44 MAGNUM for Elk

[Arizonagunrunner]

Seeing as I posted this post, I want to chime in. I have read all the replys. I hunt all over this country. I've hunted in AZ for 30 years. Bagged everything AZ has to offer. I know the 44 isn't the 1st choice to hunt elk. But I am a throw back to the days before the magnum craze and bolt actions. I do love my Savage 110 in 06 though. I am of the beliefs in placing the bullet in the proper spot, get close and be humane. I have never shot past 100 yards or never shot any closer then 30 yards with my 44. I know the 44 will do the job. I know it will blow a huge hole in any animal in N.America. I normally use a 300 grain hard cast fo my 44 that I roll myself. I am a hunter. I am not looking for trophys, meat is my goal.
My 44 magum record with my Marlin 1894:

1 cow elk
2 black bear
1 mountain lion
2 coues whitetail (best was a 6 point buck)
3 mule deer (best was a 6x6)
4 Javalina
2 bobcats
2 turkey
100s of varmints
still wanting to get an antelope, just cant get close enough.
all were taken with one shot, none ran further then 60 yards.

 

[Cee Zee]

I carry a S&W 629 for SD on my farm with Buffalo Bore 255 gr. "Keith" hard cast bullets. I carry it because there is a significant black bear population there on the farm now. I do not feel under gunned with that setup. From all I've see the flat nose, super hard cast stuff really does a number on bone like the skull of a bear.

If I had my choice I would use my Savage 110 30.06 or one of my 12 ga. shotguns with Black Magic slugs in it. That's probably the most lethal thing I can think of to use short of a .30 magnum of some sort. Those shells are rated for dangerous game including brown bears.