I've been unable to get this forum for over a year because of a 440 error on my end. I'm glad to say that for some reason, the error has cleared and I can get back to talking with you fine gents.
In November, I'm going on a cow elk hunt in Utah and I'm determined to do it with my Contender in 445SM. Living in California (far northern California), I can only use non-lead bullets but in Utah I can use either, so I have two loads that shoot equally as well. I know without a doubt that either would work just fine for elk but just wanted some fun feed back from ya'll. First is a 240gr. Hornaday XPT, and the other is a 225gr. Barnes. It will definitely be one of these two so let's keep responses to one of the two. So, let it begin.

Welcome back abner....let me first begin by saying that the 445 Super Mag is a potent round, and a real winner in a single shot. I'm having Bullberry make me a 12" plus brake Bull barrel for my Encore pistol frame. I should have it by mid July....I have 2 loads worked up and both are 300 grainers, one is the Speer deep curl and one a spitzer made by Fury custom bullets..both loads are 31.5 gr of Win 296 and tailored specifically for the Encore. I should be pushing those bullets in the 1,800 - 1,900 fps range.......if I was you, I'd set up some bullet tests and see which one was the most accurate, expanded and stayed together the best, and penetrated the best.....my vote would be for the Barnes XPB.....the 445 Super Mag velocities may be a lot for a 240 gr or lighter bullet that's not solid copper.....testing will tell you which is better

I have a .445 SuperMag in a 10in Contender Barrel. Absolutely LOVE that cartridge!! It?s a beast!

I too run the 240gr Hornady XTP out of mine at 1,977 fps and it?s devastating in deer. Running the same bullet out of a .44cal wildcat I have, I?m pushing that XTP at 2,400 fps and have killed a few pigs with it.

That said, while it is catastrophic in deer/pig sized game, it might not give you the penetration on a cow elk that you need. At least not at close range. If you?re expecting to be engaging out at a distance where the impact velocity will be more conducive to penetration, go for it. Just know that anything under 50 yards might yield excessively rapid expansion and less penetration than desired.

But, I?ll gladly hold your beer. I love pushing things to the max and the science that results.

Just remember, failure might be in the cards.

Thanks for the comments. I had pretty much decided on the Barnes before I posted, but I wanted to see what others thought as well. Even if a petal or two break off, I'll still have a big solid slug to plow through. Should be an exciting hunt.

Welcome back, good luck on your cow elk.

From my next to no experience when it comes to elk hunting, I'd go with the Barnes. My only justification being that I like them in my 460 and Optima.

But, take it with a grain of salt.