There seems to be some interest on the board about the Ruger SBH Hunter and picking a handgun cal from a short list of straight walled cases and a few other related interests. For those interested the link is to an article I wrote on the 44 SBH Hunter and some of my recent hunting experiences with it including some pretty big stuff in Africa.

Gary

http://www.handgunhunt.com/noframes/reviews/r11/index.html

Energy wise, the 44 mag is roughly equivalent to the 30-30, but it makes a bigger hole and has a heavier bullet. Heavier bullets tend to retain velocity over longer distances, but at slower muzzle velocities, they also have a more "looping" trajectory.

I can hit a one-foot square target at 100 yds with a SBH in 44 mag, braced with iron sights, 10.5" bbl . . . But it's not easy. I had a 44 mag Marlin 1894S lever action carbine -- like the Winchester 1894. A damn fine brush gun, but limited pretty much to about 100-150 yds.

I agree and don't imply the 44 Mag is sufficient for the larger big game at distances over 100 yards. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a deer at 150 with it. But certainly some of the point of hunting with a handgun is getting closer. By far the most important aspect is putting the bullet where it's supposed to go.

You took some fine animals in africa hunt4fun! Congrats. I also hunted africa this year with my S&W 44mag.I should scope mine im getting a little old for them iron sites. I took 4 animals with mine longest shot was about 150 yards and that was the only one that needed tracking. Took the rest at under 40 yards and anchored them to the spot. Did you use factory loads ? I had to as I dont reload yet! I used winchester supers 230 grains.
Dean

Actually I did use factory bullets. I reload but decided to use hard cast and after a bit of fooling around with different ones I settled on the Federal and Garretts. I'm not too sure these bullets/loads can be significantly improved upon by the handloader except for the price.

hunt4fun, I read that a couple days ago on that other site. It was a great read. I would love to do what you did but with my 445 supermag dan Wesson. Sounds like you had a blast pun intended. I have been bitten by the handgun hunting bug pretty good now and hope to get other in my armory. Congrats on you sucess in Africa

Brian