44MAG load for Elk?

[tpbscha]

I've always shot 200gr hornady XTP's for deer around here and they work great. I'm thinking about carrying my 7.5" Redhawk with me in CO next fall and was wondering if a 240gr bullet would be ok or should I go all the way up to a 300gr?

 

[onesonek]

Personally I would go with the heavier weights. While the lighter weights give you more speed and maybe more energy,,,,, With big bore handguns, weight equals momentum, which in turn adds to penetration. With these slower bullets you don't need to worry about as much meat destruction. So for me, I would use heavier and put it on bone and into the vitals,,,, let the mass and mommentum do all the work, to break the animal down.

 

[velvetant]

I would load it up with some Beartooth 330gr heavy cast bullets
Since lead bullets don't build as much pressure you can get a 330 cast bullet traveling the same velocity as a jacketed 300gr
Randy

 

[YoteSmoker]

I carry a 5.5" SBH loaded with 240 XTP for any up close action or coue de gras work. I have had 7.5" SBH and SRH and found they were to heavy and bulky for me to hunt with in elevation combined with my rifle. The 4.63" is a little small in my hand. I'd definitley go with a 240 or maybe 300 if you feel the need.

 

[338winmag]

Hey Yote!
I had the same problem with my RH. Those extra 54-60 oz just add up especially when you are not used to it and you are at 11,000. It is now the camp protector at night.

Hey what season and area you hunting. I am 2nd in area 35-36.

 

[JD338]

The lightest bullet I would consider is the 250 gr Partition (if you can find them). The 300 gr JHP would work as well as hard cast lead.

JD338

 

[Charlie-NY]

Swift A-frame, available in 240gr or 300gr

 

[BK]

.300ish + grain LBT WFN type, cast hard.

 

[YoteSmoker]

338man, I'll be home from my deployment in 24 days and hunting 3rd season 9 days later in gmu 11. Can't wait! Not that I'm counting or anything.

 

[SJB358]

So far I have been very impressed with the WFN 250 grain Beartooth Bullet in my 44. They are very accurate and penetrate beyond my ability to stop them. I will be carrying those and 240gr Noslers this year. Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

300's produce a nice thump in hand.

Big bullets for big game? Seems simple and sound to me.

 

[FOTIS]

300 gr xtp 20 grain h110................................

 

[Greg Nolan]

Is the 44 your primary hunting weapon or just for a finishing shot? If it's the primary than Heavy hard cast in the 300+ gr. range with heavy loads like Buffalo Bore makes will be the best and 250 gr. Partition Golds a close second. Any quality bullet 240grs. on up will work for a finishing shot at point blanc. I use 240 JKT SIL bullets for hogs and finishing elk. They are jacketed flat nose where the jacket extends past the front point edge and leaves just a dot of exposed lead. Great penetration on the armor of big wild boars.
Greg

 

[Charlie-NY]

I've always shot 200gr hornady XTP's for deer around here and they work great. I'm thinking about carrying my 7.5" Redhawk with me in CO next fall and was wondering if a 240gr bullet would be ok or should I go all the way up to a 300gr?

I experimented with 300gr XTP's in my 7.5" SRH and was surprised to see that impacts on paper were higher than expected. So high, in fact, that the sights did not have enough adjustment to bring the impact down to the point of aim. I bought a higher front sight which resolved the problem but the tall sight blade dragged a bit in my holster.

Eventually I put the original sight back on and went back to a lighter bullet. Use the 240 Swift A-Frame and hunt with confidence.

 

[tpbscha]

The pistol will be my secondary just in case a bull or buck walks up within 50yds or so. Depends on how tired I get of carrying it. I have a 4x Leupold on there and it shoots great. I'll probably practice out to 75 yds with it. I've killed several does from 20-55yds in the past. I just toss it in my backpack and go. Thanks for the suggestions!