Thoughts on 44 Magnum

[DIRTYHARRYBALLISTICS]

If you watch any hunting show that is after DG you'll notice that at least one PH has his rifle and if by chance if is a second PH. he'll be packing a rifle as well.

No matter what the hunter is packing. Be it a 22Lr or a 88mm howitzer

Thats fine, but it doesnt jive with your statement that says you would never consider a pistol a backup firearm on a DG hunt. Just because you havent seen a PH carrying one, doesnt indicate its not capable as one. A handgun with matched performance to a .500 nitro with 5 shots and not just 2, makes a fair bit more sense being follow up shots will be quicker, and in dense brush a handgun is far more quickly maneuvered than any rifle. The Bushwhacker is also quite new, so it hasnt had any chance to appear in a PH's hands. It seems likely to me that it would find its way to that position due to its capability.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I posted this in another thread that discussed the 44 mag and in my Zimbabwe hunt report.

For those that missed my previous threads on this subject.

44 cal, 430 diameter, 300 grain solid, Lehigh Extreme Penetration. Fired from my 4-5/8 inch Magnum Research 44 BFR into a Cape Buff and a Gemsbok at 10 yards. Both bullets went through the sternum and recovered in the spine. Massive destruction of the sternum and spinal vertebrae.

The velocity is around 1200 to 1300 fps.

The Gemsbok shot was a finishing shot. The buff was killed with a 300 grain, 375H&H backed by a 458WM. The 44 cal into the buff bull was for testing the effects of the bullet It preformed surprisingly well; enough to trust my reloads should I need it in self defense of a charging buff.

I would have no problem with this load as a primary for hunting buff.

 

[Dewald]

I love my Ruger SBH. When the freezer is full I glo play with my six shooter and 340gr hard casts. They are devastating on plainsgame and ruin almost no meat. Same with Hornady 240gr XTP.

I think it was Elmar Keith who said: “you eat right up to the bullet hole…”

My only frustration is I do not shoot it enough. 8” gongs at 100yards are a breeze with a rest or tripod like the old Bogpod.

Lastly, an old fixed long eye relief Leupold 4x power worked very well and is great for load development, but of late I much prefer hunting with an Aimpoint Micro H1 on a small Wiggitiny rail that attaches to the milled out slot for the rear sight.

I however still keep my longer rail, Leupold 4x32 and QRW rings if I will be chasing game over greater distances.

My current dream is a 100kg plus bushpig boar at night over bait on a full moon night or with a very low intensity red dimmer.

 

[ftrovato]

Pistol + Mad/Hungry Bear = Human Snack
Bear Spray + Mad/Hungry Bear = No Human Snack

Pistol + Mad Dangerous Animal in Africa = Human Snack

Just my uneducated guess!

 

[DIRTYHARRYBALLISTICS]

Pistol + Mad/Hungry Bear = Human Snack
Bear Spray + Mad/Hungry Bear = No Human Snack

Pistol + Mad Dangerous Animal in Africa = Human Snack

Just my uneducated guess!

I'm guessing you havent spent much time in grizzly country. A mad/hungry bear wont care about bear spray. Theres a good number of accounts of it. Bear spray is better than nothing, but carrying enough gun is the most effective way to stop an angry bear.

 

[lobo9er]

Funny, but the first thing I thought of was 44 mag in a rifle for deer. Those in the know swear by it at under a hundred yards. There is a Ruger carbine in 44 at a gunshop in Dallas, Jackson Arms.

I love mine with Iron sights on drives or in a blind or tree stand in thick stuff. After these CCI's I have Hornady 240 gr XTP's or Sellier & Bellot 240 gr SP. If its something you're interested in and it looks like a nice example Id pick it up. they don't last long on Gunbroker if you ever want to get rid of it. Ive thought many times to pick up another and put a low power scope on it.