Lee TL430-240 SWC Effectiveness

[Southern Shooter]

It is clear that the meplat of the Lee TL430-240 SWC is not flat with sharp edges or very large. I am just wondering if that bullet, pushed to 1,150-1,200 FPS and using wheel-weights for material, would be effective defensively on things like hogs, black bear, moose, etc.

Or, would the meplat really make that big of a deal??

Thanks
43954

[kelbro]

I wouldn't want to get hit by one :) but that bullet never shot accurately enough in my SBH Hunter.

[44man]

It has a small meplat but would work better at 1300 to 1350 fps. That is where the .44 shines.
I prefer a larger meplat.
I would also lube with Felix to increase accuracy.

[Larry Gibson]

That is a good bullet for low .44 SPL to medium level 44 Magnum velocities. I use it a lot Loade over 7.5 and 8.5 gr Unique in 44 SPL and magnum cases. Best accuracy has always been in the 800 - 1050 fps range. It does very well out of my Conteder, 3 revolvers and M94 with those loads. When i have pushed it above 1050 fps to 1300 fps, regardless of alloy, lube or load, it did ok but not a bullet I would choose for such. The Kieth SWCs will do much better at the higher magnum level velocities. I size them at .430 in a 450 and lube with BAC or Javelina. It is a good bullet within it's limitations and I do shoot a lot of "Skeeter's" loads with them.

Larry Gibson

[Southern Shooter]

Given the meplat's small, somewhat rounded surface area and lack of sharp edges, at 1,050 FPS would this bullet be considered mainly a target load?

[Rocky Raab]

I really like that bullet in my Special. Haven't ever owned a Mangleum.

I tumble-lube it in LLA/JPW and load it as-cast. Does everything I ask of it at 900 fps. I don't hunt with it (or anything else).

[Larry Gibson]

Given the meplat's small, somewhat rounded surface area and lack of sharp edges, at 1,050 FPS would this bullet be considered mainly a target load?

No, I wouldn't consider it a target load only. I've thumped a few jack rabbits and ground squirrels with mine and it killed them dead pretty good:D I've not shot anything bigger because I useually have a 45-250-K loaded to 1400 fps or preferably a 270 gr Devastator at 1350 fps when I hunt something bigger. That's not to say I wouln't hesitate to shoot a deer or pig on purpose with one of the TL240s loaded at 1050 fps. I would even shoot a black bear with it if I had to and that's what was in the gun, wouldn't be my choice for hunting them though.

I've no doubt they'll do the job, just not as good perhaps as other designs. The bullet profile is not to different than the original Remington LSWC 44 Magnum bullets. I've killed deer, pigs and even a black bear with less....just don't expect a DRT is all. I don't think I would purposly hunt moose with that bullet as there are just too many better ones available.

Larry Gibson