Guys,

With proper bullet placement, is there any reason that a .44 mag shooting heavy cast bullets would not be effective on Elk and similar sized game out to 100 yards? My biggest concern is a quick, humane kill. If what I am describing is marginal for elk, please tell me.

Thanks,

Jesse

Bullets such as the 320 grain Cast Performance projectile, with its wide, flat meplat, would work fine on elk given good shot plcement, but that's the case no matter what you are shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Bullets such as the 320 grain Cast Performance projectile, with its wide, flat meplat, would work fine on elk given good shot plcement, but that's the case no matter what you are shooting.

+ 1

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Bullets such as the 320 grain Cast Performance projectile, with its wide, flat meplat, would work fine on elk given good shot plcement, but that's the case no matter what you are shooting.

Haven't hunted elk yet but my zebra rug is quite unhappy to agree with Mr Tomek. It met its end at the hands of a 320 gr WFN started at 1375.

ruger 270

All manner of game has been killed with factory 240gr cast and jacketed bullets, back in the day, when that was all that was avialable for the 44 Mag.

There is little doubt that hard cast bullets @300gr are superior for big game in the 44.

I would not hesitate to hunt ANY game on the Planet with @300 gr bullets in a 44 Mag.

PS I have tested 44 Mag Garrett Hammerheads on cape buff and elephants. They had plenty of penetration.

ive taken buffalo that weighted twice that cleanly with a 44.

No contest! A 44 mag is more than enough gun for a elk at 100 yrds. If my 41 can do it your 44 will do it!
As stated here and on many other threads. Placement is the key to killing cleanly!
MM

Thanks guys, looks like it is time to replace the .44 that I sold a few years back.

Jesse

I've taken 3 elk with a 44 magnum. All were one shot kills, all were 50- 75 yds.

quote:

Originally posted by ruger270:
Thanks guys, looks like it is time to replace the .44 that I sold a few years back.

Jesse

It's unanimous -- you need to get another .44 mag!

I have also seen bison killed cleanly with 3oo grain LWFN slugs at 1350. Makes a hole all the way through with extensive damage on broadside shots. Kills all out of proportion to it's size.

Now the real question is, which one?

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Now the real question is, which one?

That's a nice dilemma to face!

to much of a varity in tastes here. Youll have to answer that one for yourself

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Now the real question is, which one?

I have larger then the .44 because I like them too. But my .44 will never be sold. It will always be as much as you need.
I will never be without one.

I've killed a single elk with a .44 magnum out of a 6.5" M-29 Smith. Used the classic Keith slug the 429421 at 1250 fps. In one side...out the other. Popped both lungs...end of story.

I've also killed three wounded elk with a 3" .44 Spcl with the same slug but at a mere 900 fps at the muzzle. Shot all three in the heart lung area and all three died quite quickly. All three of those slugs EXITED.

The .44 mag with a hardcast heavy slug WORKS just fine.

FN in MT

Well, I killed a nice bull moose in 2002 with a 300gr LBTWFN, shot him 3 times, the first one killed him, moose are just like that. The last shot broke both shoulders at 15 yds, the other two were pass throughs. For deer (one buck several does), elk (2 cows) and black bear (3 from 175 to 350 lbs.) I prefer Nosler Partitions, 250gr at 1350fps. Much more accurate in my 44's, Ruger Super Blackhawks, and they have killed very well.

The big issue is shot placement and practice. I've found 7 gr of Trail Boss and 240 gr Lazer cast bullets provide a very mild, less than 900fps, practice load. Shoot a lot also shoot a lot at 100yds, it's a real eye opener. Try using it for varmints, best pratice in my book.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
ruger 270

All manner of game has been killed with factory 240gr cast and jacketed bullets, back in the day, when that was all that was avialable for the 44 Mag.

There is little doubt that hard cast bullets @300gr are superior for big game in the 44.

I would not hesitate to hunt ANY game on the Planet with @300 gr bullets in a 44 Mag.

PS I have tested 44 Mag Garrett Hammerheads on cape buff and elephants. They had plenty of penetration.

N E 450 No 2, is talking from experience and that means the most to me

jwp475

Thanks.

Let me add the shots from the 44 in Africa were fired from a 4" S&W .

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
jwp475

Thanks.

Let me add the shots from the 44 in Africa were fired from a 4" S&W .

Looking forward to seeing them!!

Elk are not wearing kevlar by any means. I've killed several with a .41Magnum 250grWFNGC at 1450fps. I haven't killed any of them at 100yards though as I like to get much closer. I handgun hunt like I used to bow hunt. Get close says my pappy, then, get a little closer. The .44 should do the job when the shooter does theirs. Have a good time putting the sneak on them.