Suggestions for a moderate factory load for deer for my Smith 69 44 magnum, special or magnum? I will be carrying a rifle too. After this weekend won’t be shooting until August - two serious eye surgeries coming up 3 months apart.

150 grain .30-06 soft point.

Or, REAL stupid deer......

They have several loads listed and have a good rep with several folk I respect on the matter. Here's one that looks very capable of fulfilling the role you've assigned it.

http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=303_346&produ...

Have you tried shooting it on paper yet? The one I tried shot pretty high with 240 grain bullets, too high for the sights to compensate. Using ammo with 200 grain or 180 grain bullets helped but it really needed a taller front sight.

The Georgia Arms 240 gr SWC at 1,000 fps we’re dead on. I am sure you are right on the heavier loaded stuff.

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Nm