Gentlemen,
The question at hand is...will the .44 magnum firing a 300 grain bullet break an elk shoulder? There are variables to this, as I stated before.
I don't think one should jump to the conclusion that he should not use "a pistol" to hunt elk. Although not my prefered method, I do know of many that successfully tag game with pistols. For elk and bigger game, they do, however, use larger calibers. A .44 magnum is considered a capable sidearm in bear country remember? A .454 Casull or 500 Smith and Wesson are pistols too, and they are pretty potent. Granted they don't carry the ballistic charts that our rifles do...but neither do archers. A 280 grain premium expanding bullet, shot at the vitals of game, will down your animal. Much like an arrow, but at higher velocity and with more energy.
To hunt with a "hogleg", one needs to hunt the hunted and get in close. Exactly what an archer does. Does an archery hunter aim at the shoulder? Of course not, and neither should the pistol hunter. (unless we're talking dangerous game that's attacking and stopping the animal in it's tracks is the immediate intention)
Although, with the initial question in mind, I wonder if an arrow could break an elk shoulder? I know a .44 magnum loaded with the right bullet will. Not my first choice for point of aim in a hunting situation however.
Not trying to cause heat...just some lively discussion.
Regards,
Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"