GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The .44 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1955 by Remington and Smith & Wesson for powerful handguns. It was designed to offer high stopping power and versatility for hunting and defense. Today, the .44 Magnum remains popular among hunters and revolver enthusiasts seeking strong performance.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptional stopping power for large game and defense
Wide availability of revolvers chambered in .44 Magnum
Versatile for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting
Reliable performance with heavy bullets and deep penetration
Strong aftermarket support for ammunition and reloading

Key Variants

.44 Special — A milder variant suited for practice and moderate recoil shooters.

.44 Remington Magnum +P — Higher pressure loads offering increased velocity and stopping power.

.445 SuperMag — Extended cartridge variant with greater range and energy.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.44 Magnum	.357 Magnum	.45 Colt
MSRP	$1.50 - $3.00 per round	$0.70 - $2.00 per round	$0.80 - $2.50 per round
Capacity/Size	Typically 5-6 rounds (revolver)	5-8 rounds (revolver/auto)	6 rounds (revolver)
Weight	240 - 300 grains bullet weight	110 - 158 grains bullet weight	200 - 250 grains bullet weight
Optics-Ready	Depends on firearm model	Available on some models	Less common
Trigger Type	Single/Double Action Revolver	Single/Double Action Revolver	Single/Double Action Revolver
Notable Pro	High energy for hunting large game	Lower recoil, better suited for self-defense	Classic round with manageable recoil
Notable Con	Heavy recoil not ideal for all shooters	Less powerful against large game	Limited availability of modern ammo loads

Best Use Cases

Big-game hunting and medium-sized game
Self-defense for those tolerating recoil
Range practice to build recoil control
Collecting classic revolver cartridges
Outdoor survival scenarios needing reliable power

FAQs

Can I use .44 Special ammo in a .44 Magnum revolver?

Yes, .44 Special rounds are compatible with .44 Magnum revolvers and provide reduced recoil for training.

What firearms commonly chamber the .44 Magnum?

Revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and Ruger Super Redhawk commonly chamber the .44 Magnum.

How does .44 Magnum compare to .357 Magnum?

The .44 Magnum offers superior stopping power and energy but has heavier recoil and lower capacity than the .357 Magnum.

44 MAGNUM for Sale