Cast 44 magnum performance evaluation

[tsubaki]

These were some Lee TL430-240-SWC unknown alloy BHN11 powder coated 242 grain boolits being pushed at 1410fps with 20.0gr of 2400.
They were retrieved from a rectangle 13 gallon plastic kitchen trash can that was filled with a coarse sand/clay mix. Distance was about 30 feet, penetration was 10" to 14".
I can't tell you in what order they were fired but the group was close enough to disrupt the even compaction of the sand media causing the varying differences in expansion. I was actually surprised to see the good even expansion on a couple of them. Retained weight ranged from 196gr to 226gr.

My biggest question is, does this powder/boolit combination appear excessive judging by the base of the bullet being slightly deformed or is this about what you would expect?
These were intended to be used for deer/hog hunting.
I'd appreciate your opinions on these.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/2016-06-13%2018.26.53_zps8o6kshzu.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w159/tsubaki3/2016-06-13%2018.24.48_zpso2a4ojxk.jpg

[shooter93]

The deformation of the base caused by impact and/or penetration would matter for accuracy. That load I believe short on hitting a large bone in a deer will go completely through the animal. It's certainly "toasty" enough.

[Tatume]

They look good to me. In your very challenging medium the bullets held together. I agree with the fellow in post #2; they would almost certainly go clear through a deer or hog.

[725]

No question in my mind. I'd go forth with confidence.

[DougGuy]

No almost about it and more likely than not to go completely through bones and all. Those recoveries are about as good as you could ask for expansion and weight retention.

I think for hogs if you kept everything the same and bumped up hardness 2 notches you would have perfection.

[flint45]

They look like they pasted the test!

[tsubaki]

Thanks guys, that was my first batch at powder coating and casting for a centerfire firearm.

I didn't think of the possibility of the impact causing the deformation.

Now I guess there is no need to test the next batch the same way.
452-255-RF powder coated boolits weighing in at 262gr and scooting along at 1130fps.

Again, thanks!

[Thumbcocker]

Big hole in big hole out dead critter.

[Maven]

Impressive results + nice job powder coating!

[popper]

165gr 11 BHN 40SW @ 950 goes end to end on a 150# hog & breaks a leg, you have no problem.

[harley45]

I think your ready to hunt! I've killed about 12 hogs over the years with a 10MM load that does 1100fps with a 200gr WFN and never had an issue. Place your shots well and you have freezer fodder!

[BigMagShooter]

are they accurate enough for you? if so, don't worry about the bases.