What is the Difference Between .44 Mag and .44 Special?
The .44 Remington Magnum, commonly referred to as .44 Mag, and the .44 Smith & Wesson Special, also known as .44 S&W Special, .44 Special, and .44 Spl, share more similarities than differences. Both were originally designed for large-caliber revolvers and utilize .429-inch (10.9 mm) heavyweight bullets. Consequently, they both serve as excellent choices for hunting and home defense. The primary distinction lies in the case dimensions. The .44 Mag employs an elongated version of the .44 Spl case. This additional space enables loaders to accommodate 4.4 more grains of propellant in the .44 Mag. While this may not appear substantial, the extra powder generates higher velocities, flatter trajectories, and greater downrange energy. While shooters may endlessly debate abstract concepts such as "stopping power" and "shootability," the empirical data speaks for itself. Let's examine the statistics of these cartridges.
PMC 44 REM MAG 180 gr JHP
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Can You Shoot .44 Special in a .44 Mag Handgun?
Certainly! If you possess a .44 Magnum revolver, it is perfectly safe to use .44 Special cartridges in it. In fact, if you desire a practice session with reduced recoil using your magnum revolver, this is an excellent approach. However, the reverse is not true. Due to the significantly higher pressures at which .44 Magnum cartridges are loaded, it would be extremely hazardous to fire them in a revolver chambered for .44 Special. Doing so could lead to catastrophic consequences for both the shooter and the firearm. Recoil
Based on the laws of physics, it is expected that the additional propellant packed into the slightly longer .44 Magnum case would result in increased recoil. This aligns with Newton's Third Law, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
However, the recoil produced is also influenced by the weight of the handgun and the projectile being fired. A heavier handgun will mitigate felt recoil as its mass absorbs a portion of the rearward force. Thankfully, firearm manufacturers recognize this and often design .44 Magnum handguns to have more weight than the typical .44 Special.
Another way to manage the relatively strong recoil of the .44 Magnum is by using loads with lighter bullets. Shooting heavier bullets tends to amplify the recoil compared to shooting lighter ones.
Even when attempting to equalize external factors, the .44 Magnum still generates substantial recoil. In contrast, the .44 Special delivers recoil that is milder than that of a newborn kitten.
Although many firearm enthusiasts dismiss complaints about recoil, it undeniably impacts accuracy. Severe recoil not only diminishes the enjoyment of shooting but also makes it challenging to realign the aim. It necessitates additional effort to regain stability after each shot.
While it is true that certain individuals handle recoil more effectively than others, even the most assertive and confident shooters at the gun range will achieve greater accuracy when using a cartridge with milder recoil, such as the .44 Spl.
When examining metrics such as velocity and kinetic energy, it becomes evident that the .44 Magnum possesses impressive power. If it is capable of taking down a black bear, it certainly has the potential to stop human threats.
However, when a heavy bullet travels at Magnum velocities, over-penetration becomes a genuine concern. Excessive penetration in densely populated areas or when there may be loved ones behind a door can result in catastrophic collateral damage.
Moreover, the significant recoil of the Magnum poses a genuine challenge when attempting to deliver multiple shots accurately and rapidly. Managing such wild recoil requires substantial muscle strength and concentration, particularly in high-adrenaline situations.
In contrast, the .44 Special offers mild recoil and reduced penetration, making it a safer choice for home defense. But can the Special effectively neutralize a dangerous threat?
The ballistics of the .44 Spl are not far off from the popular .45 ACP, which is favored by both law enforcement and civilians for personal defense. Therefore, the Special is unquestionably a viable option as a defensive cartridge.
PMC 44 S&W Special 180 gr JHP
PMC 44 S&W Special 180 gr JHP
Should I Use .44 Mag or .44 Special?
While some shooters may perceive the .44 Special as outdated, this mild-recoiling large-caliber cartridge offers more than mere nostalgic appeal. In comparison to the high-velocity .44 Magnum, the Special may not achieve impressive speeds. However, it compensates with minimal recoil, ensuring enjoyable shooting experiences while still delivering ample accuracy and energy at self-defense distances. Its popularity among cowboy action shooters and as a plinking tool further attests to its versatility. Shooting the powerful .44 Magnum requires a sturdy resolve. Taming its recoil demands significant effort. Nevertheless, this high-velocity behemoth excels in pursuits ranging from hunting elk and black bears to defending against human threats. Whether you're an avid big-game hunter or simply crave the thrill of intense recoil, firing the .44 Magnum can provide a significant adrenaline rush. However, if recoil is a deterrent, the .44 Special is likely the more suitable choice.Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Gun Club, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotgunclub.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotgunclub.com for more rifle ammo options.
