Ruger Deerfield enough for elk?

[300winman]

I have a 44mag Deerfield and was wondering if it would be a good 100yard or less elk rifle? I'm kinda limited on ammo as it will not chamber the longer Garrett type rounds. I have shot the Federal premium 300gr castcores with good accuracy. I was looking at getting a big bore say in a 45/70 or 450 marlin, if the 44 will not do.

[dawei]

I have a 44mag Deerfield and was wondering if it would be a good 100yard or less elk rifle? I'm kinda limited on ammo as it will not chamber the longer Garrett type rounds. I have shot the Federal premium 300gr castcores with good accuracy. I was looking at getting a big bore say in a 45/70 or 450 marlin, if the 44 will not do.

Originally; I thought, the 44Mag would be insufficient for the task. The more I pondered this however; since so many elk fell to that caliber in a handgun, why not? I know of a lady that shot a 7x6 and dropped it with a 243 @ 80yds.

After all; how much is the gun/caliber, and, how much is the shooter?

[Patriot_1776]

I'd say it would be best, as with all handgun cartridges, to stay with 50-75yds max.  Those big heavy bullets going approx. 1500- 1650fps just don't fly flat and often times, those cartridges can lose punch when getting to around 100yds.  I'm sure the 44mag is sufficient for the purposes you intend, but I wouldn't push it too far.  The most important thing is if you have the utmost confidence in your rifle, and the proper ammo, you will do fine.  

I know of a lady that shot a 7x6 and dropped it with a 243 @ 80yds.

David, that I assure you is not a recommended practice, but then, what bullet was she using? Patriot

[Graybeard]

I'd say it would be best, as with all handgun cartridges, to stay with 50-75yds max. Those big heavy bullets going approx. 1500- 1650fps just don't fly flat and often times, those cartridges can lose punch when getting to around 100yds. I'm sure the 44mag is sufficient for the purposes you intend, but I wouldn't push it too far.

I take it you aren't a handgun hunter, right?

The reason I say this is those of us who are long ago learned the info you gave isn't correct. Bullets in general especially those which are grossly deformed by impact actually seem to penetrate more not less at reduced velocity. One thousand fps is plenty of muzzle velocity for adequate game killing performance with 250-300 grain .44 and up handguns. Started at that velocity they are plenty flat for 100 yard use. The higher velocity from a rifle only flattens it more.

I've made some revolver shots with the .44 mag on deer out to about 100 yards and it is a fine killer at those ranges using the Hornady 240 XTP. Using a hard cast only makes it better way out there.

If the Federal Cast Core will work in the Ruger that's a good choice. Or if not see if Tim at Buffalo Bore has something that will feed in it. For elk I'd rather see you using a hard cast and also one of 300 grains or so. Don't use a JHP of 240 or less grains on elk would be my advice. But even with them a broadside thru the lungs at 100 yards is a dead elk.

[Patriot_1776]

I take it you aren't a handgun hunter, right?

Correctamundo GB, I'm not a hunter at all   (yet!)

The reason I say this is those of us who are long ago learned the info you gave isn't correct.

I'll admit you're right, alot of you guys probably do have more firmly based knowledge about handgun ballistics and hunting.   I was merely stating what I thought about the idea of bullet velocity relative to weight in grains and distance.  As I further stated, that if one has the utmost confidence (meaning that he knows his gun's capabilities and limits,) he can judge better what ranges are off-limits.  But there are some manufacturers out there like you stated who give exceptional performance to their cartridges.  That is where handloads can come in handy too! :grin:   Please know too that I am still doing my best to gain whatever knowledge I can to aid in my desire to hunt in the future and to be able to help others with their questions.  Thanks for your correction on this issue.  I know this is off subject, but do you know the best place I can order that JB Bore paste for the SRH?    Patriot

[Graybeard]

Can't rightly say I know the "best" place to order it if such exists.

I do know Midsouth Shooters Supply carries it. They too are a company I'm in negotiations with and I expect to become an advertiser here in the not too far distant future. But they do have a $40 minimum order or they add $5 to the price which is a bit much for a one item order.

Brownell's definitely carries it as does Sinclair International and likely folks like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops do but don't bet the farm on the latter two. Graf and son's likely has it. Any such place should have it.

Just ask for JB Bore Paste. There is also a USB or maybe USP Bore Paste. I think it is the original JB formula and the current JB is a revised and improved formula. I've used both but prefer what's now sold as JB.

[300winman]

Now here is a tricky question! I also have a Taurus Raging Bull(6.5")in a 44mag, that can shoot any 44mag load. Would it be better to hunt with the heavier loads in the pistol or the lighter ones for the rifle. Now keep in mind where I hunt most of the shots will be around 50-60yds with the longest being around 100yds, there aren't too many long shots in the rainforest of the olympic penninsula.

[Patriot_1776]

That is a tricky question, so I'll "take a shot" at it.  First of all, I myself am not a good judge of what is best and what is not, so forgive me if I don't make sense.  But in my idea, if I were an average hunter who's had his fill of hunting with a long gun, I would take the pistol for the sake of challenge.  They always say taking a trophy animal is always more exciting with a pistol than a rifle... Most likely because with a pistol, you have to get closer than a normal range for a rifle, which is around 100+yds.  Ditto for the archers, compared to pistol hunting, they have to get even closer most often.  I've read even more fun is obtained when a perfect stalk is initiated allowing you to get REAL close.  I like the idea of taking a pistol because you can pack lighter too.  But as you said, your shots don't average long due to the surrounding lanscape, so it merely depends on what you would enjoy most.  If this did/did not answer your question, please let me know.   Patriot

[Graybeard]

In the .44 Magnum I prefer 240 grain JHPs for deer. Either the Hornady XTP or the Nosler JHP.

For bigger badder or dangerous stuff I'd want more bullet weight and prefer a hard cast when available and usable. If you're hunting deer and that's all, then go with the 240 JHPs. If bear, elk, moose or hogs is on the agenda I personally say go with a hard cast of 280-320 grains.

[myronman3]

lead bullets are not for use in the ruger auto 44's.  

from rugers instruction manuel:

Do not use lead bullets -- they will clog the gas port in the barrel and prevent proper action cycling. Aluminum-cased ammunition should not be used, as it may stick in the chamber when fired, resulting in extraction and functioning problems. .44 Magnum cartridges with bullet weights below 215 grains are generally not compatible with the Ruger Deerfield Carbine, and those with bullet weights above 255 grains generally exceed the maximum overall length of 1.610” allowed by U.S. Industry Standards and may not fit into the magazine.

i would say either a 240 grain soft point, or a 300 grain bullet.

[dawei]

I know of a lady that shot a 7x6 and dropped it with a 243 @ 80yds.

David, that I assure you is not a recommended practice, but then, what bullet was she using? Patriot

95gr Nosler Partition® Spitzer. In Wa state a .243/6mm is the minimum caliber allowed to hunt big game.

[Varmint Hunter]

I have had no problems shooting 300gr XTP bullets in my Ruger DeerField, despite their claim that the rifle was intended for lighter bullets.

Personally, I wouldn't shoot cast bullets in a DeerField. For a heavy weight, high quality jacketed hunting bullet look at the Swift A-Frame or the Nosler Partition. Not sure about the Barnes XPB but that may also be a bullet to consider.

VH

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Wouldn't be legal in this state---not that we have many to shoot at here----but there is a season-----and there isn't enough oooommmmmph on paper for it to be legal here.