.44 Mag for Elk

hudson69 · July 21, 2011, 03:04 PM

Hola,
I am actively looking for a hunting rifle but due to budget I was going to use my Super-Blackhawk in .44 mag.

I don't mind not getting one (tag) because I wasn't able to be sneaky enough to get in close for a good shot but I don't want to get a "good" shot and still have the animal only be injured and run 10 miles before dropping.

I have successfully hunted mule deer with my handgun but never hunted Elk at all.

Opinions appreciated; especially in regard to choice of ammo and best range(s).

Kestrel4k · July 21, 2011, 03:14 PM

With regards to ammo, I'd look into Hornady FTX ammo (best trajectory w/ highest B.C.) and Buffalo Bore or Garrett hard-cast (excellent penetration).

mete · July 21, 2011, 08:36 PM

For jacketed factory loaded - Corbon DPX [barnes all copper,], Federal Swift A-frame 280 gr, And I think Speers Deep Curl is available factory loaded.

Rifleman1776 · July 22, 2011, 07:01 AM

Sounds like you are an experienced pistol shooter and that is the key. There are many good bullets available today. Take yer pick. Just get close and good luck.

ZeroJunk · July 22, 2011, 09:29 AM

I think the range would be the distance you could consistently hit a dinner plate. If you get behind the diaphram you will lose your elk with most anything unless you have enough snow to follow him for a few hours. But, where you could get away with a shoulder shot using a proper size rifle and good bullets I doubt you could penetrate it with a 44 Mag. So, a quartering toward you shot would be a bad idea. That's the way we look at bow hunting for elk. If you get in to the shoulder you are likely to lose your elk even though the heart might be right behind it.

mete · July 22, 2011, 09:45 AM

The DPX I used on a 250 lb red deer [like our elk] smashed through a rib, hit a glancing blow to a vertabrae went through both lungs , smashed through another rib and stopped against the hide on the other side.
I hope to try the A-frame Federal load this fall as I bought some.

elkman06 · July 23, 2011, 06:25 AM

After investing in a elk hunt, it would feel terrible to you to consistently see elk at say 150yds and never be able to drop one. I say either purchase a reasonably priced rifle or at least borrow one from a friend for a backup, or second choice at getting the animal.
elkman06

July 21, 2011, 03:04 PM	#1
hudson69 Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 24	.44 Mag for Elk Hola, I am actively looking for a hunting rifle but due to budget I was going to use my Super-Blackhawk in .44 mag. I don't mind not getting one (tag) because I wasn't able to be sneaky enough to get in close for a good shot but I don't want to get a "good" shot and still have the animal only be injured and run 10 miles before dropping. I have successfully hunted mule deer with my handgun but never hunted Elk at all. Opinions appreciated; especially in regard to choice of ammo and best range(s). __________________ A man ought to do what he thinks is right John Wayne

July 21, 2011, 08:36 PM	#3
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	For jacketed factory loaded - Corbon DPX [barnes all copper,], Federal Swift A-frame 280 gr, And I think Speers Deep Curl is available factory loaded. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

July 22, 2011, 09:45 AM	#6
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	The DPX I used on a 250 lb red deer [like our elk] smashed through a rib, hit a glancing blow to a vertabrae went through both lungs , smashed through another rib and stopped against the hide on the other side. I hope to try the A-frame Federal load this fall as I bought some. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

July 23, 2011, 06:25 AM	#7
elkman06 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 885	After investing in a elk hunt, it would feel terrible to you to consistently see elk at say 150yds and never be able to drop one. I say either purchase a reasonably priced rifle or at least borrow one from a friend for a backup, or second choice at getting the animal. elkman06 __________________ "The right of the citizens to bear arms in the defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied." Wyoming Constitution Article 1, Sec24 "Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6"

July 21, 2011, 03:14 PM	#2
Kestrel4k Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: The Willamette Valley, in Oregon Posts: 97	With regards to ammo, I'd look into Hornady FTX ammo (best trajectory w/ highest B.C.) and Buffalo Bore or Garrett hard-cast (excellent penetration).

July 22, 2011, 07:01 AM	#4
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Sounds like you are an experienced pistol shooter and that is the key. There are many good bullets available today. Take yer pick. Just get close and good luck.

July 22, 2011, 09:29 AM	#5
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	I think the range would be the distance you could consistently hit a dinner plate. If you get behind the diaphram you will lose your elk with most anything unless you have enough snow to follow him for a few hours. But, where you could get away with a shoulder shot using a proper size rifle and good bullets I doubt you could penetrate it with a 44 Mag. So, a quartering toward you shot would be a bad idea. That's the way we look at bow hunting for elk. If you get in to the shoulder you are likely to lose your elk even though the heart might be right behind it.