he got the chance to duck! Awesome rifle..

[@MrThomass281]

I would rather have the Ruger over the Grendal build. Nice AR but too heavy looking for me. In fact this year, I am going to try using a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Magnum with a red dot instead of a rifle in TX. Most of my shots are under 100 yards. I am going to use the Hornady 225 Flex Tip Bullet.

[@TargetSuite]

Good luck! That FTX bullet should do the trick.

[@trumpie5399]

23.5 of H110 with 240gr XTP in Carbine Duplicates the Norma Factory Carbine Load 1705 FPS.

[@mechredd]

I use a ruger 44 carbine for deer on the farm when the corn is still up and my shots will be short range.

[@thomaspounds9031]

Awesome video

[@mikemccollum4521]

Thank you

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍

[@easttexan2933]

When the video opened, I was thinking George got a new tractor lol. Just my opinion but the Deep Curl bullet would be my choice. Easy kill on those pigs. Hope to see some video of that !!

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Max. I'd like to harness about 20 of those pigs and have them pull a screed around to level the ground they tore up. Then when they were done I would hang them from the harness. Just kidding. My heart is not in that dark. But you are right the Deep curl Speer bullet I think is a standout for a tough animal like a wild pig.

[@easttexan2933]

@@TargetSuite George, you know as well as I, there could be a time coming when all this food running around will be a blessing. Just saying.

[@TargetSuite]

Max, you are so right!

[@phillipmarlow5267]

Verrrrry interesting results. I thought the XTP seemed to have the greatest energy upon impact. I have found the XTP JHP has a little trouble feeding with the Marlin 1894. Not always, but does seem to hang up right at the chamber. Why do you prefer the 2400? I've been using 296 for the most part for the 44

[@TargetSuite]

I would qualify that is a genuine misspeak. What I meant to say is it's one of my favorite powders for the 44 Remington Magnum. That's the problem with rushing production late in the evening.

[@phillipmarlow5267]

@@TargetSuite :) I used 2400 years ago but can't remember in what. I'm trying to find a happy medium for the lever gun and the Model 29. I suspect though, I''ll still load up the rounds for the rifle and lighten the ones for the handgun. Do those pigs do a lot of damage to the fields?

[@TargetSuite]

When those pigs are done with an area it looks like heavy commercial equipment has been turning over the ground. It's incredible how much damage they can do in a short period of time.

[@TargetSuite]

By the way, I think you are correct about the initial energy transfer being greater with the Hornady xtp. And the permanent wound channel in the ballistic gel, which I didn't show, indicated such.

[@phillipmarlow5267]

@@TargetSuite I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the feral pig problems. Only what I've seen on youtube to be honest. Can't help but wonder how they taste on the bbq?

[@larryschmidt3594]

Would love to see that hog hunt on video. Great info thanks.

[@TargetSuite]

I will post that video if I can just remember to turn on the camera. My son keeps barking at me because I tell him these stories and I don't have any video. But In the Heat of battle it's just hard to remember to hit the record button! Haha!

[@georgezink8256]

Speer are well constructed

[@dmg4415]

They will kill either one of them, think precision and cost. What about the same test in .357 with the Rossi, may be a good substitute for 44M Ruger if autoloader are prohibited for hunting, or a 44M lever gun? I like Your calm way of presenting, You are easy to hear (I am a non native English speaking man with some problems with my hearing), and You are organized! Thanks

[@TargetSuite]

That is a good idea and I will try to get my hands on some of those Speer bullets for the 357. By the way, regardless of your parent language it is good to have you engaging on the channel. I appreciate it!

[@russellkeeling9712]

I had a Rossi .357 and a Rossi .44. I sold the .44 mag. and wore the .357 out. The .44 I consider a pumpkin thrower and the barrel would get hot enough after only about 3 shots that it would throw bullets everywhere. The barrel was to thin. The .357 however is a wonder rifle. I have hunted everything with it. Three elk fell to well placed shots with it. After the Rossi wore out I bought a Ruger 77/357. The Rossi I called my pet. It went everywhere with me on the ranch here in Southern Colorado.

[@keithmilbradt8292]

I’d like to know where you got that picatinny rail for that 44 carbine?

[@TargetSuite]

Gosh, I don't remember. It might have been on eBay. But I remember that a pic rail for that rifle was as scarce as hen's teeth.

[@keithmilbradt8292]

Thanks for the reply I’ll keep looking. Good videos by the way!

[@keithmilbradt8292]

Found them on EBay they got lots of them now

[@mikegardner9449]

I just procured several hard cast 240g 44 Mag bullets. I'm just curious as to how much improved either of these jacketed bullets may be on hogs.

[@TargetSuite]

I am still a fan of well-designed hard cast bullets for the 44 Magnum. And I don't think the end result will be changed by switching to a high-performing jacketed bullet. One goal is just to see if I can anchor them a little sooner so I can have a same day photo op without a lot of tracking 😎 and give guys who have not embraced hardcast bullets a comparison between two popular jacketed bullets

[@adonikam1]

XTP ENOUGH SAID!!!

[@markhenderson2896]

What's it the wad of jb weld on the back of the receiver for

[@steveandulsky566]

I don't have any experience with wild hog hunting, so I have to ask....what do you do with them?? Do you consume them, or do you bury them?? I'm kinda clueless about it.

[@TargetSuite]

I do neither. I leave them lay or drag them off if they're too close to the house and within two or three days the buzzards, coyotes and even other pigs will leave nothing left but a few scattered bones and the hide which no animals seems to be interested in.

[@callawayken650]

I'm desperate so I am watching the old ones.

[@lucascarpenter2310]

What is that optics mount on your ruger carbine?

[@efrencarrasquillo1077]

They both hit with command, I'll give the XTP the win

[@TargetSuite]

👍

[@smydie]

How would Barnes XPB projectiles compare with the XTP weight for weight ?