I’ve hunted big game all over the world with handguns, and consider the 44 Magnum, in most cases, totally inadequate for the job. It is a great man stoppper and there was a time when it was among the best of the handgun hunting cartridges, but those times are long gone. Stand up to a Cape Buffalo or a 500 pound Lion, or a grizzly for that matter, with a 44 Magnum and you’ll soon be wishing that you had stayed home.
The modern hunting handgun and the old 44 Magnum have little in common — and it being the “most powerful handgun in the world” wasn’t even true when Clint Eastwood said it in the early 70’s.
People have killed grizzlys with 357s. A 44mag with the heavier kinds of bullets is more than adequate for anything other than cape buffalo and elephants and rhinos. Bullet weight makes a huge difference.
... or brought a rifle and/or shotgun.
I don't hunt. just doesn't interest me. But I understand the appeal of handgun hunting. But I wouldn't want to do ti without backup in the form of at least one other person and at least two other weapons. .