Fun gun indeed. I have shot the 1894 in 357 and 44 mag. I can not speak to the hunting aspect as I have only put them to work on steel, pop cans, and paper. However, after a day at the range with either of the little lever guns, I think of how fun and challenging a hunt with one of them would be. I would personally opt for the 44 for the obvious power and range advantage, so you are set-up there. Deer, antelope, coyote, lion, no problem with factory 240 grain JHP or the better yet the JSP. If you hand load, I agree with the 2400 and H110 and XTP. I have also had good luck with the lighter 200 Grain XTP's with Super light loads with Unique powder for Turkey loads in a Ruger Redhawk. Hunting Elk would be a super challenging hunt with the 1894. I have hunted elk with my .44 Handgun and just didn't get the right situation. It was the only time that I wished that I had a different set-up - even a lever 30-30 would have gotten the job done but the pistol just wasn't what I needed. Anyway, if dedicated elk hunt interests you, I would look at different bullets and shoot the heck out of the rifle to find the absolute best load and your maximum range ( might even add a scope to give you all the advantage). Happy hunting
