I am very fond of the Marlin .444. I have taken three deer so far this season for a total of twelve with this rifle. The deer nearly always drop instantly and never have had to take a second shot at one. Mine shoots groups of five shots in one inch at 100 yards. I have taken deer with other rifles, but prefer the .444 as I have absolute confidence in it. Factory Remington ammo gives you 2,350 feet per second out of the muzzle and nearly 3,000 lbs. of energy with a 240 grain bullet, and handloaded ammo will do even better. For deer or bear, I don't think you would be disapointed. The reload manuals claim it to effective out to 200 yards, so elk is a serious possibility too.

"Fast is fine, but accurate is final". "Wild Bill" Hickok - 1869