44 mag for cow elk enough gun?

[tonyinky]

Hello everyone. I have checked this site alot over the years but have never had a question until now. I have used my SRH in 44 mag with 240 gr. XTP at 1500 fps to take deer with great results. The SRH has had a single action trigger job, barrel recrowned, forcing cone checked OK, wears 2-6X Bushnel, and groups 3" at 100 yds. I have been drawn for a cow elk tag and thinking about using the SRH. I always take "good" shots at game. I would like to hear from experienced hunters who have used a 44 mag on elk. Loads? Range? Cast or Jacketed Bullets? etc... This is a great site and where I came to first. Thanks in advance, Tony

[xphunter]

The pistol and the cartridge are definitely capable.  I know a lot of guys suggest a heavier bullet for elk, but I am inexperienced with 44's.

[Mikey]

Elk are big critters and can take a lot of punishment.  Being large animals, if they take a step just before you pull the trigger they are liable to move your poi off by 6" to a foot and your slug may not hit a vital area.

The 44 magnum is capable of taking Elk, but I would go with a heavier bullet and put it through the heart and lungs.  A 240 gn XTP may expand too fast to get you the penetration you need, or may veer off a shoulder into non-vital areas.  A 300 gn hardcast semi-wadcutter should penetrate clean through and cut a nice square hole right through the vitals, if you place it right.  That should bring her down within a few steps.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Questor]

It will work, but you need hard cast bullets. Many hunters have taken cow elk with 240 grain cast bullets.  Today's trend is to heavier bullets but I would personally stick with the 240 or 250 grainers provided they are hard.  For really phenomenal penetration, use hard 300 grainers.  

The biggest issues are distance, trajectory, and shot placement. The bullets will penetrate if all these other things are reasonable.