The .44 Smith & Wesson Special has a rich history spanning over a century. Once immensely popular in the early 20th century, the Special faced the threat of extinction when its faster, harder-hitting, and more renowned sibling, the .44 Remington Magnum, emerged on the scene. Today, the .44 Spl has managed to survive thanks to dedicated custom handloaders and enthusiasts of cowboy action shooting.
Undoubtedly, the .44 Rem Mag delivers significantly greater speed and energy, but this performance comes at a cost. Many shooters struggle to control the Magnum's intense recoil. On the other hand, the .44 Spl offers a gentle recoil, akin to a mild sensation.
If you're uncertain about which of these iconic large-caliber handgun cartridges to load into your revolver, prepare yourself for a thorough exploration of the realm of .44-caliber cartridges. So put on your boots and let's delve into the depths of this fascinating world.
Origins of .44 Special
The .44 S&W Special cartridge was introduced in 1907 by Smith & Wesson as a revolver cartridge for their new Triple Lock wheel gun, the New Century model. It was designed as a tribute to the big-bore black-powder sidearms that played a role in the American West, such as the Colt Army Revolver.
Smith & Wesson based the .44 Special on the black-powder .44 Smith & Wesson Russian cartridge but incorporated the use of smokeless powder, which was a more modern propellant at the time. Early attempts to pair smokeless powder with the .44 Russian were unsuccessful due to the lower energy density of early smokeless powder. To overcome this, Smith & Wesson engineers extended the .44 Russian case by 0.2 inches to increase its powder capacity.
The original .44 Special load featured a 246-grain round-nose lead bullet propelled by a smokeless powder charge equivalent to 26 grains of black powder. This load achieved a muzzle velocity of 780 feet per second.
In the 1950s, Keith Elmer, a prominent figure in big-bore handgun shooting, experimented with hotter loads and wadcutter projectiles, transforming the .44 Special from primarily a target cartridge to a viable option for big game hunting. Elmer advocated for ammunition manufacturers to produce hotter .44 Special loads, but concerns arose about the potential impact of higher pressure loads on older revolvers.
Instead of developing hotter .44 Special loads, the .44 Magnum was created to meet the demand.
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Origins of .44 Magnum
The .44 Magnum was the culmination of years of experimentation with hot .44 Special handloads.
Elmer Keith had been pushing the limits with progressively heavier bullets and higher velocities. He successfully marketed his hot .44 Special loads through mail order. Inspired by his success, Keith approached both Smith & Wesson and Remington with the idea of producing factory-loaded high-pressure .44-caliber ammunition for big game hunting.
In response, Smith & Wesson developed the first double-action .44 Magnum revolver in 1955, known as the S&W Model 29. This revolver was specifically designed to handle the new high-pressure loads. The popularity of the S&W Model 29 quickly soared, leading customers to seek other .44 Magnum revolvers like the Ruger Redhawk.
Remington played a role in engineering the cartridge for the new large-caliber wheel gun by lengthening the .44 Special case. The increased length not only allowed for more propellant but also ensured that the high-pressure rounds would not fit in older .44 Special handguns, addressing concerns about the ability of traditional revolvers to withstand the new magnum load. Although initially developed for revolvers, the .44 Magnum gained popularity among rifle shooters as well.
In the 1970s, the .44 Magnum experienced a surge in popularity following its portrayal as "the most powerful handgun in the world" by Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry character.
To this day, the .44 Magnum remains one of the most popular big-bore cartridges, particularly favored by handgun hunters for its higher velocities and greater impact energy compared to other cartridges with similarly-sized bullets.
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What Set's Apart .44 Spl and .44 Mag?
When it comes to the .44 Remington Magnum (commonly known as .44 Mag) and the .44 Smith & Wesson Special (also referred to as .44 S&W Special, .44 Special, or .44 Spl), these two cartridges share more similarities than differences. Originally designed for large-caliber revolvers, both rounds propel heavyweight .429-inch (10.9 mm) bullets and serve as excellent choices for hunting and home defense.
The primary distinction lies in their case dimensions. The .44 Mag employs an elongated version of the .44 Spl case, offering additional space that allows loaders to pack 4.4 more grains of propellant compared to the .44 Spl. While this may not appear substantial, the extra powder translates into faster velocities, flatter trajectories, and increased downrange energy.
While debates among shooters regarding subjective concepts such as "stopping power" and "shootability" may persist, the objective numbers provide undeniable evidence. Let's examine how these cartridge specifications stack up against each other.
Is it Possible to shoot .44 Special out of a .44 Magnum?
Absolutely. If you possess a .44 Magnum handgun, it can safely accommodate .44 Special cartridges. In fact, if you desire a practice session with reduced recoil using your magnum revolver, this approach is highly recommended.
However, the reverse scenario is not applicable. Since .44 Magnum rounds are loaded with significantly higher pressures, attempting to fire them in a revolver chambered for .44 Special could lead to catastrophic consequences for both the shooter and the firearm.
.44 Special & .44 Magnum Differences
When comparing these two cartridges directly, the disparities in dimensions may appear minor at first glance. One would require magnifying glasses and a precise ruler to detect the subtle variations.
In terms of overall length, there is minimal discrepancy, with the .44 Spl case measuring approximately 1/8 of an inch shorter. However, this slight difference grants the .44 Spl a more spacious casing. The additional space accommodates a slightly larger powder charge, which, in turn, results in increased pressure. With higher pressure comes enhanced energy and a greater velocity propelling the bullet forward.
Recoil
In accordance with the laws of physics, the increased amount of propellant packed into the slightly longer .44 Magnum case should generate greater recoil. (That's Newton's Third Law, which we may need a refresher on after being away from school for a while: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.")
Nonetheless, the recoil experienced is also influenced by the weight of the firearm and the projectile being discharged.
A heavier handgun will mitigate felt recoil, as the mass of the gun absorbs a portion of the rearward force. Fortunately, firearm manufacturers are well aware of this principle, which is why most .44 Magnum handguns exhibit more substantial weight compared to the typical .44 Special.
Another technique to tame the relatively robust recoil of the .44 Magnum is by utilizing loads with lighter bullets. Opting for heavier bullets tends to amplify the kick compared to firing lighter projectiles.
If we strive to equalize external factors as much as possible, the .44 Mag still delivers a considerable recoil punch. In contrast, the .44 Special feels gentler than a newborn kitten.
Although many firearm enthusiasts dismiss complaints about recoil, it's important to recognize its significant impact on accuracy. Pronounced recoil not only diminishes the enjoyment of shooting but also hampers the ability to quickly realign the target in one's sights. It demands additional effort to regain control and stability.
Certainly, individuals vary in their ability to handle recoil. Nevertheless, even the most resolute and self-assured shooters at the range will experience improved accuracy when using a cartridge with a milder recoil, such as the .44 Spl. This holds true regardless of their macho demeanor or dismissive attitudes.
Velocity & Penetration
As previously mentioned, the .44 Magnum boasts a marginally longer case compared to the .44 Special. It's remarkable how a mere 4.4 grains of additional case capacity can make a significant impact. In fact, it has the potential to increase the muzzle velocity of a 200-grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet by an impressive 150%.
The velocity of a bullet significantly influences its ability to penetrate, particularly when using non-expanding projectiles like jacketed hollow points. Essentially, the faster the bullet travels upon impact with the target, the deeper it will penetrate.
Velocity also affects the performance of bullets designed to deform upon impact, such as soft points and hollow points. If an expanding bullet strikes the target at a slower velocity, it may fail to achieve the desired expansion.
Deep penetration can prove advantageous or detrimental, depending on the circumstances. When confronted with the need to penetrate the tough hide, bone, and muscle of a charging bear, sufficient penetration is crucial. However, in a self-defense scenario where your children are situated on the other side of the wall, behind the intruder, excessive penetration can have fatal consequences.
Accuracy & Trajectory
Comparing the accuracy of two distinct cartridges is a complex task. Accuracy depends on various factors such as ballistics, firearm design, and the shooter's skill, making it challenging to draw a definitive conclusion.
Both the .44 Magnum and .44 Special are utilized by serious bullseye competitors, highlighting their capability for consistent accuracy.
However, the faster speed achieved by the Magnum grants it an advantage in terms of accuracy and trajectory. As the .44 Mag travels approximately 1.5 times faster than the .44 Special, it spends less time en route to the target. Consequently, there is less opportunity for wind and gravity to divert the bullet off its intended path.
Within typical self-defense distances, significant bullet drop or wind drift is not usually observed. However, if you need to extend the effective range of your pistol or revolver, the .44 Magnum is the preferable choice.
It's worth noting that lever-action rifles chambered in .44 Magnum offer improved long-range accuracy and a flatter trajectory, thanks to their longer barrels.
As mentioned earlier, the impact of recoil on shooter accuracy should not be overlooked. The milder recoil of the .44 Special makes it easier to control, particularly when aiming for precise follow-up shots.
Kinetic Energy and Stopping Power
"Stopping power" is a term often used by shooters to assess the effectiveness of certain cartridges. It refers to the ability of a round to halt a threat or take down game animals, encompassing various factors.
Stopping a human threat and ethically harvesting an animal are distinct scenarios. When a hunter shoots an animal, it may not immediately drop to the ground. However, with a well-placed shot, the animal will eventually succumb to blood loss. As long as the hunter can track the blood trail and recover the animal, the hunt is considered successful.
In a life-or-death self-defense situation, there is no luxury of waiting for an armed attacker to bleed out. The objective is to stop the assailant, and that does not necessarily entail causing death (although it often is the outcome).
The effectiveness of stopping a threat relies on shot placement, penetration, the number of shots on target, and other factors. Factors such as an aggressor's adrenaline or drug-induced state can influence their response to gunshot wounds. Some may continue to advance despite several hits to the center mass, while others might reconsider their actions after a superficial grazing wound.
Therefore, "stopping power" is a challenging concept to quantify. However, the kinetic energy of a cartridge can be calculated through mathematical principles.
Kinetic energy is equal to half the mass of the bullet multiplied by its velocity squared. Due to the significantly higher velocity of the .44 Magnum compared to the .44 Special, it carries a significantly greater amount of kinetic energy. Upon impact, a substantial portion of this energy is transferred to the target, delivering concussive force through soft tissue.
Hunting
When selecting a cartridge for hunting, it's crucial to choose one that can ethically and effectively take down your intended game. Whether you're using a rifle or a handgun, the .44 Remington Magnum is a suitable choice for even the toughest game animals. However, it's important to keep your shooting range within reasonable limits, as the .44 Mag is best suited for close to mid-range hunting.
Most hunting loads for the .44 Mag carry around 1000 ft/lbs of energy when leaving the barrel, and they retain a significant portion of that energy up to 50 yards. Since few handgun hunters take shots beyond this range, the .44 Mag possesses enough power to handle close-range targets such as coyotes, wild boar, black bears, and even whitetail deer.
An advantage of the .44 Mag is its versatility, as it can be loaded into both handguns and rifles, making it a practical dual-purpose cartridge.
Furthermore, the .44 Mag's straight-walled design makes it a viable option for hunting in areas that restrict the use of necked-down cartridges.
On the other hand, the .44 Special carries less energy and has limited penetration capabilities, which makes it less suitable as a hunting cartridge. However, there have been accounts from experienced hunters who claim success in tagging whitetail deer with the Special. The key to using the .44 Special effectively for hunting is precise shot placement at close range.
For close-range varmints and small game, the milder .44 Special performs adequately.
Self-Defense/Home Defense
When examining factors such as velocity and kinetic energy, it becomes evident that the .44 Mag is a potent performer. If it has the strength to bring down a black bear, it certainly possesses the capability to stop human threats as well.
However, the high velocity of heavy bullets in the Magnum can lead to concerns about over-penetration. Excessive penetration in densely populated areas or when loved ones may be on the other side of a door can result in catastrophic collateral damage.
Moreover, the substantial recoil of the Magnum makes it challenging to achieve quick and accurate follow-up shots in high-adrenaline situations. Taming the intense recoil requires significant strength and concentration.
In contrast, the .44 Special, with its mild recoil and more limited penetration, is a safer choice for home defense. But can the Special effectively stop a dangerous threat?
The ballistics of the .44 Special are comparable to those of the .45 ACP, a popular option for both law enforcement and civilian personal defense. Thus, the Special is indeed a viable cartridge for defensive purposes.
Ammo Cost/Availability
The popularity of the .44 Special diminished significantly once the .44 Magnum entered the ammunition market. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the .44 Special, although it still remains less popular compared to its Magnum counterpart.
As a result, there is a wider availability of .44 Magnum ammo and a greater variety of firearms chambered in .44 Mag. You can find revolvers and semi-automatic pistols chambered in .44 Mag, as well as bolt-action, break-action, semi-automatic, and lever rifles.
On the other hand, finding a firearm chambered specifically for .44 Special may be more challenging. However, you can still shoot .44 Spl ammo in most .44 Magnum firearms.
Additionally, the .44 Spl has a more limited selection of ammunition. For instance, when it comes to self-defense loads, Hornady offers only one option for the Special compared to four different options for the .44 Mag. The majority of .44 Spl loads are primarily marketed for cowboy action shooting.
Reloading
Both the .44 Spl and .44 Magnum are popular choices among hand loaders. The market offers a wide variety of .44-caliber bullets, allowing for ample customization when reloading.
All major bullet manufacturers, such as Sierra, Nosler, and Hornady, offer multiple options for .429-inch bullets that can be used for both the .44 Spl and .44 Mag.
Hand loaders have the freedom to select from various bullet styles, ranging from traditional hard cast to modern polymer-tipped bullets with streamlined designs. Bullet weights are also diverse, ranging from lighter options around 180 grains to heavyweights up to 300 grains.
Furthermore, finding fresh brass for both cartridges is relatively easy. While .44 Special cases may be slightly more expensive than Magnum brass, you can always save your spent brass to save a few bucks.
Should I Use .44 Special or .44 Magnum?
In conclusion, the .44 Special may be considered by some as outdated, but it offers more than just a nostalgic appeal. Despite its slower speeds compared to the powerhouse .44 Magnum, the Special provides a mild recoil experience without compromising accuracy and energy within self-defense ranges. It remains popular among cowboy action shooters and offers enjoyable plinking capabilities.
On the other hand, the .44 Magnum is a force to be reckoned with, delivering powerful recoil that requires considerable effort to manage. This high-velocity cartridge is suitable for a range of purposes, from hunting big game like elk and black bear to defending against human threats.
Whether you're a dedicated big-game hunter seeking an adrenaline rush or someone who prefers to avoid heavy recoil, both the .44 Magnum and .44 Special have their merits. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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