It doesn't need to be that much different than 45 Colt, and you don't have to worry about whether the gun is rated to handle the hot stuff. The point I would agree on is if the gun was going to be shot light ALL THE TIME. But then that isn't any different really than buying a 357 Magnum and shooting nothing but 38s.
44 magnum Home Defense/Self defense
- Thread starter dontcatchmany
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It doesn't need to be that much different than 45 Colt, and you don't have to worry about whether the gun is rated to handle the hot stuff. The point I would agree on is if the gun was going to be shot light ALL THE TIME. But then that isn't any different really than buying a 357 Magnum and shooting nothing but 38s.
44 Special shoots high for me unless I use 200 gr bullets. I save the 240s for the Magnum. I also use 200 gr for accuracy in cowboy loads with magnum cases.
200 gr is nominal for 44 Special, so there is nothing cynical about their use. They simply produce the best results in that cartridge.
44 Cal. 200gr. bullets have a sectional density similar to other bullets commonly used for self defense.
Sectional Densities
9mm Cal. 115gr. .13
9mm Cal. 124gr. .14
38 Cal. 125gr. .14
38 Cal. 140gr. .157
44 Cal. 200gr. .155
44 Cal. 240gr. .185
45 Cal. 185gr. .13
45 Cal. 200gr. .14
45 Cal. 230gr. .162
Sectional Densities
9mm Cal. 115gr. .13
9mm Cal. 124gr. .14
38 Cal. 125gr. .14
38 Cal. 140gr. .157
44 Cal. 200gr. .155
44 Cal. 240gr. .185
45 Cal. 185gr. .13
45 Cal. 200gr. .14
45 Cal. 230gr. .162
You are aware of the fact that the .44spl never was a black powder round aren't you?
Oh I don't know, maybe a concrete bunker or something......sheesh...
Not by me....at least not by choice.
My personal base for S/D is .160.
@ .155, I just don't feel that there's enough mass there to do the job.
My lone exception to that is the 9X19 - using a 124 to 130 grain bullet. And that only because that's what most 9mm's - that I care about using - are built around.
Over the years, I've watched the tread go towards the "light fast" bullet weights - which rely on hyped up velocity claims and "energy" figures to sell them.
The .44 spl is just the latest one in that craze. It never did have a good reputation for much of anything - except accuracy.
Heck, in the mid 1960's - when S&W dropped the M24, the .44 spl just about died out. Other than Colt's SAA, I think Charter was the only .44spl game in town.
I attribute that mostly to the lack of anything from the factories in .44 spl - outside of the 246 gr RNL @ 650-750 fps.---or less.
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Vietnam vet here.You should be aware that 44 Special and 44 Magnum can be loaded with black powder and have been. Do a search. It is immaterial that use of black powder in a 44 Special is not authentic.
There is no sheesh about it. The question is what exactly is the scenario, the need for penetration, and to what to degree. Does a 44 Special belong in that scenario or, to the OP question, a 44 Magnum?
As with anything you need to use the appropriate bullet for the appropriate task. As much of a Dirty harry fan as I am, I understand he is a fictional character.
For SD use I load my 4.25" model 69 with one of two loads.
Load # 1 PMC Bronze 180 grain JHP 44 magnum. PMC uses the thin jacketed Remington bullet which acts like a 125 grain 357 on steroids.
Load #2 is the Speer GD 200 grain 44 special bullet loaded in a magnum case over WW 296. Load data is irrelevant as there is only a 2 grain window, it is what it is. Both loads are going to give 1450-1500 FPS velocity from that revolver.
I would not use anything heavier, then you do get more penetration than you want.
I generally do not use my 44 for home defense. I use my Glock and an AR pistol in 300BLK. I live in a rural area with horses, it is DARK at night, I want guns I can attach lights to.
For SD use I load my 4.25" model 69 with one of two loads.
Load # 1 PMC Bronze 180 grain JHP 44 magnum. PMC uses the thin jacketed Remington bullet which acts like a 125 grain 357 on steroids.
Load #2 is the Speer GD 200 grain 44 special bullet loaded in a magnum case over WW 296. Load data is irrelevant as there is only a 2 grain window, it is what it is. Both loads are going to give 1450-1500 FPS velocity from that revolver.
I would not use anything heavier, then you do get more penetration than you want.
I generally do not use my 44 for home defense. I use my Glock and an AR pistol in 300BLK. I live in a rural area with horses, it is DARK at night, I want guns I can attach lights to.
As Bill Jordan said, you probably won't need a follow up shot on anyone clobbered by a 44 Magnum, but he might have a partner in crime. IMHO-(armchair commando of course) a good 38 Special will do in close quarters and prevent over penetration. And a follow up shot is much easier.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
That is a function of skill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7W-5QE3jzw
I would have to assume the reason you don't hear it referred to often for home defense and such is because in its true form it is a poor choice for this roll. Over penetration, noise, cost of ammo and control to get back on target are big reasons why not. I also would bet there are a lot more 357 guns out there and it certainly gets a lot more press. Good luck with your new 357, I use my 627 with 38's when its used for home defense.
Never assume. It may not be optimum for some, but with the proper load and proper skill set it can fill the role.
Mitigated with ammo.
Mitigated with hearing protection. I keep electronic ear muffs on my night stand. I would rather suffer more hearing loss than use something "hearing safe" and less effective.
irrelevant, probably pennies more than premium 9mm ammo.
As I stated previously, that is related to skill level.
Only an idiot would load BP for a defensive load in a modern gun.
We're talking about serious home defense here, not what Billy Bob does after a six pack.
Look - I'm going to repeat my - sheesh. We're discussing home defense - so - what ever decides to walk, slither or crawl into the house.
Shhh! Don't let that get around !
.My "pet load" is a swaged lead 240 grain hollow point, seated over a dose of Alliant 2400 (17.5 grains)
I'm estimating it's about 1100 fps out of my 4" M29.
As far as cartridges go, the 44 Special is ballistically similar to many other popular defense rounds. As mentioned the Gold Dot offerings from Speer and Blazer are very good. And a SWC or flat nose might offer a bit more penetration if desired.
Many 44 Special revolvers are five shot so the overall level of quick firepower is less than the higher capacity handguns. So a 44 Special wouldn't be my first choice for defense use. But if I had one I wouldn't feel the need to rush out and buy something else either.
I don't see the 44 Mag. much differently than the 44 Special for defense (against humans). The extra power of the 44 Mag. is simply not needed for that purpose. But, like the 44 Special, if I already had a 44 Mag. I would put it to use and not feel the need for something else. I'd probably load it with 44 Specials, or assemble some reduced power 44 Mags. I would consider a 200gr. to 240gr. 44 Cal JHP projectile at 1000 fps. or so, or a lead non-hollow point SWC or flat nose of the same weight at 900 fps. quite suitable.
Many 44 Special revolvers are five shot so the overall level of quick firepower is less than the higher capacity handguns. So a 44 Special wouldn't be my first choice for defense use. But if I had one I wouldn't feel the need to rush out and buy something else either.
I don't see the 44 Mag. much differently than the 44 Special for defense (against humans). The extra power of the 44 Mag. is simply not needed for that purpose. But, like the 44 Special, if I already had a 44 Mag. I would put it to use and not feel the need for something else. I'd probably load it with 44 Specials, or assemble some reduced power 44 Mags. I would consider a 200gr. to 240gr. 44 Cal JHP projectile at 1000 fps. or so, or a lead non-hollow point SWC or flat nose of the same weight at 900 fps. quite suitable.
20 years ago I had only a .44 Mag for home defense and Concealed Carry. There were others, but I eventually settled on the Speer .44spl 200gr GDHP in the Blazer line.
I shot a nice Mule Deer with that load. Penetration was through and through at 15ish yards. A "statistic of one", but thats what happened.
I shot a nice Mule Deer with that load. Penetration was through and through at 15ish yards. A "statistic of one", but thats what happened.