what's your choice 44mag, 444 ot 45-70?

[Gtscotty]

The H&R buffalo classic is one of the nice lower cost guns if legal.

I had the Buffalo classic in mind as well, although they run about 8 lbs, so it wouldn't be the absolute lightest rig if that's your bag. I'm sure either of those 3 cartridges will be fine for anything you might run into... I've always found the 45-70 to be really interesting, so I guess it would be an easy call for me.

Another option would be the compact buffalo classic in 45 colt... If you are a reloader, you could just pump out some heavy, fire breathing 45 colt loads.....

 

[Bull Nutria]

the 44mag is legal in because the law says .38 or larger. the gun is restricted to a hammer fired single shot. no modern designs like TC contender or encore. only replicas of a gun designed before 1900 or so.

I really don't think any metallic cartridge gun is primitive and the new in line muzzleloaders with 209 primers are all legal in LA. there isn't much primitve about any of the so called "legal " weapons for our LA primitive hunts. I think it could be simplified by changing it to a "single shot"season. Or just call it "a use any legal weapon season".

i would get a 44mag because i already have the dies and it will kill deer very satifactorily at the less than 50 yds shots that are most common in LA's thick brush.

FYI,I asked the question for a friend who is going to purchase a metallic cartridge rifle soon. thanks for all the replies and opinions.

Bull

 

[lobo9er]

44 mag unless you want more ompf than go with the 45/70. Alot of deer go down with a 44 revolver from what i understand so its prolly all you would need.

 

[Jonny V]

While we're talking range here, Elmer Keith killed a bull elk with one shot at 600 yards with a 4" .44 mag. How's that for range?.......I know, I don't shoot near as good as Elmer Keith either......

 

[FrankieJames7]

444 marlin

 

[hardluk1]

natman AND the 45/70 can be loaded very light also. Even buy factory loads that are mild .

 

[CraigC]

While we're talking range here, Elmer Keith killed a bull elk with one shot at 600 yards with a 4" .44 mag. How's that for range?

Elmer Keith killed a wounded mule deer with a 6½" .44Mag. Took six shots, if I remember correctly, three were hits. Last of which was at 600yds.

 

[Scipio Africanus]

Unquestionably the 45-70. It is the most versatile, with bullets from 250-550 grains, you can hunt anything from squirrels to buffalo. It can be suprisingly flat shooting (try the Hornady 325 FTX) and has a better overall bullet selection that any .44 caliber cartridge.

Have fun and good luck.