44 Mag for close to med range Elk?

R

RickE

New member
My 7.5" Super Blackhawk wants me to take him on a hunt. My 300 Win mag is jealous, but I like to be fair. My state has lessened the regulations on handgun requirements. I have some Federal 300gr hunting loads that were required a few years ago (900+ ft#'s at 100 yrds). I see Buffalo Bore has some great loads also. 305 gr and 340 gr at about 1500 fps. I would not use a standard 240 gr for elk. Anyone have any history here?
 
I'm with longranger on this one. Stick with the 300. The pistol would probably work at bowrange, by why take a chance just to say you did.
 
I killed an elk with a Superblackhawk.If you are going to do it,regardless,You may be on the right track with the bullets you are looking at.(I have not used them)
My bullet hit neck spine and stopped.The spine was shattered,but the bullet stopped forward progress and broke up.
So,depth of penetration was 1/2 neck.IMHO,it can be done,but I won't do it again and I do not recommend it.
I do not feel I did something special,I feel like I made a poor choice and got away with it.
 
My experience is at 60 yards with Remington 240 gr Soft Point out of a Ruger Super Blackhawk with 7 1/2" barrel, worked fine. For deer at ranges from 20 yards to 100 yards I have used the same bullet but with Sellier & Bellot and Fiocchi. That's what was available at the toy store so that's what I used. All of them shot to the same point of aim and worked. Good enough for me. Any of the bullets you listed will work.
 
I'd choose a heavy-for-caliber hardcast bullet with a wide meplat, and go forth with confidance.

Daryl
 
You have plenty, lots of muzzle loader kills are done with less energy than that, it all comes down to proper shot placement and a decent bullet.
I pack the same gun when I'm after elk, but it doesn't come out of the holster if they are more than 50 yards away.
 
More Power

Use a more powerful handgun round. Use a .357 magnum, it is much more powerful and usefull then any .44 magnum. If you really want to thump the elk, make sure to use a small, compact .357 magnum with a two inch barrel. The added power should knock the beast right off its feet.;)
 
Take the rifle & revolver. You might see a big 'ol bull at 150 yds. and you'll be kicking yourself the rest of your life for not having a rifle. OTOH, you might get a good 25 yd. broadside shot and if you put one of those big cast bullets in the boiler room it'll be that much more fun that you got him with a pistol.I always carry a pistol in a crossdraw along with my rifle when big game hunting.
 
re:phil mcwilliam

"Use a 357 magnum ,it is much more powerfull & usefull than a 44 magnum"-Roy, I dont think so- really.
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Oh, I know. I was just being a smart alec. In another thread I was being told that a .357 magnum is just as powerful as a .44 magnum. I was just getting a jump on them.;)
 
44mag not just for elk anymore

I am looking to pick up a 44 mag for Elk hunting,,,,but not for the elk.

Quartering out an Elk (in my case maybe more like 1/8ing) and carry it out on of a wilderness area on a backboard is not for the faint of heart. (or weak of lungs) This is prime time when one's position on the food chain can be challenged by other local carnivores.

Canisters of perfume de Ursus arctos horribilis can often reestablish one position on the food chain. Should a change in the snack menu be called for a 44 mag may be able persuade a different healthy choice. Without the weight and bulkiness of other more powerful tools of persuasion
 
Me,I would let the revolver get jealous and use the .300 Win Mag.
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I agree.

I carry my Blackhawk in .41 Mag in case I get one at say 25 yards or closer (or for the stray ground squirrel), but my go to is my .358 Winchester.

If you are confident in your ability to place a good shot, by all means give it a shot with the pistol, but for me, I prefer the rifle.
 
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