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Offline olywa

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Choices, choices...
« on: October 01, 2006, 05:34:09 AM »
Okay guys, help me make a choice here. I got back into Contenders last year and I am now up to 3 barrels suitable for big game:
   - 14" 30-30 AI
   - 12" 357 Max
   - 14" 44 Mag

I'm trying to decide which one to use on Elk this year. The area I hunt is very heavy undergrowth and timber and shots are not likely to exceed 75 yards, maybe 100 yards max. My thinking is that the 30-30 AI with a 150gr Ballistic Tip is a bit light and that maybe the 357 Max with a 180gr SSP might be as well. So I'm leaning towards the 44 Mag with either a 300gr hardcast or a 300gr jacketed softpoint. My manuals tell me I should be able to push those to a little over 1400fps. My goal is to punch as big a hole as possible through the boiler room. How's my logic and should I take anything else into consideration?
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: Choices, choices...
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2006, 12:28:50 AM »
With the choices you have given, I would go with the 44 Mag with a good 300 gr. soft nose bullet.
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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Choices, choices...
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2006, 01:56:06 AM »
Yup I'd definitely go with the .44 Magnum given that list of options. Not sure I'd use a JHP or JSP tho, I think I'd go with a 300-325 grain hard cast myself. In the thick timber the shot angle might not be ideal and a good blood trail from an exit hole could come in mighty handy.
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Offline olywa

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Re: Choices, choices...
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2006, 08:00:36 PM »
44 it is. I keep coming back to the thumper. Thanks guys.
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Offline Steve P

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Re: Choices, choices...
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2006, 09:25:01 PM »
Get some of those heavy bullets from the guys in Centralia and that 44 will dump an elk.  That 325 grainer is a bruiser. 

Go Cougs!!

Steve   8)
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