(Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
Elmer Keith inspired both handloaders and handgun hunters through his exploits and writings. He often reported on developments for the .41 and .44 Magnums, often calling attention to his namesake bullet molds. The pursuit to deliver maximum energy and velocity from the hand of a skilled shooter was typified in the controversial story where Keith put down a client’s wounded mule deer from 600 yards using his .44.
Dick Casull and Jack Fulmer were among those who hunted with handguns. In 1958, they set a goal of shooting a 230-grain .45-caliber slug at 1,800 feet-per-second (fps). They customized a Colt Single Action Army with a 7½-inch barrel...