I know this is an old thread but here is my take.
The .41 mag is just fine for ELK!
The factory jhp in 210 gr. is not what I would call the a proper load for Elk. Having said that I do know of several Elk and Black bear killed stone dead with the Win 175 grain Silver Tip out of a 4" revolver!
Shot placement is foremost!
.44 VS. .41?
.429"or .430" Factory loads are normally a 240gr. at 1250 fps which gives approx.833
Atotal of 103 ft pouynds of energy difference
ft lbs.
.41 Mag gives a 210 grain at 1250 fps which gives approx 730 ft. lbs's of energy.
Now step up to a .41 with a 250 grain bullet moving along at 1250 and the .41 looks pretty good and the energy number show about 868 ft pounds.
It is shot placement no matter if you are shooting a .41, .44, or a 500!
Out here during the depression there was a community where there was but one rifle and it was loaned out so the folks could get some winter meat. It ran up a good number of ELK and PRONGHORN.
The rifle? It was a Winchester M94 in the .25-35.
Ammo was pretty pricey then so they had to pick their shots carefully!
When used properly the .41 as the lowly .25-35 will and can work if it applied properly!