.44 Magnum for Elk

[GETTYLEIGH]

Just curious here, but does the above all go for a .44 Mag. rifle too? I have a Win. Trapper in .44 Mag. I don't plan on hunting with it, but wondered how well it would do? I do know that the longer barrel is supposed to give better speed and energy and all that, but don't know the particulars.

Here is a general idea from Hornady . . .

http://www.hornady.com/store/44-Mag-...EVERevolution/

[rondog]

Here is a general idea from Hornady . . .

http://www.hornady.com/store/44-Mag-...EVERevolution/

Hmm, quite a difference, it looks like to me. And I happen to have a full box of those LEVERevolution .44 mag. rounds. I wouldn't mind trying an elk or deer hunt just once before I croak, probably never happen though.

[CapLock]

That trapped would be good for hunting dark timber. Range would be close and they would probably be moving fast.

[GETTYLEIGH]

Hmm, quite a difference, it looks like to me. And I happen to have a full box of those LEVERevolution .44 mag. rounds. I wouldn't mind trying an elk or deer hunt just once before I croak, probably never happen though.

I like the leverevolutions. the plastic tips do make them more accurate. I hit a 32oz gatorade bottle stuck on a tree branch at 75 yards on the third shot I used. I'd have never done that with a wad cutter in that .44 carbine.

That said . . . when it comes to hunting I live by the old motto "safety, ethics, marksmanship." I don't see an issue with using a .44 on deer in a thick brush setting, but If I had a choice between that and a 30-06 for elk, I would use the 30-06. Some guys in hunting camp will you a hard time for using the 30-06 even.

What it boils down to is that most people are not going to stop their hunt, to help you spend the rest of the day tracking down your animal, if you were not wise enough to use an properly sized-ethical caliber to shoot it in the first place. Its not fair to the animal either, if it lies somewhere dying a slow death because someone shot it with an underpowered cartridge or at a weird angle. I'm not saying a .44 wouldn't take down an elk; but it takes a special kind of person to resist taking a shot if they know the animal is out of the gun's reach.

I'm betting you have a .308 around somewhere. In Colorado a guy can use a semi auto to hunt with as long as the magazine and chamber are limited to holding 6 rounds combined. They make 5 round mags for AR-10's and the like.

[rondog]

Um, if you're addressing me, I have a Rem 700 and an M1 Garand, both .30-06. Two Mosins in 7.62x54R, an Enfield in .303, a Swiss K31 in 7.5x55, and an Arisaka 99 in 7.7 Japanese, but nothing in .308. So if I were to go elk hunting, I wouldn't need the use the .44mag carbine, got plenty of big enough firepower.

But that's just it, I'm not a hunter. I wouldn't have a clue where to begin. I have the gun and the shooting skill, but that's it. No idea where to go, no idea what to do with a big dead animal, nobody to hunt with, camping gear, 4wd vehicle, etc. At least I have the sense to realize that taking off by myself to go try and shoot me a critter isn't a good idea. I'm better off buying steaks at King Soopers.

[Limited GM]

I've taken 17 white-tail with different handguns. each one meant more to me than a rifle kill. Just pick your shot with the utmost scrutiny and you'll do OK.