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About 44 Magnum Ammunition
The .44 Magnum was developed by Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson in the 1950s alongside the Model 29 revolver. Known for its powerful recoil and impressive stopping power, the .44 Magnum was popularized in mainstream culture through films like Dirty Harry. Today, it remains a popular choice for handgun hunting, plinking, and self-defense.
Types of 44 Magnum Loadings
- Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): JHP loadings feature hollow point projectiles which are adorned with a full metal jacket. These loadings are generally found in the form of defensive ammo offerings and are designed to facilitate reliable expansion upon impact. Additionally, these types of loadings are designed to achieve adequate levels of penetration for defensive purposes while not over penetrating the target and risking collateral damage. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Like the name suggests, these types of loadings feature projectiles which are adorned with metal jacketing. This jacket is generally made of copper and will cover the tip and sides of the projectile. Typically, the base of the projectile is left uncoated.These types of loadings are well-suited for range use and are some of the most common types of ammo one will encounter.
- Soft Point (SP): SP loadings feature soft, exposed lead projectile tips which are conducive to expanding upon impact. These loadings are mainly utilized in hunting applications and are effective at imparting a high degree of kinetic energy transfer. Specialty SP loadings also exist which are optimized for different types of hunting and game.
- Hollow Point (HP): HP loadings feature hollow point projectiles like the name suggests. This removal of material makes the projectile lighter and promotes high velocities. These types of loadings are optimized for self defense or match use and have a tendency to expand on impact. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
- Semi Jacketed Soft Point (SJSP): Loadings of this type are often simply called JSP, or jacketed soft point loadings. These types of loadings feature projectiles with jacketing which does not fully cover the entire bullet. Typically, these loadings have flat or round nose projectiles which extend beyond the jacketing of the bullet. These loadings tend to make for good general-purpose ammunition.
- Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP): These types of loadings feature jacketing on their projectiles which stops just before the tip of the bullet. These types of semi jacketed soft point loadings stand out from others due to the inclusion of a hollow point projectile. Typically, hollow point projectiles, like those found in SJSP loadings, feature notches which aid in expansion. These types of loadings are well-suited for defensive use.
Firearms that Use 44 Magnum Ammo
The .44 Magnum is most commonly chambered in revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Model 29, Ruger Super Redhawk, and Taurus Raging Bull. Additionally, many lever-action rifles, like those from Henry and Marlin, are also available in .44 Magnum. While most firearms on the market in .44 Magnum will be of the manual action variety, there are also multiple semi-automatic options available as well. Notable semi-automatics include Ruger’s Model 44 carbine and Desert Eagle pistols chambered in .44 Magnum.
Use Cases for 44 Magnum Ammunition
- Plinking
- Hunting
- Competition
- Defense
Popular Brands: 44 Magnum Ammo
Caliber Name Variations
- .44 Magnum
- .44 Remington Magnum
- .44 Mag
44 Magnum Interchangeability
Firearms chambered in .44 Magnum can also shoot .44 Special rounds. The inverse, however, is not the case as .44 Magnum rounds are too long to fit into .44 Special firearms. Additionally, .44 Magnum loadings feature considerably higher pressures than their .44 Special counterparts do. This interchangeability allows .44 Magnum shooters to save money and shoot tamer .44 Special loadings for practice and recreation.
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