I would go with the .44 mag 240 grain hollow point. I hunted with a .243 up until last year and switched to the .44 due to thicker hunting area. If you hunt where the big bucks are it's usaually thick and your farthest shot will be under a 100 yds usually. I killed a nice 4 yr old 8pt, 16 in spread with my 1894 cowboyII marlin lever in .44 cal. dropped in his tracks. He was about 75yd. Nikon 2.5 x 7 scope is very nice add on. I've also taken numerous does however I head shoot them because you waist meat shooting in the body. Hope this helps.

Forgot to mention - can also shoot .44 specials out of the .44 Mag. Also, don't discount he .41 Mag.

Don't hunt big game with hollow points. They don't penetrate well at all. They are designed to not penetrate much, and we should all know that penetration is key to clean kills.

You can buy an H&R rifle in .500 S&W Magnum for real cheap, just so you know. Otherwise, .44 Mag. H&R has that covered too.

yes 44manglem isa good round for deer, bear,moose and avariety of other mid-large critters,hand loads are the way ,learn your weights an volocities,load for the critter ya hunt,very vesitile and powerful.although i like to hunt with a357 mag/s/w lite,fast deadly ,about 100yards.I know a few guys that hunt with t/c 44mags,one of them shot abuck at over 150yards!they also practice at 200yd plus! happy hunting...