Just thought I'd let you guys know how the hunt turned out. I didn't use the .338 Win Mag or the 12 gauge Bernekke (sp) slugs. I shot my cow, 750 pounds estimated live weight, 372 pounds of meat from the butcher. The range was 40 yards. The cow was moving right to left. I waited for a side to side lung shot, behind the shoulder. Full penetration with round, a little low, evidenced by dark red blood, probably a major vein / arteries, not frothy lung blood. The cow moved off with the small herd she was with, for about 350 yards. I then shot a second time, with her moving left to right. The angle was enough that the left shoulder was penetrated by the bullet, after a full chest penetration, and lodged under the skin. My avoidance of a shoulder shot appeared to be un-necessary, considering the resulting full pentration and broken shoulder. The cow dropped at the second shot and never rose to her feet again. She was dead by the time I reached her. My sole disappointment was that the cow did move from her original position. My guide was delighted with my "excellent" shooting, the first exit hole and the second entrance hole were two inches apart, just inches behind the "elbow". The herd lead cow had just dropped a calf the week before, so I did not stalk on foot as I would have liked. For the sake of the calf, and cow, the second "back up" guide carried a .375 H&H, but definitely didn't want us close to her on foot, in case she charged. My primary guide, Brian, was a long time handgun hunter and understood pefectly what I wanted in a shot at my buffalo cow. The mature cow with a new calf was easily 3,000 pounds. I was used to domestic cattle and their weights, from my uncle's cattle in east Texas. His 2,000 bulls were small beside this big old girl. I think a shoulder shot would have worked fine, and given an quick anchor. I was mistified why my guide had such high praise for my shooting, although it was my first head of moving game. He explained that a "hunter" a few weeks ago had killed a bull from the same herd, granted bigger than my cow, taking nine shots from his .375 H&H. My second guide, Don, stated that only the last three shots were well placed. I guess a puny .44 Special, 240 grain cast SWC @ 1000 fps, in the heart / lungs is better than a .375 H&H around the edges. The recovered shoulder shot bullet was marked with rifling, without lube, but otherwise ready to be reloaded again! Thanks for all the help and advice. The hunt with North Texas Outfitters was great, good food, lodging, and company. It was a expertly managed and executed hunt in my opinion. I plan on a turkey hunt next year, with my .357 Magnum S&W model 27, using 110 grain JHPs. I've wanted to find a use for my "small bore" .357 Magnum, this could be it.

#1 WATER buffalo?? Are you hunting American BISON? African CAPE buffalo?? Or the large Australian buffalo??

THREE THOUSAND POUND COW BUFFALO???? Thats a really hefty buffalo. NO MATTER which species.

I think we would ALL love to see a photo!

FN in MT

I've refrained from commenting on this until I heard the rest of the story. Now that I have, I just gotta say, Carson, ol' buddy, I think you're so full of shit that your eyes just gotta be brown, real brown. Post some pictures of your trophy, maybe I'll retract my statement.

Yes, pictures please. Did you load your own, or use factory ammo?

Carson,

Well done on a fine hunt and better shot. We all knew what would happen with a well placed shot and if there are any doubters out there, their worries should be calmed.

If they still question you or flat out say you are full of Sh__! Please do not give them the satisfaction of replying to their nonsense.

We all know and knew the 44 SPL was not the best tool for your hunt, that is no secret, but with the properly prepared load and a good shot, the mild 44 will do amazing things.

As I have said before and will always state about hunting with revolver rounds, there are three things that will put your trophy on the ground quick.

First is a well placed shot.

Second is a stout bullet with diameter over .40.

Third, enough penetration to punch a whole through the vitals.

Velocity means squat when hunting with handguns(Revolvers specifically) and kenetic energy means even less.

Drive a slug though the vitals and the animal will die.

You proved this point well again.

Congratulations on the hunt!!

Good Shooting!!

50

Give your 12 Ga to the guide to back you up and use his .338....it's a real simple deal.

Sounds similar to the load Linebaugh wrote about his wife takeing an Elk with her 45colt Seville.

Here's the pic you sent me.



Looks like too much fun, I'm going to try and go in January if I can swing it.

Did I read that right? Did you say that your second shot was at a range of 350 yards?? Please tell me I misunderstood...