Elk Hunting With a Pistol

[44 Flattop]

I've taken quite a few elk and a whole lot of deer with the .44 mag.  I've hunted with the .44 in rifle and pistol form for close to 30 years.  Outside of only 2 elk I can't remember taking any others with jacketed,  I use cast only. 

255gr SWC's to 330gr truncated nose and velocities from 1150fps to 1350fps kills elk every time.  And out to 125 yards.  Penetration is fantastic, I've never failed to have complete penetration with cast.  Even once with a 240gr @ 1100fps, the bullet exited. 

Let me make one suggestion.  Do NOT take a rifle along with the thoughts of using a pistol 'if its close enough'.  Won't happen.  You WILL use the rifle, every time.  Been there done that and it wasn't until I left my rifle at home back in the early '80's that I actually started taking game with whatever pistol I was using.  You'll find that you won't hunt in areas where the shots will be 300 yards.  Instead you'll be pounding the areas where the shots will be from 30 to 100 yards. 

44

[Atroxus]

I had a buddy years ago that hunted bear with a "pistol", so I would imagine that elk should not be a problem. I use the term "pistol" lightly in my buddy's case though as personally I considered it more of a rifle with a pistol grip. It was a TC .45-70, and he took at least 1 bear with it that I know of, so I am pretty sure it would take an elk too if he went that way.

[hillbilli]

i've killed deer with the .44, but not elk yet. practice with your chosen weapon, all the positions, not just off the bench, know your effective range, and as long as the bullet is 240gr or heavier, you should have no problem. my short .44 is good to about 60yds, my long one (super redhawk) out past a hundred. (6" groups at a hundred). 

[littlemac]

ing, its the factory SW shoulder holster, I'm travelling and can't look at it for the leather maker

[Huntbear]

Look at the Sierra 300 gr. JSP bullets.  They were designed for elk, bear, and hogs.  Good medicine.

[ing]

Thanks for all the info guy's.  Is anyone else thinking about pistol hunting this year?