[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Looking for actual BTDT results; particularly interested in success in use of leverguns like the Win 92 & clones in the likes of .45 Colt, .44 Mag, and .454 Casull (like the Puma). Anyone?

[T.R.]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/357MAGelk-1.jpg

I toppled this cow elk with .357 MAG fired from my Taurus revolver. Distance was approx 50 ft. Animal's live weight was approx 500 lbs or so. Admittedly, 357 MAG is NOT an ideal elk cartridge. But the hunter who has the patience and close range skills of an archer will find this cartridge can produce kill shots for big animals such as elk.

A carbine barrel produces higher velocity and that's a good thing. But it still takes knowledgeable shot placement to do the job; numbers on paper never tell the whole story about lethality.

I'm no expert for moose. But I killed a good sized bull in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1980's with my .308. Two shots into the chest toppled the animal. Distance was approx 125 yards which is too far for a revolver cartridge.

TR

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Thanks, TR - just what I was looking for. I'm trying to decide whether to keep or sell the Puma 92 in .454 casull, since I'm thinning the herd. It's a sweet little rifle, but trying to figure out whether I'd ever actually, really use it on a "long-trek" hunt as a lightweight quick-handling rifle in the thick aspens & evergreens for elk or thick marshes for moose. I kinda doubt I would because I ain't going in any further than I can haul it out anyway. But trying to come up with a reason to keep the rifle! :)

[Byron]

T.R., what bullet weight did you use and brand?That is a fascinating picture. Byron

[pat86323]

i didnt do it but when i was about 9 i watched my dad kill a decent bull elk with a smith model 19 in 357 at about 50 feet or so. It can be done for sure.

[janobles14]

i would sell it....to me. we all know that you can even kill a squirrel with a .454 (much less a .45 colt).

[svtruth]

Prez of one of the mfrs of hot pistol ammo took the dangerous five in Africa w a .45-70.
I know, pistol caliber, but not really a pistol round.
Good luck.

[T.R.]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/cowelkforest.jpg

Byron:

I took this cow elk with PMC ammo featuring plain 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow tip bullet. First bullet was placed perfectly into the crease behind the shoulder. One rib was smashed and both lungs were badly damaged but the animal only flinched and trotted away. Second shot struck back farther than I wanted. But it tore apart the diaphragm and smashed a hole through the liver.

I waited about an hour before taking up the trail. Only a few drops of blood were observed but the fresh snow was helpful. I found the elk stone dead about 100 yards or so from where it was shot. Both bullets were discovered during field dressing. The first bullet was flat on one side with most of mushroom shape missing. Second bullet appeared like a magazine ad - perfect mushroom.

In my opinion (anyone is allowed to disagree, politely) 357 MAG has approx same lethal range for elk as a modern compound bow.

TR

[Speedo66]

How many do you think were harvested back in the day with the early Winchesters in 44-40 and 38-40?

Not my first choice, but I'm sure it's been done.

[MattTheHat]

I've got a Puma in .454 Casull. I usually shoot .45 Colt around the farm, but loaded with high quality ammo, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for fairly large game.


-Matt