Not sure what I did wrong on the picture.

I appreciate the factors you mentioned. And I realize that shooter experience and shooter ability and elk fever are not as objective as range, bullet type, etc.

I won't even consider letting him hunt an elk with this pistol unless I feel comfortable that he and I have done all we can to maximize his ability before we go hunting (which would include a lot of range time and a few more deer hunts in the interim) That said, he might not be ready.

I guess my main question has to do with any thoughts you may have regarding a 180 grain hard cast .357 caliber bullet for elk. Assuming good shot placement from a shot taken at fairly close range, do you all think a non-expanding bullet would work well on elk?