.44 Special VS .45 ACP - Gold Dot

Testing the difference between .44 Special and .45 ACP with similar bullets. The .44 Special is a 200 gr Gold Dot bullet loaded by Underwood and the .45 ACP is a 230 gr Gold Dot bullet loaded by Speer. With the current ammunition situation this was as close as I could possibly come to making the test fair. Always appreciative of any channel help :)
www.patreon.com/user?u=5828221

[@GunSam]

At 9:38 I said ".45 ACP" but I meant to say ".44 Special".

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

I like how u squeeze the trigger before engaging to reduce muzzle poping

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

still sceptical why they are not all dead shots

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

If u didnt have a hammer, u could c cup the pistal w/ left and engage w/ right, ty s&w for the new 38snub

[@NightHowl86]

.44 special is underrated.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I like 44spl but it's expensive AF.

[@NightHowl86]

@@PerceptionVsReality333 You got to pay to play.

[@RETOKSQUID]

@@PerceptionVsReality333 It is what got me into reloading.

[@leprechaunbutreallyjustamidget]

Seriously

[@junito1957]

YOU MEAN SO UNDERRATED!

[@kirkboswell2575]

Excellent video. As you mentioned, hollow point expansion is not ONLY a function of velocity as some maintain. It is a combination of factors that ensures reliable hollow point expansion. This was the stimulus for the Federal HydraShock bullets "back when". It was noted that hollow points frequently filled the cavity with debris and that resulted in failure to expand. Higher velocity helped counter that, but also meant more recoil. The dynamics of hydraulics showed that a center post would ensure expansion at much slower speeds, and thus was born the HydraShock. While extremely effective at the time, this also showed everyone that much more could be done to ensure reliable expansion. We now have a number of bullets that work very well indeed. I still like my HydraShock bullets. I guess it's a matter of being comfortable with an old friend. But I freely acknowledge that there are a number of good bullets now. My nephew holds the Gold Dot in the same place that I do the HydraShock. Regarding plus P 44 Special ammo, I don't think there is any. Elmer Keith developed all his magnum loads in the 44 Special. When they made it a commercial load, they used Keith's own loads, and made the case just a bit longer to ensure the ammo wasn't used in weaker guns. The 44 Special should have a much stronger following than it does with all the magnum shooters we have, and it's an excellent choice in its own right.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. I still find the Hydrashok in .38+P as one of the best rounds in that caliber despite there being newer choices. It was the best snub nose performer in my testing, and surprisingly in a hard barrier test it stopped in very little wood pack so it won't over-penetrate either. In other calibers like 9mm it's sort of weak and the .45 ACP version has been changed since 30 years ago and not as good as it used to be. However in .357 Mag Hydrashok is very powerful...but in .327 it's very low end but like the .38+P version the .327 Federal does awesome. I haven't tested all calibers in it but for sure the .38+P and .327 Federal Hydrashok have no equal even with modern ammo.

[@robertnation3077]

Two of my favorite cartridges. I’ll feel safe carrying either one. Skeeter Skeleton a Southwest lawman & 1960’s & 70’s gun writer really pushed the .44 special for law enforcement & self defense mostly with 240 grain LSWC handloads. This was the exact same time that Col. Cooper was advocating the .45 acp in the Colt Government with 200 grain LSWC handloads although the Col. felt 230 hardball was more than adequate. So these tests with the slow old calibers using modern ammunition is quite fascinating to me. And they are deadly as ever! Maybe a LSWC test with these two? That would be interesting & would also somewhat show their potential as outdoorsman sidearms. Keep this series with the .44 special/ magnum going as long as possible! Great Vid!

[@GunSam]

My unboxing and first shots fired I did LSWCHP but not the solid LSWC.

[@michigunsanta8680]

I tell you what if you ever had to fire inside your home with family there you’d appreciate it over 357mag or even a supersonic 9mm +P round and it’ll still put a home invader dong in the carpet! Lol 😆😳👍🏻

[@robertnation3077]

Clayton Pope well said my friend!

[@seatosummit6172]

I figured the 45 ACP would do well but that 44 special round did excellent. Would be a solid choice for a 44 magnum bedside gun. Thanks again for the great revolver content.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching.

[@sstritmatter2158]

"Would be a solid choice for a 44 magnum bedside gun." In fact I do just that - .44mag as a woods gun and .44 spl ammo as my nightstand defense weapon.

[@mkshffr4936]

A real joy in a rifle I bet.

[@jalan8171]

Once again, solid evidence that a properly loaded .44 Special is a very versatile cartridge. Although considered 'low' velocity that .45 ACP still packs a whollop. Thanks for such a good presentation.

[@deandee8082]

very nice piece, like to have that revolver, hale even the auto what the hay right, just a matter of more powder and more lead over the norm right, if there was more open carry more would prolly go this route, so uncomfortable to conceal, if I'm not worried bout all that I'd feel safer with a .44 or larger bore, not like someone tries to jack my car or hold me up I'm worried about a few inches here or there, no one's gonna pay me to hit the bullseye ffs.. I'm interested in twofers n' what not, specially if they pull first, I wanna go through my car door, through their door and out the other door... let God sort out the mess... usually the sight of the gun does the trick, if not hopefully the percussion and decibels does, no one wants to be hit by a .44 mag... nobody, easiest way to get a walk away, fire a canon..

[@andywilson8698]

45 acp and 44 spl!!! What's not to love about this video!

[@garylewis3641]

Thanks for the video, I was glad to see the 44 spl held its own. That doesn't mean they all would. I think Underwood is a good brand!

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching. I plan a lot more .44 Special tests so we shall see.

[@garysarratt1]

Great video as usual, Peter W.!

[@anjamesonusn]

Nice setup and nice presentation. Just enough info without too much BSing. Well done, sir!!

[@8626John]

Good video! Interesting comparison. Along with velocity, another factor in hollow point expansion is bullet design. Speer makes a 135 grain Gold Dot bullet especially designed for snub-nosed revolvers and I get excellent expansion out of my 2-inch .357 magnum revolver at .38 special plus p velocities. I handload, so I can tailor my ammo to my firearms.

[@robertfree1908]

Great choice in a 38+p/357 mag defense bullet. That bullet is the most accurate in my 3” “kit gun” S&W 60-15 357 mag. Winchester 357 case capped with a CCI 550 under 10gr of HS6 topped with that 135 Gold Dot goes into .5” for 3 shots from a rest(one group even went into .265”!) at 25yds. It chronoed 1201fps from a 3-shot avg. I lined up three 1gal jugs to see if that speed would tear up that bullet. It destroyed the 1st 2 and exited the 3rd. Lots to like about that load. The beauty of handloading. I’ve got high hopes for the .429” 200gr Gold Dots I acquired. I saw a KZbin video wear 1100fps about tore that bullet apart. Just FYI. Though I think that kind of speed isn’t necessary with that big bullet

[@tome709]

Sam I really enjoyed your video. You did an engineering sort-of review with your home made outdoor gun lab!! Awesome and entertaining

[@bobcatforever3485]

Another good and interesting video. Both of those bullets expanded nicely. Thanks for sharing.

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@RickyJr46]

Thanks for putting this together, Sam.

[@dcrickerson7611]

This was fun to watch! Both did very well. Thanks for the video.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching.

[@scubaguy007]

Good comparison, I did one with Hornady custom one day and both ended up in my 4th jug. The bullets were XTP, the 44 spl was 180gr and the 45ACP was 200gr. No video available we were just screwing around and no bologna was harmed that day. 😉

[@GunSam]

I saw that ammo. I'm considering trying it.

[@chrisgabbert658]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ try the Hornady I be one of those 44 guys 🤷‍♂️ .

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

I'd like to have your annual baloney budget toward a new shootin' iron. Really enjoy your ammo reviews. Nicely done. The two calibers that you compared in this video are my two all-time favorites for revolver and semi-auto. Kudos. Stay safe out there.

[@stevelewis1221]

Both were impressive. I enjoy these videos. Thanks

[@la_old_salt2241]

Great results Sam.

[@douglasmcneil6689]

One of the best practical comparisons I've seen.

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@joeltowle2737]

Holy Hannah! Both very good and accurate. Good shooting my friend!

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I pulled a lot of the .44 shots but I will get used to this gun eventually!

[@MPGunther1]

Another well done test and loved the results

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@danoneill2846]

back from the future thanks for the link good test

[@terryatherton2881]

Great video, looking forward to more .44 .

[@GunSam]

Thank you. I'm going to look for some magnum ammo today!

[@bdwillis8284]

Great test. I glad you mentioned the difference in the distance between the grooves in the cylinder. My friend has a ruger 8 shot 9mm. The double action fireing cycle is short and quick. Tough too shoot well at first. Thanks for an explanation I didn't think of.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. Sometimes there's pros and sometimes cons for the 5 vs 6 rotation. I don't mind the small frame 5 shot in .38/.357 as it's notch rotation distance is about the same as a 6 shot full size .38/.357. Then in .32/.327 a 6 shot J-frame size revolver is even better, very fast lockup in double action which tightens the accuracy. With this 5 shot .44 it's going to take some getting used to.

[@bdwillis8284]

Again thanks for bringing this to an old shooters attention.

[@beck-tn9gl]

Good video. The only real knock on the 44 Special is that's it's sometimes hard to find and it really isn't much different in price that 44 magnum. Thanks for the test.

[@GunSam]

That being said, I still think the .44 Special is just as good as magnum ammo, for most purposes.

[@beck-tn9gl]

@@GunSam Agreed. I would definitely carry .44 Special in my 629.

[@BOOMER-rs5qn]

During normal times, .44mag can be found cheaper that .44special.

[@beck-tn9gl]

@@BOOMER-rs5qn I worked in Gun Shops for 3 years. I seldom saw .44 Special. I think that's too bad.

[@leprechaunbutreallyjustamidget]

@@GunSam unless you're shooting a bear it's probably better

[@natashaseider1637]

Your a good man . A lot of people would have tried to return that bologna for a refund !

[@troy9477]

Very nice. I was expecting 900 fps with the 44 Special given the rated velocity in a 6" barrel, and you achieved it. The 80 cal expansion was very gratifying. I love the 44 Spl both in dedicated guns and magnum guns. I have been interested in the Model 69 for awhile, so i will be pleased to see how yours breaks in and holds up. This will be a fun series. Thanks.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. From what I see with chronograph lists, the .44 Special is similar to the .38 Special with different barrel lengths. It loses some velocity, but not significant velocity. When I go to .44 Magnum I expect to lose a lot more in the 4" barrel, maybe from 6" to 4" closer to 200 FPS lost.

[@troy9477]

@@GunSam -yes that's true. The 44 Spl is a bigger version of the 38 Spl.

[@Clambelly]

Great video. Really good ballistic test. .44 Special is quite potent, definitely a serious stopper.

[@russelder9743]

Really enjoyed this ...44 special is a fine round...just want to thank you I love the set up you have to shoot in...beautiful area

[@GunSam]

Thanks. My family bought it in about 1906.

[@russelder9743]

@@GunSam very cool

[@sstritmatter2158]

I really liked your video and test. I use a Taurus M44 4" .44mag as my woods gun hiking in Maine with potential to come across 400-600 lbs black bears - I NEED something with high power. That said, the .44mag makes an excellent home defense nightstand gun loaded with .44spl and your video proves it in spades. I run Hornady 165 gr JHP but would definitely consider the Speer Gold Dot 200 gr in .44spl as well if I can find it. Thanks again, great video.

[@YellowHammer26]

Well done !! Love your new gun.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@drftsnvk]

I performed an almost identical test using a 200 grain HP .45 ACP at 865 fps average, against a 200 grain HP in .44 Special at 870 fps average - both Remington Gold Dots. The results in every test (water jugs, gelatin, wet phone book) were identical. I terms of terminal ballistics, they are more identical than any other two calibers I know of. Guns used were a Rossi M720 and a Star Firestar M45.

[@nikomartinovic926]

Mnogo dobar test. Bravo.

[@northshores7319]

Thanks for the much needed comparison. Them there bigger bullets do alot of damage, I think, because their diameter is wider than the 9mm, which leads to a larger hole which leads to a faster blood loss which leads to stopping the thug faster! I think your putting baloney in the tests is a good idea because gel has a firmness that is not matched by the human body. In 1988, the Indiana State Police did ammo tests between the 9mm and 40 S&W on pigs. They went with the 40 S&W as all who saw the impact of that round said it hit the carcass visibly harder than the 9mm. There is something to be said for using meat compared to solid gel.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching. I feel like more than anything a semi hard barrier that represents bone is the best thing to have that the gel tests do not have. Even if the standard was 6" of gel followed by some sort of rib simulation followed by more gel, this would be better than plain gel. I have noticed that big heavy bullets often have a good momentum to them so they will penetrate more in soft material than lighter smaller bullets, they just keep moving along.

[@ratagris21]

The jug or not said shover me timber before you shot that .44 special round. Great testing as always. Good results with Gold Dots.

[@GunSam]

Thanks.

[@mikesideburns9791]

Thanks for covering 44 Special. It's perhaps my favorite handgun cartridge.

[@GunSam]

I plan to test a lot more of them when the ammo is easier to find.

[@bobhartman2571]

Thank you, great testing.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@sonnygunz9207]

I love shooting .44spl out of my 2 S&W model 29-2’s with 4” barrel, nickel plated. Very pleasant. Magnums will always be the most fun though lmao.

[@richki.24]

another good comparison video .... good job .

[@GunSam]

Thanks! 👍

[@stevearce1498]

Great Video 👍🏽

[@JohnDoe-nf7up]

What good timing just picked up my bulldog and gold dot is pretty well recommended

[@mkshffr4936]

Might also check out Buffalo Bore's LWC standard pressure round.

[@Michael.R.Harding.Realtor]

I thoroughly enjoy your channel. I was happy for you when you unboxed your .44 Magnum. Please contune with .44 Special and .45ACP. I would love to see .44 Special vs. .38 Special with a variety of bullets. Of course I would love to see a series of Magnums pitted against each other, .357 and .44. And finally .44 Magnum vs. 10mm to complete the wish list.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I plan all of that. Plan some 10mm VS .44 Mag but also would like to do one or two vids on .357 VS .44 Mag. Also .44 vs .38 and .44 vs .45 will continue. The bigger series's will be the .44 Special VS .45 ACP and .44 Mag VS 10mm.

[@Michael.R.Harding.Realtor]

@@GunSam NICE!! Looking forward to watching it all.

[@3stateKen]

Your channel is such a wealth of info on calibers of gun especially revolvers. The 44 spl. seems interesting. I know the main arguments are - #1 get a 44 mag and shoot both rounds #2 44 spl ammo is expensive and limited in choices. Well when I was younger (pre-teen) I shot a relative’s 44 mag and it was punishingly unpleasant. But I do now own a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag setup for deer hunting so I conquered that fear. So back to the arguments - #1 True the 44 mag gives you that flexibility but it just seems to me when something is designed for a particular purpose it performs better. That being said a 44 spl revolver should in some way perform better with its intended round. #2 ALL calibers right now are expensive and getting scarcer day by day. So personally I don’t see that as a drawback. One has the right to own and shoot the gun of their choice I’m just saying to me I don’t feel that would hold me back from getting one if one availed itself to me. Seems it would be a good defensive and protective round in several applications. By the way I’m a New York native so I understand you being named Sam not choosing a Charter Arms 44 spl. Those were times of anxiety for sure.

[@swedeson6188]

Great video, thank you! More 45ACP to the people, and more 45ACP tests from Gun Sam ;)

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I do have a whole series planned so we will see a lot more .45 ACP both old and new.

[@swedeson6188]

@@GunSam Great!

[@98ratboy]

The .45 ACP velocities out of the 5.3” barrel seemed anemic, but it performed well. That .44 Special... wow

[@GunSam]

Yeah for being a 5.3" barrel and rated at 890 FPS, getting 100 FPS less is a litter weird. Usually Speer is better than that for their rating vs actual velocity.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I wonder why the velocities were so low. My friend was getting 860+ fps from his Glock21 4.60" barrel with that same load.

[@d.hayward5232]

I really thought the .45acp would win, but if I were to judge from this video I'd declare the .44spl the winner, barely. Great job Sam, keep up the tradition of informative, unbiased and pleasant presentations - many of us look forward to your newest!

[@GunSam]

Thanks. The .45...it's hard to say, I was gonna say I tested some 500 ft lb .45's before, but then I just remembered my last test with SWC's in the .44 Special were also at 500 ft lbs. Both are pretty similar in a lot of ways.

[@petrosspetrosgali]

I have .44 spcl handloads that put the .45ACP to shame and they still have somewhat low recoil.

[@876mpr]

Both look like excellent choices and the 230 grain .45 Gold Dot definitely confirms that I can tone my .45 ACP PD round down a bit.

[@alecswann7234]

Hi Gun Sam! Just FYI, on conversion of 45 ACP Glocks to 10mm, there are a few issues. If you search on KZbin for "Glock 21 conversion 10mm problems" you will see a few videos. From what I gather, the .40/.357 SIG conversions work with no issues at all, save some .40 magazines can have hangups per Hickok45, the 10mm to 40/.357 SIG work pretty good also but a few more problems. That's still a nice Glock. If people accept them for what they are (I'm with the late Mr. Holster on this one -- I really miss the guy) they can be of good service.

[@apuzyr]

GR8 video...again.

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@Fudmottin]

I think I would be comfortable carrying that 44 Spl. I wonder if they have +P available? Just to get it up to about 1000fps. It probably won't increase the penetration, but it should do more damage without having to step up to the 44 Magnum punisher.

[@GunSam]

I honestly don't recall ever seeing any ammunition labeled .44 Special+P before, I think that's probably because .44 Special can get pretty powerful within it's specs and also I don't think +P is a SAAMI rating for .44 Special. I would carry it too lol. My little lock box is so stuffed with guns I had to put this in front when the door opens so I decided to make it the house gun, loaded this ammo in it.

[@BOOMER-rs5qn]

You could just shoot .44mag 180jhp. those are usually very mild recoil, and cheaper than most .44sepcial loads.

[@lutherpayne9957]

@@GunSam Underwood has some .44 special in 190 grain LSWHP, (item 742) that is advertised at 1150 fps. In the longer barrel you have it will most likely push 1000. It would leave a mark I bet....

[@FA45ACP]

Fudmottin, check out Underwoodammo.com I bought a case of 44 Special load with 245grain bullets at 950 fps for my Ruger GP100. It packs QUITE the wallop, definitely hotter than a standard 45 ACP. I would say that's what you're looking for. 😎

[@jimbob465]

44 special can throw a 250gr bullet 1200fps. It can be significantly more powerful than 45acp and even beats 10mm.

[@blazerk9614]

Nothing better than a dual against 2 classic cartridges. Great info. Magnum time !!!

[@GunSam]

Thanks. If I can get the magnum ammo. I see a couple of choices but who knows what will be available when I shop for ammo.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Good results. Thanks

[@GunSam]

Thank you.

[@matthewanderson9912]

Awesome. I’m really surprised with the 44 special. I’ve seen other types of 44 special and it was pretty lackluster performance especially considering the ridiculous high price for it (before the silliness started with the virus I could buy 44 magnum cheaper than 44 special). But this looked real good. Can’t wait for you to run some magnums through it. I predict it’s going to set all kinds of records for the jug or not box. You might want to wear a face shield or take an extra couple steps back too lol.

[@GunSam]

Thanks yeah lol the Jug-or-Not won't like it. I used to test .44 Mag a long long time ago with just plain water jugs and it was always impressive.

[@WhoBallCain]

Nice video sam just wanted you to say I always enjoy your content. I like the .44 special except for the price. I use the .44 special 200gr underwood gold-dot in my 4inch 44mag. Its a stout little load. I think of it as a .45 acp revolver if that makes sense although those underwood bullets remind me of speer’s +p .45s. Kinda stiff recoil but nothing compared to .44 mag and the blast accompanying it shortly thereafter lmao. I couldn’t even imagine firing a .44 mag in a crowded place. It would probably screw up the vision/hearing of everyone in the room for a good minute 😂

[@GunSam]

Thank you. What's interesting with Underwood ammo is you can get 40 rounds of hollow points from them cheaper than 50 rounds of target ammo from normal brands, and unlike traditional companies that only produce revolver cartridges periodically, Underwood makes them all the time, so I just use Underwood for target ammo as I know I can always acquire more. I would reload my .44 ammo but large pistol primers are gone, never can find them.

[@WhoBallCain]

@@GunSam Dang that's interesting im going to have to check them out again. I have not even shot a gun since the whole pandemic, I just sit on the ammo i have. I really need to get out there and train but my local ammo supply has dried up. One of the reasons a 4inch barrel revolver is good. The skill never deteriorates for me as much as a semi auto.

[@KM-xv9od]

Well done.

[@mizzoupatriot8814]

The old timers in the gun business referred to the 230 grain Gold Dot 45acp as the "flying ashtray."

[@petergrant9259]

The new 44 magnum revolver you have is a nice bedside gun... the only drawback to the large calibers are conceal ability. I was torn between a 44 mag Ruger Alaskan or the 45-LC -45ACP combo Redhawk. I got the 45 because of ammo considerations a few years back. Nothing compares to shooting the revolvers in the big fat cartridges, it why the west was won with the Colt 45... Midway still has some 44 ammo... but it won't last...

[@davids-xd8xr]

could you please do some more mild cartridge testing such as the 44 special cowboy loads. along with maybe a 44 target wadcutter load. Just to see what the penetration would be with the milder loads such as you did with the 38 Colt and with the 32 wadcutter loads.

[@effeojnedib7208]

Nice video. My .44 spl. carry loads are Corbon 180 gr. with the advertised velocity of 1000 FPS from a 3" barrel. The two rounds in the video are so close, it comes down to capacity and concealability. The revolver does hold an advantage for me in reloading aspects, as well as function with a multitude of ammo, including shotshells.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I have been wanting to address for a long time a topic about capacity vs reliability vs "stopping power". That's always the question for many, in terms of power is better to place rounds better or ones that are more effective? And if some are more effective, would not as many be needed etc? Never going to be a concrete answer to those questions but it's interesting to explore.

[@effeojnedib7208]

@@GunSam All guns have a niche to fill, it's up to the individual, which is whats makes discussions and tests like yours so great ! FYI, My every day carry is a P365. I went that route after dealing with kel-tec and their garbage and customer service lies. The Charter Arms Bulldog is a back up carry and house gun.

[@daleweller5193]

The police use to get 80 cal expansion from the 45 gold dot in 200 gr.

[@livincincy4498]

I have pondered that expansion is based on BHN and the momentum (Mass x Velocity ) of the bullet. The Velocity and Energy ( Velocity Squared x Mass ) certainly are observed as associating with expansion. But the momentum and BHN are more than likely the cause. This is why you can get good expansion from a 45 230 grain at 700 fps and a 38+P 158 grain at 950 with similar BHN. Fun series

[@GunSam]

Good to know. I don't know everything about momentum, but I do know it can make good penetration in fleshy materials better than some higher powered round with more energy.

[@tausha46]

GREAT REVIEW THANKS I HAVE 44SP 24-3

[@GunSam]

Thanks. Very cool, I had to look that up as I didn't even know about that model. Looks like a good gun.

[@tausha46]

@@GunSam BOUGHT IN 1983 MADE ONLY 7000. I ONLY SHOT IS 12 TIMES

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

Both are cool, have a great weekend :-)

[@GunSam]

Thank you. You too. On the quest to find my next video gear lol, i'm sure you can relate.

[@richardrivard487]

I love it thank you

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I own both calibers and handload for both. The 44 spl I load a 250 grain cast and coated bullet at around 800 fps from a 4.75" SAA barrel. and the 45 acp for my 1911's I load a 200 grain SWC cast and coated at around 950 fps. Both loads hit hard.

[@taasch2505]

Wish you had some of those charter arms auto caliber revolvers to compare with but even so I am very happy with what I see here. .44 is super expensive though and I don't reload.

[@danoneill2846]

I predict they are BOTH winners !

[@GunSam]

My prediction; PAIN

[@danoneill2846]

@@GunSam Pain for the shooter ?? They look kind of mild .

[@GunSam]

@@danoneill2846 Not for the shooter lol. Just a Rocky 3 line.

[@deandee8082]

ncie pistol, like the action, seems to be balanced real good, whats your best time for full dump with that pistol, any tweekers get away or? :-)

[@richd5025]

I am thinking of getting a 1911. This comparison let me know what to expect from 45acp. It is close to 44spl.

[@mattpatterson9128]

Can't go wrong with the 185 Plus P Golden Sabre, big fan of that round. I would love for you to test Ammo Inc. 's 230 grain .45 Acp.

[@Red2003stang]

Driving nails with the Glock, nice!

[@GunSam]

It does alright with the low end ammo.

[@meatheadjose2856]

Can you use a 44 Magnum cartridge in that 44 ,s, revolver?

[@williamray3101]

Gold dot seem to be good ammo. Good knowledge.

[@theone031]

Can't wait to see the 44 mag.

[@peelreg]

I have a Charter Arms 3" in 44 Spl. I load it to similar velocity as my 5" 45ACP. I light, powerful gun.

[@strangelyjamesly4078]

Was the chrono set for those fancy pants metres per second? 252/254 metres per second is 827/833 fps.

[@GunSam]

It's always set to feet per second.

[@danieljarman1313]

both of those rounds look great. I know that Gold Dot in 45 doesn't have that much recoil for what it does. I like it.

[@GunSam]

Yes the .45 Gold Dot is pretty awesome. Also the old school Federal Hydrashok was the same way, they went up in power and it made it perform worse. The older .45 ACP 230 gr Hydrashok was rated at like 820 FPS or in that range and with LE use it held a steady 94% one shot stop rank even though it was no more powerful than 9mm as where the 9mm was somewhere around 80%. So in conclusion it seems like with 230 gr, a little slower velocity somehow makes it better.

[@dangerman007]

Well! Finally a .44 special load that does what you would think it would! I get the appeal of this round because it's hard to beat .45 ACP and this round looks like it should be similar. Carrying a revolver with a big heavy bullet gives confidence. Sad to say most .44 specials seem to over penetrate and not expand, making the .38 special a much better choice. This round had more velocity as I think most .44 don't do over 800 fps so hence the lack of performance out of the hollow point. Good round!

[@GunSam]

Hornady's .44 Special round is just about right, I did the video and plan to release it Friday. They use a 165 gr rated at 900 FPS and I got an average of 895 FPS in this revolver. It did about right for .44 Special.

[@dangerman007]

@@GunSam My weekend is about to get a lot better! 😊

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Damn fine grouping with that 45. I have a hard time hitting the side of a barn from the inside with a 45. lol (too much of a wheelgun shooter I guess)

[@nicholasgad]

Lol, your Caldwell was reading fine. The first teo readings were in metres per second (252 / 0.3048 = 827 fps).

[@helifanodobezanozi7689]

Good video. However, If you ever want to do a more "apples to apples" comparison, Sig Sauer makes the Elite V-Crown JHP in 200gr for both 44 special and 45acp.

[@GunSam]

I have taken bullet weight into account. The main reason for not using the same weight is because it makes one have an advantage over the other. A 200 gr .430" bullet is the "same" as a 220 gr .451" bullet. Using lighter for caliber reduces sectional density and decreases its ability to penetrate. Other reason like stated is this is literally the only ammo I can acquire. Third reason is ammunition companies understand sectional density and often only make one variety of said ammo. Example, Critical Defense .45 ACP is 185 gr and the .44 Special version is 165 gr, no other choices and they happen to have the same sectional density, because Hornady knows their ballistics.

[@MrExplorer1965]

Awesome

[@scottythebody0811]

I'd love to see what Remington 44 mag. green and white box 180 grain sjsp would do to that bologna.

[@GunSam]

I been working on getting magnum ammo.

[@Predalien195]

Main gripes with .44 Special is cost of ammo and availability but also performance in shorter barrels. There's a lot of .44 Special loads that anything shy of a 6 inch barrel and they under perform. Snub nose revolvers get some of the worst in .44 Special. But .45 ACP even in short barrels like a 3.2 to 3.5 inch barrel get pretty solid performance. I guess if you got .44 revolvers and you want a lighter non magnum load this would be the way to go. But otherwise the .45 ACP gives more rounds, similar performance, lower cost, and a much broader selection of firearms to choose from.

[@GunSam]

I don't know. From what I have seen a snub .44 Special doesn't lose too much velocity over a longer barrel, and the low pressure supports that. But, we ill have to see someday if and when I get more .44 revolvers to test.

[@Predalien195]

@@GunSam It's very load specific it seems. My dad used to have a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special with a 2 inch barrel. Could never get HP's to expand in any kind of medium except water jugs or if you had any expansion it was very minimal. In 4 inch barrels it seems to do better but kind of like .45 Colt, most the performance seems to be meant for 6 inch barrels. But that's just what I've seen and experienced. More testing is always good.

[@mmabagain]

Since Underwood loads hot, I wish you could have used Underwood ammo for both. A better comparison. But I'm guessing they did not have the Gold Dot available.

[@GunSam]

I wish I could have too. But to be fair, the rated velocity was a bit high for what I got, so i'm guessing at most I got 50 FPS over the Speer .44 Special load.

[@franklinAll8735]

Maybe these erratic readings of 250 were in fact correct? 250 meters per second equates about 820 fps. Is it possible that your chrono changed measured unit from fps to m/s?

[@GunSam]

There's a setting for M/S but it was set at FPS. I double checked it when setting up the lights. What I usually attribute readings like that to are smoke velocity. Once in awhile I get flash readings and it will say something like 8,000 and the smoke readings are usually anywhere from 60 to 250 FPS. It happens so rarely that i'm not going to worry about it.

[@Dennisthemenace40]

The 44 Spl Underwood Gold Dot load is in my bedside snubie. Underwood makes serious ammo.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I have a lot in common with the 45 acp, it’s slow, fat and heavy. I’ve always loved the 45 acp as a round.

[@GunSam]

Oh me too. I weighed 230 last year and did more .45 ACP tests. Gained 10 lbs needed to start .44 Magnum tests!

[@mikefranklin1253]

I carried a .44 at work for about 7 years. You get a bit better accuracy shooting a .44 spl out of a .44 spl gun. I wound up using a 200 gr bullet at about 1000 fps, and yeah I loaded my own ammo back in those days.

[@patrickrossetti5685]

Both are👍!!

[@olsmokey5256]

Was just shootin a .44 s&w at a range. that gun is fucken sick

[@richardthomas6602]

450 smc is king of the carry ammo. It delivers 10mm velocities and power ratings from any +p rated 45 caliber pistol. Give Double Tap a call and get some.

[@robertroosa285]

I'm starting to believe that momentum is the more important measurement than energy. I often see bullets with less energy but more momentum do more damage to gel/Meat Target/Jug-or-Not/etc.

[@GunSam]

Momentum is a thing for sure. I'm not sure exactly how much it changes the damage, but it does significantly change the downrange energy potential. Quick example, 9mm vs .45 ACP, both at 350 ft lbs at muzzle, at 100 yards the .45 is still at 300 ft lbs but the 9mm will be at 250 ft lbs.

[@robertroosa285]

@@GunSam Greetings from Mid Michigan btw

[@mkshffr4936]

45acp advantage initial rate of fire (reload speed). 44spl advantage flexibility of ammo types.

[@sisleymichael]

Both will put the thump on a bad guy. I have used 44 spl on hogs with fine results but in a flat point Berry's 200gr at about 900fps. They fall over fine. Longest shot was 40yds.

[@daleweller5193]

I believe Speer makes a 200 gr gold dot for the 45 acp but good luck finding any.

[@GunSam]

I used to have some, very powerful round. I actually saw it available a few days ago on a website, but don't recall which one.

[@slowhand1198]

Bullet construction is a key factor.

[@GunSam]

Yeah usually. Sometimes there's so little power or too much power for certain designs to work, but the average handgun round out there is maybe 125 gr at 1,000 FPS covering many cartridges and calibers. Within that spec we can see how some designs work and some do not with an average diameter, weight and velocity range.

[@richki.24]

Dirty Harry mentioned 44 Special in one of the movies ...

[@GunSam]

I know what you're referring to. In Magnum Force he told the rogue cops when asked what load he uses, that he uses "light specials", he just said specials and never mentioned .44 Special specifically. However, if this were real life and not a movie and I witnessed him firing the gun, i'd without a doubt say he was referring to a specialty .44 Magnum round loaded with light for caliber bullets, maybe like a 165 gr moving at 1,700 FPS or something because the recoil would raise the muzzle near 90 degrees even in that scene where the rogue cop tried out his gun on the firing range. But, it's a movie lol so we can never know.

[@richki.24]

@@GunSam , lol, yep ...keep up the cool comparisons ..

[@StacyHagerty]

Believe he mentioned 1000 fps also in that movie. Realizing it was script and not reality.

[@StacyHagerty]

I was mistaken, didn't mention velocity. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faSbcqSwg556l5Y

[@jalan8171]

In Magnum Force, Harry tells the 'hot shots' that for range practice he uses the special loads for score control. Out on the street... well that's a different story.

[@winn305]

Another job well done👍. 44 spl vs 45 auto... The winner is 10mm 😆

[@GunSam]

Thanks.

[@michaelpage4199]

Wow. Explains why Dirty Harry carried 44 special in his revolver. Very impressed

[@GunSam]

Dunno if he really did lol. I know the Magnum Force statement, but I feel like he was saying light for caliber specials ...like special magnums. If you watch the revolver recoil in that movie nothing really indicates .44 special.