Lyman devastator users?

[stubert]

I just got a devastator mold for the 44 mag. after doing some research, I am trying 22.5 grains of w296, seated to 1.71 oal. Anyone use this bullet on whitetail? How did they work? I have been using the Lee 310 gr, but it is a little over kill for a 160# deer. Thanks, Stu

[Tatume]

Hi Stu,

Should get the job done. I've been using a heavy bullet and not worrying about overkill. Dead is dead.

Happy Hunting, Tom

[Shuz]

I've used the Devastator in .44 mag on Whitetails. It did an excellent job and passed on thru the animal at about 25 yds. Load was 17g of WC 820 for 1145fps.

[C. Latch]

I'd use one if you could buy one in .45 caliber. Looks like an awesome bullet. I'm signed up for the group buy from Mihec, but those don't exactly move quickly.

[Hickory]

This is the boolit of choice for me and whitetail deer.
There is no need to load it to maximum, 2-3 grains under max is plenty.

[stubert]

Hickory, what load are using? I loaded it 22.5 after reading Glen Fryksels article. That was his recomended load. I am shooting a Ruger Red hawk.

[DougGuy]

Heh I think you are going to have even more overkill with the Lyman boolit! There isn't a deer in the lower 48 that will stop one of those seated over 22.5gr of 296. TBH, I think you may already have the best combo for whitetail with the 310 over 16.0gr 2400 or 17.0gr LilGun with WLP primers. A near max load for the 310 would be 21.5gr 296 but that is overkill too. Just sayin'

[Hickory]

Hickory, what load are using? I loaded it 22.5 after reading Glen Fryksels article. That was his recomended load. I am shooting a Ruger Red hawk.

I load AA#9 at 2 grs. under maximum.
My S&W 629 is not as strong as your Red Hawk.
I have killed deer out to 78 yds and no recovered boolit.
It drops them a little quicker than the Lyman #429421, which too is an excellent boolit.

[Packy]

I use this boolit in flat nose instead of hollow point, with 20 grs of 296. It works well in all my 44's. My buddy and I have killed several deer with this combo from 20yds to 100yds. All were pass throughs. One buck shot at about 50 yds from the front went thru the deer length ways. The deer just don't stand a chance.

[harley45]

I've used it on wild pig at about 1200FPS and so far 3 dead oigs and no buckets to show!

[StratsMan]

I'd use one if you could buy one in .45 caliber. Looks like an awesome bullet. I'm signed up for the group buy from Mihec, but those don't exactly move quickly.

C. Latch...

I too appreciate a Mihec mold, but you can get a 45 cal Devastator now.... I like mine!!!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/670333/lyman-1-cavity-bullet-mold-452374-45-caliber-452-diameter-180-grain-devastator-hollow-point?cm_vc=ProductFinding

[DougGuy]

180gr? Isn't that counterproductive? What's that gonna do?

[JeffinNZ]

What would be the best alloy for that load?

[Tatume]

What would be the best alloy for that load?

An alloy that has good strength, such as clip on wheel weight metal enhanced with tin, would hold together well. The bullets should be air cooled.

[Echd]

180gr? Isn't that counterproductive? What's that gonna do?

That 180gr is more than likely intended for the 45 ACP. I believe C Latch was probably hoping for something meant for the 45 LC, or perhaps Casull- something a bit heftier!

[Tatume]

This is the 250 grain version for the 44 Magnum.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/198535/lyman-1-cavity-bullet-mold-429640-44-special-44-remington-magnum-430-diameter-250-grain-devastator-hollow-point-gas-check?cm_vc=ProductFinding

[Hickory]

What would be the best alloy for that load?

2% Tin
4-5% Antimony
93-94% Lead

[Tatume]

I don't think that much antimony is good for the alloy. In a hollow point design you want strength and malleability, and I'm afraid adding too much antimony will make the alloy brittle. But hey! Make some and shoot them into a test medium. If they hold up they will kill deer too.

My own alloy is Sn2/Sb3/Pb95. It works well for me, and when air cooled the bullets have a BHN of 14.

[C. Latch]

Yeah, I meant something that weighs 260-280 as a HP. Not sure a 180 could handle .45 colt speeds.