I am curious if anyone has any other input on 44 Magnum ammo for a lever action. This rifle is my latest purchase for the day when I retire and hopefully get an RV and go see the country. I want something for defense against big game if it comes to it. I have gotten some ammo for practice, home self-defense, and big game protection. I also have on order Brenneke 12 gauge slugs for big game, but I am glad I am not in a hurry as it is a long wait for it. Now you can get a tax stamp faster….lol.

For 44 Mag practice I have Magtech 240gr flat nose.

For home self-defense I have 240gr Federal Hydrya-Shock and also HST rounds. It looks like the HST rounds just came out and I was very happy to see them in 44 Mag as I am a huge HST fan so they are what I am buying most of for home protection. I also have some 300gr Hornady XTP.

For big game protection, I bought 305gr HSM Bear Load flat nose.

Just curious if I am on track, or any other suggestions.

In my experience with a .44 mag and my 16" lever gun, any ammo good for big game, is ALSO good enough for self defense with no need to goof around with different ammo loads. Recoil control differences between heavy hunting loads and such make a big difference when shot from a pistol, from a lever gun, not so much. HST expanding bullets from a 4-6 pistol, do not perform the same nor are required from a rifle length barrel that is juicing velocity upwards 400 fps.

That flat nose 305gn bear killer from a 16+ lever action, is going to mow down a two legged critter, just as well, if not better than the HST. Yes it'll have more recoil, but, the follow up shots from a lever gun is more regulated by how fast you can actuate the lever, vs how much muzzle rise or recoil there is, unless you're talking about ultralight cowboy loads. Full power 44 mag is full power 44 mag, and they all thump good. Why? Because .44 mag in a long barrel IS good rifle energy at appropriate distance (~125 yards).

Also consider that changing out the ammo from a tube magazine is not a trivial thing compared to magazine fed weapon. I'd just have the most powerful loads you think you need loaded at all times in the rifle. Plus you won't have to worry about POI changes with different ammo. .44 mag in a rifle IS a rifle, not a pistol anymore.

Kinda like looking for a good 30-06 load for a 140 lb deer, it would almost be hard to pick a bad load.

I’d get something you like that shoots ok, cycles fine. To go with that a suitable bullet, soft point/hollow point type.

As to big game defense, rather low likelihood unless remote camping in Alaska or near the grizzlies in the lower 48. Even that is low likelihood.

I do like the idea of a short, lighter, simple lever gun in the defensive role, multiple shots.

I’m not hung up on a semi-auto for everything, other action types are just fine much of the time.