In Craig Boddington's book "American Hunting Rifles" he says the .44mag is marginal at best when compared to other better "rifle" rounds out there. He even goes on to say that a 30-30 winchester round is better on a bear, than any .44mag bullet.

As far as normal hunting under 100 yard for the average black bear (200lb class), I'd say the .44mag is fine. I've shot two 200lb black bears with my .44mag in a handgun with ranges between 30 feet and the second bear at 40 yards. Both one shot-one kills with a simple 240 grain bullet.

I'd say on a large moose or bear, you better be really really close, like "point blank" if the thing is charging you and all you have is a .44mag.

Sure It's taken lots of big game over the decades, but from the scenario that you described, go with something bigger.

If I had a large bear or moose charging me, I'd want the biggest handgun round available, like a .454 Casull or even the .480 Ruger is better than a .44mag out of a rifle barrel.

Edited by - Hk45USP on 02/28/2002 08:38:18