44 mag. pistol for elk?

[TXhighrack]

I was just wondering if any of ya'll would consider using a 44 magnum pistol on elk. I think using a pistol would make the hunt that much more harder and rewarding. What do you think?

[elknut1]

Try a bow!!! elknut1

[TXhighrack]

I would but............I dont like bowhunting

[dog1]

Elknut 1,

Went to your web site and definitely enjoyed it.

Had a hunt planned for Co this year, but had to cancell it because of illness in the family. Your site just made it worse. Maybe someday.

dog1

[Red Strobes]

I'm going to use my 454 for elk simply because I'm a better shot with handguns than rifles. I also cannot draw my bow after breaking my hand a few years ago. just remember to keep your shot within a range that you can insure you get a clean one shot kill.

[ELKampMaster]

No doubt someone will point out that you can do in an elk with a 22LR so a 44mag will be plenty. With that said and in answer to you question, I would not use a 44 Mag pistol on elk (and I've got a couple 44's).

If I were to pursue elk with a pistol, then I would go to a substantially heavier cartridge, since pistols, by their very nature, are so much "weaker" than rifles and elk hunting can be challenging enough with rifles. [I'd probably go archery before pistols (since you can work the pre-rut and rut), but don't hold your breath on my using either one].

Are you a veteran elk hunter who is looking for more challenge or are you planning your first hunting trip into elk country? One way you have all the elk experience (critter & terrain) in place and just have to adapt to a new choice of weapon. The other way you are taking a first time elk experience (probably well outside of the rut) and stacking the odds heavily against yourself (assuming non-guided/public land hunt). This latter item makes a big, big, big difference in the overall equation as to actual do-ability/success % of the hunt and willingness and ability to ACTUALLY pass on that marginal/red-flag/don't-do-it shot after taking weeks off work and spending mucho bucks to pull off the hunt.

Just my $.02.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

[James B]

I have not used the 44 Mag on Elk but it will do the job on moose for sure. The fastest I have ever seen a moose hit the ground was shot with a 44 Mag Ruger Blackhawk. Stay within its range and it will cleanly kill anything.

[idahoelkinstructor]

ELKKampMaster has some good points. It depends on a lot of circumstances. I have killed elk with Rifle, muzzle loader, and bows. I have killed more elk with a bow than I have killed with Rifle or muzzleloader. I honestly believe I have a better chance at a big bull in September with a bow than most people do with a rifle in October, or November. I do want to shot one with my .454 pistol and I will someday, when I have a reason not to bowhunt that year. If you can hunt in the middle of september, or start of october, in the rut. Then you should have no problem getting close for a good shot. Idaho still offers general rifle bull elk hunts in the backcountry starting Sept. 15. If you are not hunting the rut, you do have your work cut out for you. But if you are a dedicated elk student, then you can learn to kill them on a yearly basis. No matter what wepon or time of year you choose.

[handloader1]

This year I will use my Ruger Super Redhawk .44 Rem. Mag. 7.5" barrrel with a Pentax 1.5-4x Pistol Scope. My loads will be 300 gr. LFN GC LBT style bullet traveling at 1450 f/s and 1400 lb/ft. It will do the job out to 100m. Good luck.