The 44 Remington Magnum & 44 S&W Special

[@happymotoring4674]

I finally got a model 29 after wanting one for over 40 years.....WOW! Love your videos, God Bless.

[@linguisticman]

I wanted either a model 29 or model 25. Could not make up my mind...had to have an N-frame but couldn't afford both...so I got a model 57! Still want a model 29 or 25 though. I'm never satisfied, ha.

[@1776goodfight]

You bring a much needed aspect of firearms that is neglected. Many KZbin gun channels today don’t care about the history of firearms. The history of America and guns go hand in hand. Lots of people disagree with that statement, but it’s true. I like hearing about it.

[@WMDTVIDS]

GREAT video! Ive been a 44 fan a reloader for more than 20 years, and you have a very level headed take on the cartridge. Keep up the good work!

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you!

[@dougeverett7909]

I love the 44 special. I handload mine just a little bit warm but nothing crazy and that's actually what I carry in my magnums

[@ryanpoole3447]

I have a super black hawk and a super redhawk hawk .the 44 magnum is a power house even in today's standard's. I'm confident enough that it will take any dangerous game on planet earth point blank .I love the 44 magnum

[@cmillerphotos]

Whenever I'm thinking about buying a new gun in a new caliber for me, and I want a little deeper dive, I always come to you, Mr. GunBlue490. Today it's the .44 mag. Yeah... I'm finally getting around to buying a revolver, so I'm going big. :-)

[@Engineman120]

One of my favorite cartridges. Just this Saturday I was able to take down a Whitetail deer in the woods at 35 yards away with a 4” Smith and Wesson 629. It only ran 40 yards and finally expired. Great videos sir!

[@phishno2767]

I can identify with your comment about how hard you worked for that Marlin .44. My first gun that I bought with my own money was a S&W Model 29, and over the course of about 3 years, I cleaned a lot dishes, swept a lot of floors, and scrubbed a bunch of public toilets to buy it. I managed to get it back recently after foolishly trading it off many years ago. The next time I part with it will be because I'm pushing up daisies.

[@99corncob]

I agree completely with your judgment on the 44 special. I started pistol shooting in the 1970s with a 38 special revolver and soon moved on to some 45 ACP pistols. I got the urge to get a 44 magnum, and bought a S&W 629. I realized before I bought it that I would need to reload for it or I would not be able to afford to shoot it, so I got a set of dies for my Dillion press at the same time I bought the revolver. I bought one box of 44 magnum cartridges and went to the range, where I decided after four or five shots that I may have made a big mistake. My wrist and ears hurt and I was getting more and more hesitant to even fire the thing because of the recoil and blast. I knew that a flinch was inevitable if I continued. I went home and checked my reloading manual, I got a box of 44 brass, and I made up some 44 special loads. The next week at the range I delighted to discover what a pleasure they were to shoot. In the heavy Smith revolver the recoil and blast were about the same as my 45 ACPs and the loads all were wonderfully accurate. I never bought another box of 44 magnum ammunition, but I still enjoy that revolver. Thanks for your experience and good advice.

[@ArizonaTengu]

This is arguably one of the best talk on the 44. I just got into hand loading 44mag, and I couldn’t be happier. I admit that the first time I shot it, over a decade ago now, was to much power. Now that I’m older and more experienced. The only reason I stop shooting my Super Blackhawk is because it gets to hot. But you’re very on point though. I plan on having this gun for self defense purposes in the wilds against dangerous game. If I ever carry a sidearm for defense again? It’ll be loaded with 44special in a revolver, or a 1911 in 45acp. Both of those cartridges are great for hand loading. It amazed me that people are so against the 44special in a 44mag revolver. Ballistically a 3” barrel isn’t playing to the 44mag’s traits. I can do without the muzzle blast, and extra recoil in a gun that small.

[@Ammo08]

I had been shooting 45 ACP and 45 Colts before I bought my first 44 Magnum in 1973. But, I was into reloading so I worked my way up to the higher power loads, which I didn't shoot all that often...I had a few recipes for plinking, walking around, and range. Back then I could also pick up 44 specials pretty cheap if I needed to. The higher power loads were for when I was in the Rockies.

[@alivesurvivalandbushcraftt4636]

Going to look at a 1894 Marlin 44 magnum (JM Stamped from 1974) tomorrow .. also thinking of getting a single action 44 magnum six gun or maybe a nice S&W 629..

[@wewd]

Elmer Keith said that .44 Special was the one cartridge he would have if he could only have one. And that was *after* developing the Magnum.

[@LowIQinHQ]

But if you buy a 44 magnum then you can have both. If you buy a 44 special then you only have 44 special

[@mikehagan4320]

I too broke a metacarpal in a Social discussion. I still catch it on gear shifts, steering wheels and dealing with livestock. It reminds me of the hard way to gain Confidence. The owners manual for a Marlin 1894, .44 magnum specifically says to only use standard pressure rounds. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. I know from the organized Hikes we have taken I have walked over 300 miles with that Firearm. Not counting all of the day trips and hunting trips. That .44 was my Mountain Sidearm since the mid 90's. MySon used it in 4H Western Heritage shooting using .44 Specials. It's a very accurate revolver. Another Great video! Best Wishes to you and your Family from Montana! M.H.

[@zayacz123]

I’m watching this with my copy of Ken Waters’ book, Pet Loads open to the chapter on the 44 Magnum. I believe it’s still in print. Gunblue490 and Ken Waters are the perfect combination. Thank you, Gunblue490 for sharing your wisdom an knowledge with all of us!

[@chipsawdust5816]

You can still get Waters' book but it's around $60 a pop so I've made some copies of pertinent pages from a friend's copy :) Lots of good info in that book for sure.

[@zayacz123]

@@chipsawdust5816 They did get expensive. I bought the 2 volume set ages ago. About 3 years ago Sportsman’s Warehouse had the single volume in the $40-$50 range. The single volume has a bit more in it. It’s an amazing body of work.

[@MrLeo7627]

Theirs a lot of wisdom on this channel . Thank You GunBlue

[@MyREDTAIL]

God bless Old Elmer Keith for his work in getting the 44 Magnum developed etc. May he RIP

[@willrowell3218]

Amen to that

[@71rcode72]

11:30 --- would love to hear some of these stories! Excellent informative presentation sir. Thank you.

[@jamesoberg7662]

My first handgun was a Colt Trooper MK lll in .357 mag, great gun (wish I still had it)! But I wanted more horsepower so I bought a Ruger Super Black hawk in .44 magnum! Still have it...

[@stuartmarkman769]

I have a Ruger 7.5 in Blackhawk and shooting 44 Special is great but Shooting the 44 Magnum is a big difference. I wore out a pair of shooting gloves in 12 rounds of 44 magnum. But it was fun.

[@BigRedPower59]

I recently acquired a 629-1. I had watched this video some time back and remembered what you’d said about the 44 special. So, on the day I picked up my revolver I purchased boxed of both special and magnum ammunition. Long story short...I still have half of a box of 240 grain JHP 44 magnum and have ran through 3 boxes of 200 grain JSP 44 special in the last month. I have never had this much fun with any firearm that I’ve owned aside from my 10/22 that I got when I was 11. Thanks for the videos and the advice. Blessings!

[@BigRedPower59]

1/7th -Cav. 1972C.I.B Of that I have no doubt.

[@deniscleaver7544]

Love that .44 Special. Mine is a S&W Model 24, 6 1\2" barrel and shoots just fine. Also have a Uberti made Schofield with 7 1\2" bbl which gives me hours of fun shooting.

[@scottstubbs9913]

I've been a fan of the 44 Mag. for many many years. I hand load and shoot a lot of lead bullets using Trail Boss powder, makes them very enjoyable to shoot and accurate too. I also enjoy shooting full power loads from time to time. Great Video!

[@charger19691]

Some people may scoff at this, but I have no desire to shoot any handgun more powerful than the .44 Magnum. To me it's more than enough power. Thanks Mr. Elmer Keith, the father of the .44 Magnum!

[@GunBlue490]

The .44 Magnum is plenty of gun that has taken everything with the correct bullets and within the appropriate range. Most people carry a handgun for the sake of convenience and lightness, so they can attend to other affairs (fishing, hiking, splitting wood, back-up camp gun, ATVs), without being tied to a huge gun that gets in the way, which is where the .44 frame size is about as large as most people find comfortable day in, day out. It also happens to be the most popular handgun in Alaska, where folks have vast experience with this, and have great confidence in it. My personal experience has been that scoffers in this world are most often the least skilled at what they brag about. There are those that can, and those that say they can.

[@charger19691]

GunBlue490 , I agree Sir, thank you!

[@Clearanceman2]

The reality is if you need more than the .44 in a handgun, your likely not using the best tool for the job. Like yes, you can handgun hunt but 44 magnum is questionable in a handgun (enough in a rifle for whitetails for sure). But a rifle is the best tool for hunting. Not that you can't handgun hunt, it's just not the best tool for the job. Yes, you can use a rifle cartridge in a handgun, but then why use a handgun at all?

[@GunBlue490]

Clearanceman2 Actually, in capable hands and within 75 ysrds, the 44 Magnum is extremely proficient on whitetail deer, and even black bear. In thick brush, and on hilly terrain, I have always favored my handgun, which leaves my hands free for climbing and handling branches. No, it's not as powerful as a rifle, but in such conditions, it is more than sufficient, and can allow one to navigate into hunting areas that can be very difficult with a long gun. It's also very satisfying to take game with a handgun, and is far more efficient than the bow. In my lectures, I always presume that the viewer take into account his or her personal limitations. Big bore handguns are not for everyone, and must be mastered with considerable practice, which is something few folks are capable with, and for them, they should stick with a rifle. But for those who are competent shots with a big handgun, who can keep their shots inside an NRA bull at 50 yards, big game hunting is certainly a very fine option with ample power that nobody should dismiss.

[@Clearanceman2]

GunBlue490 It's marginal for whitetails, it's marginal for black bears. The energy numbers at 75 yards are not good. I'd be more comfortable with it on whitetails with exactly the right ammo than on bears. I've shoot a few whitetails with a super redhawk and it works at close range with a great shot and the right ammo. Too much chance for stuff to go wrong for me. But I feel about the same about bow hunting. I really don't like lost deer and marginal methods increase the chance of lost deer.

This is a great channel. Just my 2 cents, I bought a new S&W 29 6.5" classic made in 2016 and it is a really nicely made gun. Has also satisfied my itch to buy another firearm for over a yr!!! Worth the price just for that

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Enjoy your videos a great deal. A Merry Christmas to all!...

[@lightningdriver81]

When properly hand loaded in a S&W revolver, eg Mdl.24, the .44 Special is a terrific weapon. I use the old Lyman 429421 mould, 250gr semi-wadcutter loaded up to 1,000 fps. No need for hollow points or ultra high velocity, that bullet is superb. Back in the day (1970-1989) I carried said Mdl. 24 (with a 4" barrel) as a Border Patrol Agent and had utmost confidence in both the weapon and the load.

[@jalan8171]

Mine was a Model 624 stainless 6.5" barrel. Never should of traded it off; near a collector's piece now.

[@lightningdriver81]

JAlan Yeah, shame on you -- but we've all made similar mistakes. 😩

[@jamesoberg7662]

I bought a Ruger 44 magnum Super Black hawk with a 10 1/2” barrel in 1980. Big gun, kicks like a mule! But I love shooting it..

[@megan6228]

I have both the stainless and blued model 10.5 inch barrel and quite enjoy killing deer with them

[@michaelmccamish4008]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@robertotto5811]

The Bisley gripped Ruger's are much more pleasant to shoot than the traditional SBH with that squared trigger guard. I got rid of mine after the first two boxes and traded it in for a Bisley.

[@byrdland3576]

I'm used to shooting .357 magnum. I like it. My revolvers are heavy and recoil is modest. A gentleman at a range invited me to shoot his S&W 3 inch barrel .44 Special. I was apprehensive. It was a very accurate, sweet shooting pistol with less recoil than .357 magnum. Skeeter Skelton liked .44 Special. Who could argue with that?

[@user-jn9km6qd7g]

Hi GunBlue, I've watched nearly all of your videos over the years and must say that I've enjoyed every single one. I have a good friend that has had a Smith and Wesson Model 629-4 for many years and loves it dearly. He has recently asked me whether or not it was safe to dry fire it. He was particularly concerned because of it having an exposed hammer nose instead of a more modern transfer bar system.. I was not sure of the answer and have decided to submit the question to you in hopes of receiving your expert input. I thank you for the vast amount of knowledge that you have bestowed upon each of your humble viewers.

[@vtekeatr]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us I enjoy all of your videos.

[@tazdog4528]

LOL i really like your videos their great. The reason i LOL was Dirty Harry was the biggest reason i bought the 44 mag and yes it was a Smith & Wesson. So when you made the comment about the Smith and Wesson selling out over night i got i big chuckle. Actually i guess i am fortunate in that recoil has never bothered me in the least. I started out with a stainless S&W 357 because i couldn't find it in a 44 mag at the time. Loved that gun always regretted selling it,1st time out i remember walking down to the creek behind my house and a big ol snake popped up about 15 feet in front of me. Mind you i had never shot that gun i pulled it out of my holster and unloaded it hit the snake every time their was snake parts flying thru the air over over the place i was impressed with the accuracy and mild recoil of the round. I was more detirmend than ever after that to get what i always refer to as my Dirty Harry gun. Well several years later i finally manage to get me a model 29 it was the series 3 version of the model 29. I no in the movie Dirty Harry always used the series 2 of the gun, anyway i fell in love with it. Mine had the 8 3/8 inch barrel i wanted it for hunted deer. I no out to 100 yards its a pretty effictive round. I usually carry it on me when i go out to the woods deer hunting, fishing ect. later years i wound up getting another in stainless steel it was the series 5 or 6 don't remember wich right off. It had the 6 1/2 inch barrel. Needless to say i was very disappointed in it, accuracy was horrible with that thing it shot all over the place nothing like my model 29. IMO S&W quality started going down hill at that time and i have not bothered to buy another Smith since, shame since i really did like them. Now i will still buy a older Smith just not any of the new stuff they make. Also i hafta agree theirs no real need for anything bigger than the mighty 44, anything bigger is just over kill and for braggin rights imo. I never ran the 44 special thru mine i had always thought about it but every time i went to buy ammo they were basically same price as the 44 mag round or at best maybe 2$ cheaper so i just used 44 mag rounds since recoil didn't bother me. I had a 45 acp and it had far more kick than any of the 44's i've shout over the years , weird imo. Now if i were to but a new 44 or something like that it wold be the Ruger Redhawk. The Redhawk has more meet in the cyclinder walls wich will handle max loads far better than the Smiths and Ruger makes a dam fine firarm.

[@blackrain6425]

My favorite revolver is ruger 357 magnum 6 inch its fun shooting 38 special

[@GunBlue490]

It's a terrific combo.

[@blackrain6425]

@@GunBlue490 my other favorite is ruger alaskan 454 casual shooting 45 long colt great carry wilderness revolver

[@georgiaboy4410]

Great video, the 44 magnum is a dandy cartridge especially in a carbine. I cast and reload for two different rifles, a Marlin 1894 and a Rossi 92. With 240 grain cast and powder coated bullets and a good charge of 2400 powder they make an excellent woods gun for deer and pigs down here. 44 special and 44 magnum are two of the most versatile cartridges in my opinion. Keep up the good work !!

[@dimitarhadjov3748]

Well that’s all very nice, but here in Europe the 44 special is virtually impossible to find let alone shoot it at the range for fun. So I was wondering about reloading some reduced loads for the 44 magnum to use at the range for practice and fun. Is this a reliable option? Thank you!

[@MarkMphonoman]

44 magnum, my favorite round.

[@zayacz123]

44 mag brass seems to last forever. I seldom load them to full power. 800 fps. is nice for plinking, while Berry’s fmj bullets at 1100 fps. give a little more excitement. Great video!

[@motorosso3349]

I love my S&W 29-2. It is a work of metal art.

[@oilhammer04]

I like the .44 magnum revolver with the use of .44 special cartridges, like you.

[@powerai]

wonderful information. I enjoy the history and storytelling

[@markgman4157]

Thank you for the excellent informative video. A 44 is high on my wish list.

[@paulmartin6895]

I have a RH and 1894 in 44 mag and you are right about how it is to shoot, the spl compare to the mag. I reload my own and like shooting both rounds. I like the both rounds. Thank you for clear things up better .

[@cominroitover80]

Something tells me you had aviators and a badass mustache back in the 70s.

[@medros74]

LOL. Now I would like to see Sir Gunblue do that for Halloween.

[@smithwesson629]

16:45 "Something SPECIAL about the 44 Special" -So true! Enjoy shooting my S&W 629-4 with 44mag brass Large Pistol Primer(not magnum) homebrew( range-scrap) 258gr SWC´s, (RCBS 240gr mold) but the bullets turned up-side-down, so it´s basically a WC. Powder: Vihtavuori N320, 3.8grain. Low recoil, great accuracy, low report.

[@mikecarter9755]

Thanks for your thoughts Sir.

[@chipsawdust5816]

Being able to shoot this in both a pistol and a rifle is a fun part of reloading. The main difference is which bullets you can load for a tube-fed magazine vs a cylinder. You don't want "pointy" bullets in your tube magazine; keeping that in mind keeps you safe from possibly punching a primer in your tube magazine when firing. Hornady's FTX are pointy but soft-tipped so you can load them in your lever gun (aka LeveRevolution). But the same load in the two different types of firearms produces quite different results. And you can test any style of bullet in a lever gun if you single feed. It's a very interesting cartridge.

[@mhlaw229]

Great video, especially your comments on flinching

[@kylemartin832]

I don't understand why 44 special isn't more popular than it is. I feel all the people who have traded in their 44 mag revolvers never tried 44 specials in them.

[@jalan8171]

As Tim Taylor (Allen) of tool time put it, "POWER, man, more POWER!" Myself, the Special had enough power for my plinking.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Better yet, download 44 mags to a sort of 44 Special +P spec, light magnums, like 240 grains at 1000fps or 1100fps out of a 6 or 5 inch barrel gun and you'll have a load that can anything you need a handgun to East of the Mississippi and the recoil will be comparatively very mild to full power 1300+ fps 44 mags.

[@kylemartin832]

@@Full_Otto_Bismarck I load my 44spl to a little under 700fps. Its ridiculously accurate and recoils like a 22 magnum in my 629 5" it's my girlfriends favorite gun to shoot.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

@@kylemartin832 That's the beauty of a revolver, particularly the magnums, you can load the ammo from mild to wild. No changing recoil springs and hoping it won't jam like an autoloader. Just change ammo and it's like a whole different gun.

[@claytonoakley8677]

Agreed a 44 special is a pleasure to shoot a 44 mag is great but has a lot of recoil and can be a bit too much at times. 44 special has plenty of power with minimal recoil pending the round being used.

[@stevendeatley4878]

you are right about the 44 special being fun to shoot I once had a Marlin 44 magnum and I had loads of fun shooting the 44 special thru it ,there was no recoil at all kinda like shooting a 22 but when you fired the magnum loads there was alot of muzzle jump and blast ,a kid could have a fun day with the special and a few boxs of ammo and some tin cans .

[@anton1949]

Nice info, nice presentation Captain.

[@jjsgarage3634]

Love you knowledge and story experiences!

[@scubaguy007]

Great video. I have a 4” S&W 29-2 and a Winchester 94AE and personally don’t like shooting anything but 44 special or Whimpy hand loaded magnums. It’s just more fun.

[@normanmallory2055]

Well said... I own two .44 magnums at this point in my life and both are handguns .. I can say this for hunting applications the .44 magnum is an excellent choice , i have not had a failure with the ctg not performing as claimed ... I own 2 of Elmer Keith's books, i would have loved to have met the man in person... I also use bullets he designed , the 255 grain.44 mag. SWC design .. I also use the bullet he designed in .357 mag . which is 168 grains and in SWC... Looking back many years , lets say at the start of S&W and the chamberings the company offered that's 150 plus years ago, with smokeless powder and bullet tech today look how far we have come in performance and power in a handgun, lets add the steel tech of guns into the mix as well as brass case tech.. I load .38 spl for my 357 mag and i also load .44 spl for my .44 mag but i also shoot many full magnum loads .. Both of these ctgs are very accurate with full power mag loads .. I have fired 6 shot groups off a solid rest where 5 bullet holes out of 6 were touching each other @100 yards.. As the years have passed by us , i see where companies now offer .44 special chamberings , so a great ctg is still alive and well.. I own .357 magnum handguns and have for over 55 years now ... It wasn't until 2003 that i bought my first .44 magnum and it went from that point in time .. My favorite is the S&W 629 , as far as a trail gun that i grab and go it's the Ruger Vaquero..My .357 double action is a S&W 586 and i added that in 2001 to what i own now .. Good video ..

[@iceandhotwax]

the mystique of the .44 mag is why I own 5 of them, the .44 special is why i still have them...

[@lovetoedit]

44 special or 357 in a snub. Which is better for personal defense ? I'm over 210 lbs, strong tennis grip. I'm 70yrs old with some hearing loss. I have a Sig 365(9m) but not confident in the stoping power. I was hoping for a one shot stopper. By the way I have both Henry 357 an 44 mag lever guns to match. Any advise men ? Nice presentation too !

[@700Strat]

Thank you again, Sir.

[@MikeyMike-ql3ry]

Is it safe to load 44 special specs in a 44 mag brass?

[@DanielFrankHoffman]

Great video!

[@TonyYork-KB9RAO]

On the blackhawk 'spur', I put the gripframe from a super black hunter on my blackhawk.

[@EdD-ym6le]

Found your vids yesterday and watched most - I want to hear about your brawl at work.

[@cameronnorton5898]

I thought I was a decent shot with a revolver until I got a .44 mag. It taught me I've got a lot of work go do before I could be considered a marksman.

[@Engineman120]

Would there be any potential of making a .357 Magnum video? My grandfather who just passed away (the man who is responsible for my love of shooting and hunting) passed down a JM stamped Marlin 1894CS to me. Maybe an idea for a fireside chat like with the .45-70 video. Great content sir and I always look forward to new videos coming out on the channel!

[@GunBlue490]

I'll see what I can do. I extend my condolences for your loss.

[@migeluch1]

What is your thought on using a 44 special load in a 44 Magnum case to avoid build up in the chamber due to the shorter 44 special cases?

[@GunBlue490]

You may certainly use reduced power loads in the larger case. However, because pressure is directly proportional to capacity, the Magnum case will require more powder to achieve the same velocity with a given powder and is less efficient. Less efficiency and low ratio capacity translates to less consistent ignition and significantly lower accuracy, too. I've been shooting lots of 44 Special in Magnum revolvers over the years; most being lubricated lead bullets, and whatever slight accumulated soot and lubricant remains has never been problematic in any way. I can alternately fire 44 Magnum after a lengthy 44 Special session, and the chambers clean quite easily with simple solvent and light brushing. It's just grease and soot. The benefits of using 44 Special cases far outweighs the tiny amount of residue left after shooting that's easily removed.

[@migeluch1]

@@GunBlue490 Thanks so much. Same answer for .38 and .357?

[@danielreid3476]

@@migeluch1 Like GunBlue says, it can be done. What I have always done in making light loads for 357s and 44s is to stick with comparatively faster burning powders like Unique or 231. I will use data from the Special rounds, but when using in Magnum cases I'll bump up the charge anywhere from half a grain to a grain. What you don't want to do is to try to make a reduced power load with a slower burning powder like 296/H-110. That's a good way to end up with a bullet stuck in the barrel. I learned that the hard way thirty years ago!

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

This mister is one of the most realistic guys. I jumped from 22 LR as well to 9mm Luger and meanwhile switched from an plastic 22 oz lightweight 9x19 to an Beretta clone which is 34 oz because I developed an Incredible flinch with that light pistol (not that much recoil but I believe it was more an blast anticipating flinch), Simply couldnt hit a darn Thing with that. With the more heavy aluminum Frame Taurus PT92 34 oz I am Right on target all the time with my 9mm 1050 fps 120 grain lead cast TC bullets (304 ft-lbs). Same story with my Pietta SAA 1873 in 357 mag. Recoil is manageable out of that plow grip but man the blast and slap back when the Thing goes off (Winchester 110 grain whitebox 357 mag)! I shot at most 18 rounds of factory 357 mag rounds in it and the rest I started reloading&casting lead using 148 grain Wadcutters for eighter 1000 fps (~325 ft-lbs) or 1174 fps (453 ft-lbs) reloads. The latter one starts to have an greater slap back but I plan to use this caliber for Hunting (I shot an waterhog with the weaker 325 ft-lbs reloads at 50 Yards an 3 of 4 bullets went straigth through the animal. So even for 357 mag there is a flinch developement potential specially when using factory ammo (it's just a handcannon going off).

[@johnqpublic2718]

I have a model 69 S&W I use for a back-up when hog hunting. Here in mid July, 2020, I've run so low on 9mm, I'm going to have to start carrying my 69. Should I use 44 special or just go with 44 magnum software point loads I already have?

[@bullseyedixon5660]

great dictional video . thanks

[@Obelisk57]

When I load my .44 mag with plated 240 gr bullet and 7.0 gr of Unique I am getting something in the similar range of a 230 gr .45 ACP. Is that a fair statement to make??

[@GunBlue490]

Your velocity would be approximately 950 feet per second with a 7.5 inch barrel, and somewhat less with a shorter one. Standard 45 Auto loads are about 100 fps less in standard barrels. However, there are other differences. The 230 grain 45 Auto has less sectional density for less penetration and ballistic efficiency, but greater diameter and frontal area. If you desire to shoot low velocity loads in your 44 Magnum, I recommend 44 Special cases, which have greater loading density for better accuracy with small charges. Unique is an old standby, but there are far cleaner powders. HS-6 and Red Dot are extremely accurate with such loads, but be sure to consult loading data.

[@Obelisk57]

@@GunBlue490 Is 7.0 gr Unique the absolute maximum for 240 plated bullets? I know it's more of a leading issue than pressure issue. Will there be leading if I push it any faster?

[@jalan8171]

@@Obelisk57, Years ago I loaded 240 gr. SWC hard cast up with 7.5 gr. Unique, standard LP primer. Good performance and fairly clean burning from my 6" S&W.

[@MrBillgeek]

Close

[@Obelisk57]

Can I use .44 spl loads in the .44 mag brass? In other words if I go underneath the minimum loads of .44 mag I assume I will go into the .44 spl territory, right?

[@GunBlue490]

YES and NO! That's an incorrect assumption. YES, if you follow .44 Special load data, and NO, if you are undercharging .44 Magnum data. The powders typically listed for the .44 Special are typically quicker burning powders that burn efficiently with low charges, while .44 Magnum powders are typically slow burning, and can be very unsafe or fail to ignite properly when loaded below the minimums recommended. You may certainly find powders that are compatible in both cases, but never assume such a thing, and always follow specific data for every cartridge. As a matter of note, cases are less efficient as they become larger, so a .44 Special load will produce somewhat less-often significantly less- velocity when used with .44 Magnum brass, and they can be expected to be less accurate, too. That's because powders work more accurately in cases that more closely "fit" their density. This leads to another quirky detail: You can quickly stumble into dangerous territory by assuming that you can make up the velocity difference by tossing in extra powder, because quicker burning powders can spike to extremely high pressures if you are guessing, even beyond .44 Magnum pressure levels. Quick burning pistol powders act quite like bombs when overcharged, and they detonate expensive guns like plastic toys. For that reason, you will rarely see Bullseye loads listed by any reputable lab for the .357 or .44 Magnum, because it just doesn't work well in such roomy cases, and gets funny when boosted to achieve the velocity one would get with the Special case. I've seen two .357 Magnum revolvers blown to bits when this was done by folks who assumed their .357 could take extra special .38 Special loads, and the .357 Magnum operates with the same pressures as the .44 Magnum. Pressure curves do NOT follow powder density with any regularity, and those that make such presumptions have learned the hard way. Again, always follow data that's specific to the cartridge. So, my strong recommendation is to simply obtain .44 Special brass, just as I do for my revolver. You'll have a much more accurate gun and you'll have easily identifiable rounds at the same time. Try Starline brass, available direct from Starline (.20 cents per case of 500; cheaper by 1,000), or through dealers. Find a friend or two to split with, like I do. It's great brass, and will last through many loadings; more so if you have lots of them.

[@Obelisk57]

GunBlue490 Thank you for your detailed explanation! I have a Super Black Hawk and never shot .44 spl from it for the same reason why you didn't see the point of it when you were younger. Now this video piqued my interest but all I have are magnum cases that's why I asked the question. When Elmer Keith Developed .44 mag from the inception did he "super charge" the .44 spl case and blew up his guns or the longer magnum brass came later for safety reason so people wouldn't accidentally chamber the magnum into the revolver for special?

[@zayacz123]

I shoot many 44’s loaded at 900fps in 44 mag cases, using coated lead bullets. The cases seem to last forever.

[@stanleymaestas5441]

in dirty harry's magnum force film/ the character states he uses .44special lite ammo in his .44 magnum revolver

[@GunBlue490]

That's correct. Clint Eastwood would have had no hearing after the first shot with a 44 Magnum load, and his eardrums would have ruptured with blood running out after the fifth.

[@jalan8171]

As a follow up from listening to the film, Callahan told the young turks that he utilized .44 Specials for his target practice sessions. Out on the street, could of been full house rounds. After all, the .44 Magnum (was) the most powerful handgun in the world and could blow your head clean off.

[@mkshffr4936]

What could be more American than a 44? The 45 Colt gets all the glory but the nation was built on 44s. 44 Henry, Russian, WCF, Special, Magnum...

[@toguro5117]

I recently acquired a 44 magnum revolver i plan on using it for white tail deer. Should i use softpoints or hollowpoints? I usually aim for a double lung shot im worried that hollowpoints wont penetrate enough

[@GunBlue490]

You are correct. I prefer 240 grain soft points for best penetration. There's another reason, too. Hollow points of equal weight are longer due to the cavity. Therefore, in order to maintain the correct overall length to fit the cylinder, more shank is inserted into the case, reducing powder capacity.

[@toguro5117]

GunBlue490 thanks for your response ive grown fond of the winchester super x 240gr softpoint it shoots very well out of my revolver i can consistently hit water bottles at 30 yards with it.

[@adviceman5211]

Please don't forget Mr. John Lachuck, a member, along w/ Keith, of the ".44 Associates", who were great experimenters with the .44 Special. John was using rifle brass and handmade cylinders for his (IIRC) the .44 Rocket !!! Lot's of folks don't remember John and that's too bad !!

[@GunBlue490]

I could not begin to start speaking of all the many hundreds of wildcatters who's names have faded along with their efforts. Keith has been acknowledged as the principle force behind the development of the .44 Remington Magnum, so I'll leave it there. Wildcats come and go, and even the big dogs go quickly into history. A great example is the AMP development of the beleagured 44 Automag pistol in 1966, which was a rimless version of the 44 Remington Magnum based on .308 head size cases. I believe Lachuck was involved it the inspiration of the Automag, if not directly. I personally made quite a number of those rounds for a close friend who purchased one of the pistols in 1971, just six years before the gun was discontinued for good. In its roughly 11 short years of production, very few folks actually got their hands on one, and fewer of their owners ever shot one. It was not uncommon for a new owner to discover upon buying one that ammo was not available, so it sat in his drawer new, unfired. That occured with my friend. But, I convinced him that I could get it running, and made the ammo using an RCBS cut-off die and reamer, I made 44 Automag brass from fired Lake City Arsenal Match 7.62mm brass. It was certainly one of the most fabulously accurate and smooth shooting pistols I ever fired, grouping entire magazines into less than 1 inch at 25 yards consistently. But the gun was plagued with production shortfalls, reports of mechanical issues, extremely high prices, and even failures to deliver to pre-paid customers. It was a ponderous gun to tote, with an AR-15 style bolt. And, unlike most other wildcats that require fairly easy one-step reforming procedures, the 44 Automag required expensive hardened cut-off dies, and laborious time with hacksaw and reamer, followed by precise trimming for headspace. Handloading was a fairly unusual and rare hobby in the early 70s, engaged in mostly by practical hunting re-loaders, content to re-stuff their favorite .38 or hunting rifle with limited equipment, and very few had the sophisticated equipment required to craft .44 Automag ammo at home. It was a doomed gun from the outset, with everything pitted against it. With very rare exception, as is the case with the 22-250 and 7mm-08, wildcats come and go without much notice, and are almost never commercially chambered. Even then, unless your name is Ned Roberts, Warren Page, or Elmer Keith with a big typewriter, commercial ammo companies are pretty jealous of sharing credit with their brand, and you can forget any notions that your efforts will be commercially acknowledged in your own lifetime, except by yourself.

[@Mr45Bullitt]

LOVE your videos!! I agree with the spur 100%. I have to shoot mine with the Hogue rubber grips for comfort.

[@tcnsparky]

My guy that’s a remake of a colt 45. Peacemaker

[@bullseyedixon5660]

great educational video

[@fuzzypaws17]

I recently purchased the Ruger 77/44 rifle just for the heck of it because I like to shoot the .44 mag so much. The problem is I can't hit the broad side of a barn door, at a 100 yds, with any size shell I use in it and a great scope and I am a great shot. Have u heard anything about this rifle?

[@GunBlue490]

+fuzzypaws17 It's a very good rifle that I have had experience with. I'm not sure what your definition is of barn door, but if you are hitting a 4 to 6 inch circle at 100 yards, it's about correct for any pistol cartridge in a rifle. The short, blunt bullets have very poor wind resistance due to their poor ballistic shape, and are moved about grossly in the mildest of breeze compared to rifle cartridges that have far better ballistic coefficient. Velocity falls off very quickly, which adds to the issue. Don't be expecting rifle-like groups at 100 yards, which is outside it's reasonable ballistic capability. The .44 Magnum has always been a 50 yard deer cartridge, and has never been promoted as more, no matter what gun shoots it.

[@fuzzypaws17]

That's about what it does. Just hard to believe a .22LR out performs it. I have had the best luck with Hornady LeverEvolutiion rounds. Almost seems like I shoot better with my Ruger Super BlackHawk. Thanks much for your opinion...

[@fuzzypaws17]

Which would you consider a more accurate rifle? The Ruger 77/44 or the Marlin 1894/44

[@GunBlue490]

fuzzypaws17 You are comparing apple's to oranges. The 22 rimfire is a classic 100 yard target round, with pretty good bullet shape. The 44 Magnum is a short range 50 yard round, with pretty poor bullet shape. They are different animals. As for comparing your Super Blackhawk, barrel length has very little to do with accuracy. Any 44 handgun can be as accurate as it's rifle counterpart. But with rifles using handgun ammo, the longer barrel TIME can affect accuracy, so follow-through is critical, as barrel movement during the time the bullet is in the barrel can have great affect. With any rifle, be certain to always support the gun by the stock in the same place. Never touch or rest the barrel when firing, as rifles are extremely sensitive to interruptions in harmonics. The pressure of one finger on a rifle barrel can change impact several inches. But, don't expect the 44 Magnum accuracy wise to compare to rifle rounds at such extended ranges. It's a powerful, but still a 50 yard load, nevertheless.

[@GunBlue490]

+fuzzypaws17. I would always expect the bolt action Ruger with an unstrapped barrel to be superior to the strapped barrel of a tubular feed lever gun. Besides that, barrel harmonics change with every reduction of the loaded magazine tube with a lever gun, while no such problem occurs with a box magazine. I've owned 44 lever guns. They are fun, but no tack drivers. The Ruger is your best bet, but if you want an accuracy gun that shoots MOA, you're looking at the wrong cartridge.

[@samwilliams1142]

So why isn't there a 1.4" case in .429 using small rifle primers at 53,000psi.? Make sure it will have cartridge overall length that will use Keith 250 SWC and 330 grain GC seated out to bottom crimp groove.

[@JoanieKennedy]

One day I am going to get a Ruger Black hawk in .44 mag just to shoot .44 Special. I am comfortable with that power level. But the . 44 mag option is there if I want more power. Right now my favorite handgun is my Ruger Old Army with my .45 colt conversion cylinder with 25 gr of 777 and 255 gr flat nose bullet at 800 fps, my hunting load is 35 gr of 777 and 255 gr bullet at 905 fps. My friend Kaido Ojamma created a bullet in three sizes for hunting with ball n cap revolvers, his .454 / 240 gr universal bullet with 30 gr of 777, in a strong gun like Ruger Old Army can penetrate as well as a 44 mag, at lower black powder velocities, he takes large wild boar with his every year. So why would I want a .44 Special well like I said I am really comfy with that power n recoil level, .44 mag optional , I own a .45 auto as well . But also I have been watching your channel for awhile your the most down to earth and knowledgeable person I have seen on guns and if your blessings are on the. 44 special well now I gotta get one 😊 Bout to get my old 7mm mauser back too. I love my 45-70 govt to death it's my personal favorite rifle I have ever owned, but some days i like to hunt or shoot without my shoulder getting beat up. Anywho I am rambling n getting off subject thanks for another great video.

[@deniscleaver7544]

Gotta new toy! A.44 mag, stainless 629, 6" bbl. and in like new condition. Intend to use .44 special for target use, save the heavy stuff for home break ins and such!

[@stevenhamblin9001]

Have you seen any damage to your revolvers from shooting specials in a magnum?

[@GunBlue490]

No. No damage is ever done whatsoever. Any appearance of a ring in the chambers is only an accumulation of bullet lubricant combined with soot. If anything, a magnum revolver will last longer shooting special loads, than with magnum loads, which place far greater stresses on the frame and cylinder. This is especially true with smaller J and K frame magnums. Countless large N frame Model 29 Smiths were wrecked and loosened beyond repair by a constant pounding with full house factory 44 Magnum loads that would still be shooting if their owners had shot 44 Specials for recreation, and reserved the magnum loads for those occasions that required them. I also recommend my practice of throttling back a couple of grains even on magnum loads for recreation, which will give ample magnum practice without the abusive pressures.

[@stevenhamblin9001]

GunBlue490 thank you for your time and information

[@randycollins87]

Yes, I agree. I’ve seen no problems ever shooting 44 Special in my 44 Magnum.

[@jasonford6317]

Terrific videos. Havent been able to focus as much lately but hope that will change. Question: What are your thoughts on the pistols and cartidges in .44 Magnum, 45ACP, 9mm (Glock), .38, and .357. Do you have a rule of thumb for choosing each and forvwhat application? Thanks. If I ever drive up North, id love to meet you somehow just to say hi and shake hands for these terrific videos😊

[@ssvishnov]

I hear when the 44 magnum was the most powerful handgun in the world it could blow your head clean off. But if you lost track during all the excitement, it would be hard to remember if you fired six shots.... or five

[@chipsawdust5816]

Haha - it only takes one! :)

[@jasonford6317]

Question on the single and double action revolvers.. Generally, cocking the hammer in a single action revolver could lead to legal issues avoided with a double action revolver. I seem to recall reading case that turned on whether the shooter pulled the hammer or did not pull the hammer. Have you encountered this issue during your career and would you consequently recommend a double action revolver to avoid any legal issues in a home defense or other scenario inwhich one has to discharge his weapon? Is there some rule of thumb? I've actually heard people say that though they acted in self defense, the law treated them as if they were aggressors on this issue..... I think it was a New York Case if I'm not mistaken.

[@GunBlue490]

Jason Ford The issue is not of gun design, but of conduct. The cocking of either single or double action revolvers places the gun in a very precarious mode that is difficult to decock safely, especially under stress. The unintentional or undesired discharge is fully the responsibility of the person holding the gun, and places him at liability. I do not recommend cockingof DA guns in such circumstances, and that same hazard makes SA guns very hard to control.

[@estebanmacias1945]

Hey I'm considering various but practical firearm that is specific to hand loading 44 magnum Henri or Thompson center 460 Smith and Wesson or 500 magnum Hunter I need a round that weighs 300 grains? What the long on weight for the 44 magnum? Anyone got a answer ?

[@GunBlue490]

Esteban Macias FYI, this is my channel, and not a public firearms blog site, so I don't allow public responses, and I restrict all commentaries as I see fit. I will gladly answer your question. Cartridge suitability has nothing to do with what bullet weights it handles, whatsoever. One does not select a round because of the bullets it handles. One first determines what his needs are, then selects a suitable round, then the bullet that's best in that cartridge for the task. The power of the three rounds, their recoil, cost, and uses are vastly different from one another. Tell me what you are intending to use the rifle for, and at what expected ranges, then I can guide you. FYI, there are countless rifle cartridges that are better for almost any purpose than the three that you outlined. Big diameter bores and heavy bullets are rarely needed, and they are often not as good as long, light bullets in guns that shoot and hit farther and harder.

[@mikecarter9755]

Just wanted to ask if you ever had the opportunity to shoot a Virginian dragoon 44 mag? And what you thought of it?

[@GunBlue490]

A friend owned one that I never fired, but I considered it beautifully made.

[@jalan8171]

Those Virginian Dragoon's are becoming scarce. Those were fabricated in Germany and imported by Inter Arms of Alexandria, Va over 40 years ago. Inter Arms is long gone now; don't know about that German manufacturer though- could of been Sauer & Son.

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

44 mag in a ruger black hawk with a 10.5" barrel and a much better grip is a nice gun to shoot even with hot loads I had one an as soon as I changed the grips I could shoot it all day with vary hot loads. I liked it because i could shoot 50 and 100 yd and hit what i was shooting at it was the only pistol that i owned that I could do that with, My fried did have a 308 with a cannon breach that was also good for a 100 yd shot. The handle that comes with the rouger is not good for shooting hot loads and if you want to enjoy shooting it with the stock handle you do need light loads or 44 special . If I am wright the handle did not cost that much and fitted the gun real nice.

[@zayacz123]

Those square trigger guards cause me pain. The Super Blackhawk needs Pachmayr’s for 44 mag. Loads.

[@majorpayne5289]

Yep but I enjoy having mine w/ the rosewood grips too as it's a true beauty

[@TonyYork-KB9RAO]

When i bought my used S&W 629 it came with a box of 48 rounds of ammo, a guy bought it , shot it twice, and returned the thing, thank you Dirty Harry.

[@mikewilson5332]

I had the privilege to talk with Kieth on the phone.

[@ardean111]

300gr .44 mag loads at 1300fps out of my ruger redhawk 5.5in are pleasant to shoot, the ear ache comes in from those 180gr loads at 1600+fps and tend to shoot obnoxiously low.

[@johnlee8780]

Does anyone have a good Cowboy load .44 special load I could use on my Ruger .44 magnum Vaquero and I my .44 magnum Browning 1892 for cowboy action shooting? My light cowboy .44 special handgun load is 19" low in my rifle. I got to develop a load, but know there a good handloader who can give me a good starting point.

[@mdd1963]

00:10 'cahh-tridge' :)

[@cdavidlake2]

The preeminent firearms expert & raconteur (a number of the former around, not so many of the latter)...

[@commonconservative7551]

the most powerful handguns today are insane.....nobody shoots them for fear of pain

[@airbornesoldieramerica7125]

Agree mostly. Guess if a person shoots it every week they will build themselves up to it. But I do not think most people live in grizzly or polar bear country on were they need a 44 mag or bigger hand gun for bear protection. But I use the 44 mag rifle for deer cause I hunt in some what of a high populated area were there is many farm houses, barns, roads etc....And were mostly go now days to hunt we are not allowed to use high power calibers like a 308 Win, 30-06n etc..... lowest and biggest calibers we are allowed to use is the 357 mag up to the 460 S&W or 500 S&W.

[@barchetta7559]

how about loading down the 44 mag? what's the best load? thanks.

[@wyattscharlau785]

Whatever your gun likes best! It’s all in testing. Took me a few months to find what my gun shoots best.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

I prefer shooting 44 magnum cartridges handloaded lighter in my 44 mag revolver rather than stock up on separate 44 special brass.

[@PistolPete454]

For years and years gun guys have turned their noses up at my tarsus 44 special . I have a 44 Magnum and love it but for carting around on your hip all day A 5 shot 44 Special just fits . same frame as a 357 magnum 6 shooter .