44 Special
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- Опубліковано 13 лют 2019
- Paul tests the effectiveness of 44 special ammo vs 44 magnum ammo.
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Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com
As usual, the information was solid and well presented. I have to wonder, though, if you were looking at the 44 Special from the same position as those who were interested in it. I have heard some of my friends raise some interesting and, in my personal opinion, valid points in favor of the 44 Spec. HOWEVER, they ponder the cartridge in smaller firearms like the Charter Arms bulldog and others for use instead of a 38 special or even 357 Magnum, rather than in place of a 44 Magnum.
The larger diameter, and much heavier weight, of the 43 caliber projectile, as apposed to a 36 cal (apprx) provides significantly more energy than the 30 spec delivers. The smaller size and lighter weigh makes it more reasonable for regular carry purposes. I have no solid figures for comparative velocities aside from Hornady loading tables (old ones at that) at my disposal at the moment, but the average 44 Spec loads were faster from a 4 3/4 test gun than the 38 Special from a 6 inch gun.
From an energy perspective, it looks like a step up for sure. But compared to a 357 Magnum, and in actual use and not numbers on paper? That would be interesting to see, and it would answer questions I and others have regarding the 44 Spec vs 38 Special and, especially, the 357 Magnum.
The real takeaway I got from your presentation, and a VERY useful one at that, is that most 430 bullets seem to be designed with only the magnum loadings in mind. Bullet performance at 44 Special velocities seemed dismal. This, along with hard to find ammo, makes the round a questionable choice. Still, I would have loved seeing a comparison between the 357/38 Spec performance and and that of the 44 Spec. Maybe someday...?
I just saw your comment.
We have several presentations that include demonstrations of shooting the meat target with .38 special and .357 magnum. I considered it redundant for this presentation.
There are definitely some valid points in favor of the .44 special. Lower chamber pressure may mean less damage to hearing, less recoil than a .357 and although less power, the large diameter bullet makes up for some of this. However, in my opinion those are outnumbered by the negatives such as ammo availability and the reality that most of the high performance ammo performed VERY poorly. and because the .44 special isn't all that popular anymore there may not be very many gun choices.
So if you already have a .44 spec. then great, but it might not be the best choice if you're looking for a new gun.
Again, however... I bought the Ruger GP 100 for this presentation, now I'm stuck with it so I fall into the category of, "already have one". And now that I have it and I was able to find a good supply of the Hornady critical defense ammo, The gun has become one of my main self defense handguns.
@@PaulHarrell I agree with your assessment. While I thought the 44 Spec had some strong points in its favor, ammo availability is a big issue. Also, the way the ammo performed at 44 Spec velocity was truly dismal, showing clearly that practical testing and evaluation beats numbers on paper any day. I don't own a 44 Spec myself, but now know this will remain unchanged.
And, again, this was a very good presentation, as is the norm for your channel.
moth man 1967: I've read the same valid arguments against the 44 spl in G & A magazines 20+ yrs ago.
I wonder if the same bullet argument can be applied to bullets used in 38 spl.
In the case of 44 spl bullet performance,
Me suspects that there might be CAST LEAD bullet designs out there that get around at least SOME of that issue.
I don't have any 44s. So I unfortunately, won't be able to test any of this.
@@PaulHarrell Me suspects that a reloader/bullet caster MIGHT be able to find a CAST LEAD bullet that improves bullet performance issues in respect to that.
Since I don't own any 44s, I won't be able to investigate into this for you.
But as far as pressure goes- if memory serves me right, I recall seeing relatively low pressures in my load books for 44 spl.
Somewhere in the general neighborhood of 38 spl.
44 & 357 MAGS are a much different story.
@@PaulHarrell I wonder about using a "Keith style" cast lead bullet ?
The Late Great Elmo Keith was responsible for developing the 44 mag from hot rod 44-40s AND he also developed his own cast lead hunting bullets named after him.
If you want TRUE intimidation factor? Buy a hipoint, then they’ll KNOW you don’t care what happens next.
@45Kimber1911A1 seriously, this one is better than the "I carry 2 hi points - one to throw, and the other one to throw" hahaha. True intimidation factor 😭
Plus, when you break into a guy’s house and he presents a hi-point, you’ll also know that there was nothing of value in that house anyways and you died in vain.
Yeet!
The HiPoint…..the one gun where a coroner wouldn't be surprised that the victim died of blunt force trauma. Because the owner of said pistol fired all rounds and missed, then threw the boat anchor sized gun at the attacker and crushed his skull in.
@@Lex5576 you deserve a trophy sir. Cheers
For the record, your talking points are never boring. For whatever reason, you have a natural ability to hold someone's attention when speaking. You could probably discuss coffee filters for an hour and I would listen.
Average Enthusiast Right? When he says “here’s the boring part” I get excited. Hell, I enjoyed the Halloween episode where he talked about tooth decay
I watch for the "boring" bits: trying to learn, rather than watch soda bottles explode or something.
@@drcrumbs I find that one of the memorable moments, not for the humor, but the education!
The shooting and calling out velocity portions are pretty tedious, however.
@@exothermal.sprocket I tend to watch those bits at double speed!
I carry a revolver with me every day. I lost most of the use of my primary (left) hand in a factory accident. I have trained myself to shoot with my off (right) hand, and I can shoot pretty well. One thing I can’t do is rack the slide on an auto loader. I know they carry more rounds. I know they can be a thinner profile. I know. However, if I can’t clear a jam, or ready it after reloading, it is a paperweight. My revolver is reliable. It shoots where I want it to, and I can reload it with little difficulty. Plus, I just really like revolvers. All of the comparisons in the world are great, but sometimes physical challenges make all of the difference.
Everybody should drill with their non-dominant hand, you never know when you take a bolt to the elbow...
Great point.
Most sensible selection and reasoning.
@@michalsoukup1021 , Most sensible reasoning for off-hand practice.
Good you found what works for you.
Anybody else hungry for smoked ribs with a zesty orange bbq sauce after watching Paul do ballistic tests?
I can tell Paul is a real professional. How do I know? I tried the chronograph test at that distance and am now on my third machine.
Lol, I bet he is too!
Also hes at an outdoor range, in winter, in a foot of snow, no gloves or hat... And he doesn't even look cold lol
😂
I am still in awe of him shooting the NAA revolvers at that distance.
@@richardsnyder9767 I don't know how he does it. I bought one this weekend and shot it today. It about jumped out of my hand on the first shot. I could barley hit the target at 7 yards. I am definitely not a professional and it showed today.
Dirty Paul Harrell with his cold bold .44!
You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, Pork?
@@mikeyhuntsman568 That is the best line !!! :)
@@mikeyhuntsman568 genuine LOL line there.
Love it.
meat target with the .327 mag, please... thanks
Covid 19 says “44 special is the most available round.”
Another reason 30-30 is great as far as rifle cartridges, there's always heaps of it everywhere
Not these days....nothing of àny kind
Through this whole pandemic and ammo hullabaloo, the one firearm of mine I’ve ALWAYS been able to find ammo for is my 20ga shotgun. My local Walmart has had Winchester super X slugs and #3 buckshot the whole time, in stock every time I checked. And they had heaps and heaps of target ammo too.
@@boxlid214where? I can’t ever find it.
Where? I can't find 44spec anywhere
I actually just inherited my grandpa's old S&W .44 Special revolver he used when he was with the police in the 60's. It's a nice gun! Have never fired a .44 special before, so I plan on taking it out to shoot in memory of him.
Cory. My condolences. The 44 special is fun to shoot. Ammo can be a little harder to come by then some other popular calibers. But it is out there. I carried a Ruger Vaquero ( Lipsey special order run ) single action revolver in 44 special as my handgun hunting partner. I ran hard cast lead 240-250 gr semi-wadcutter handloads for deer, hogs and black bear. Hope you enjoy your Grandpa's old wheel gun.
I hope that in the time since you posted this comment that you’ve gone out to shoot that revolver. I also hope that you’ve developed a great fondness for the 44 special cartridge.
Have fun my guy. Send a 5 shot salute for grandpappy. Make him proud
look into reloading. save money and make slightly tamer rounds that will be around .357 power but easy on gun and budget.
I would love to put some mid range loads through it...👍
I just watched 25min video about a caliber that I've never fired and probably will never buy. I was just happy a Paul Harrell vid came out today that I couldn't help myself
You fire one single round of .44 special, and I promise it will ruin you for all those other so-called cartridges. That's what happened to me. After I shot that round, I went home, threw all my Glocks in a crock pot set to Slow Melt, then went back to the range and fired the other 4 rounds (Charter Boomer).
Reason number 4 to choose a revolver; They are things of beauty, and sometimes a man simply needs beautiful things in his life to brighten his day.
You can live your whole life and never really need your gun but just having it is a beautiful thing
Right?
Absolutely ...
The aesthetic of a fine revolver to my eye is so much greater than all the semiautomatics I've ever owned.
Since 1989 i have had one misfire of a revolver. Gp100 using 357 swc reloads. Never ever any fails with factory ammo. Revolvers are top shelf reliable and strong. Plus it makes a good club if the fight devolves to that point lmao
@@GeorgeHeil-ch3ro I have few beautiful pistol and few beautiful revolvers; they both exist but they are not Glocks
44 Special just feels better for me. Feeling confident in the gun you are using is important.
Almost as important as actually having it with you when it's needed.
I believe that is the #1 factor you need with a carry gun, any last minute doubts you have in a crucial moment can prove fatal.
I for One would not like being shot with a 44 special
@@scottwilson1258 i got hit with a bb gun in my younger days. never liked THAT either. went out and bought me a pump benjamin 22. nobody shot at me after than. it would almost go thru a white pine 3/4 inch board.
B. Eder I'm a 44sp guy too. And I'm also an Eder! What part of the country/world are your people from? Mine from NY and Colombia.
The "boring part of the video were I talk" is my favorite part. Hit me with that wisdom!
Paul’s Patreon, buyin pork chops & pistols since 2018.
If 10% of paul’s subscribers gave $10 a year it would really help.
How cool would it be to talk to his butcher? "I don't get it, the guy buys like three pig's worth of meat a week and he never gets fat!" Nice.
I wonder if a day at the range is followed by a night at the grill. Meat target meets the Weber!
johnnybeanz1 That’s a good idea. I’ll do it.
Some grouchier somewhere is thinking "Man that guy likes pork and oranges."
Paul Harrell...SCIENTIST...FIREARMS EXPERT. MATHEMATICIAN..and consummate PROFESSIONAL..GREAT work sir as always
You forgot Registered Dental Assistant. :) Yes, he's that good.
@@MongooseTacticool TOO FUNNY..yes sir ..of all his ACCOMPLISHMENTS..He IS a dental hygienist
@@francissullivan6400 Is that a cavity in the 2nd left lower molar? Mrs Harrell, you be the judge.
@@MongooseTacticool you guys gotta stop..I haven't laughed this hard in years👍👍
Francis Sullivan And he’s what I call a common sense professional
Paul tests the effectiveness of 44 special ammo vs 44 magnum ammo.
More like ... *Paul endures the polar vortex to bring us quality firearms videos.*
Very astute. I have not shot outside with snow framing the range since being a member of a shooting club in Marion Cty., WV
Makes him feel alive.
He is not enduring. He is thriving.
Paul is the Bob Ross of shooting. "We'll just put a happy little round right here. He needs a friend."
I carry a .357 mag snub nose revolver. I thought about going from .357 mag to .44 doll but it appears I will keep what I have. I carry a revolver because I was a police officer and firearms instructor and feel more comfortable carrying what I know best. For me old school is a comfort. I shoot better with a revolver. Thanks for the video.
Thanks .....you know what for.
Absolutely the right way to do it.
Accuracy is far more important than having what all the "cool kids" carry.
I personally carry a S&W 1006 (yes, that's 10mm Auto) auto, but I love revolvers, too; and I wouldn't feel vulnerable carrying my wife's Ruger LCR-X .38 Special revolver in a pinch.
Al B what for?
@@MitchC357 Your service.
Agree 100% I started as the change from revolvers to sa started. I did change over for on the road work. But later went to corrections and there main issue was still revolvers. So yes now most of the time I don't carry a revolver. And a 44. Mag. Normally loaded with spc. I have the CD but I like the silver tip up win. I tested it some and it seems to expand. But I have not used the official meat Target. On the farm I normally slip in the mag rounds the 180 mag and the 200 be sthp shoot to the same site for me. For these avergating wildhogs.
Am I the only one who thinks the "boring" part of Mr. Harrell's videos is actually the best part?
That's when I stop whatever else I'm doing and listen
@@rlsanders1057 As you should!!!
No, you'r not.
You are not!
Absolutely. The chronograph puts me to sleep.
I often carry a 5 shot revolver in my front pants pocket. My favorite small, light revolver is the Charter Arms Bulldog 44 with the skinny wood grips of a Charter 38 that I have had for 40 years.
44 special ammo has still been available during the current ammo shortage.
I've not seen 44 special ammo in shops around me since even before the shortage. I've resorted to loading my own. Same with 38/357 and I've been seeing 38 costing almost as much as 357. Now that I've been handloading for a little while I see that the powder itself is the cheapest component as you're often using the same size bullets, the price difference between non-magnum and magnum primers is rather negligible, and the shell cases don't differ much in price either.
@@jeffumbach yea, I haven't had luck finding much ammo at a price even close to what I'd consider reasonable. The nice thing is that reloading components seem to be mostly available and haven't gone up in price as far as I can tell. I did have some trouble finding .430 diameter jacketed 240 grain bullets, but lead and hard cast bullets still seem very available.
My local farm and ranch store has been well stocked in 44 special during this entire “shortage”. I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve collected nearly enough star line brass to begin reloading.
Out in the suburbs of Atlanta, pretty much everything is available except 9mm, .223, 7.62x39 and .308/7.62x51nato. All the revolver cartridges can be found within one or two stores worth of looking
@J. B. A lot can change in a couple of months. My local gun shop as well as the local farm and ranch store have been pretty consistently sold out. On the few occasions that they’ve had 44 Special in stock it has been the 240gr HSM loads. Heck, it’s gotten to the point where powder, bullets and primers are getting hard to find.
Another “special” day. A Paul Harrell production. Thank you.
Thumbs up if you want to see Paul demonstrate the effects of 45 auto fired from a 3 inch barrel On the meat target.
I really want to see him analyze the 1997 North Hollywood shootout.
With Federal HST and other hyper ammo.
I'd Like to see Paul shoot Everything into the meat target , up to & including .50 Barrett , .50 black powder , .375 H&H, large caliber Punt guns & the .950JDJ etc. But then ,I'm a glutton ,for the Paul Harrell World of Education , teaching Me the facts , Because I'm Not an Expert !
I want to see him test old winchester super x silver tip .38 special +p
@@Andy47357 That as well , Every type of Personal Firearm & every type of ammo .
Hey Paul, I keep my C/A Bulldog in the glove box and loaded with 240gr. Semi wadcutter hollow points, lead hard cast. They expand well and don’t overly penetrate. That’s a good truck/car gun for me. Keep up the great work you do! I really enjoy the series, and thank you for your service to our country.
solid info as always
Why? Manhunter.... Manhunter....
the movie.
If anyone was wondering about Paul's statements on how people will say a .44 Special cartridge will fire faster in a .44 Special revolver as opposed to in a .44 Magnum revolver, I have indeed studied this phenomenon in the past. Really the only thing that is happening is that the shorter brass on the .44 Special case causes the bullet to "jump" from the .457" diameter part of the chamber to the .429" part of the chamber (as where the .44 Magnum case mouth will line up exactly). This will produce in extreme circumstances, a MASSIVE drop in velocity of about 20 feet per second! If you need to buy a second revolver chambered in only .44 Special because this keeps you up at night, don't let anyone stop you!
@Liverpool 11 Yes, it's about identical.
Its a good thing we came here once again for your advice, Sam.
@@saul2577 I can't tell if your comment is genuinely appreciative or snidely passive aggressive.
You could always just load 44 magnum cases to 44 special levels. I doubt that you would ever need new brass if you did that.
The only advantage I can find is the 44 specials seem to hold a slightly smaller group at 25 yds when fired from a 44 spec length cylinder than a 44 mag length cylinder. Velocities differences are insignicant.
Congrats on reaching 250k Paul ! The best gun channel !
Evilstorm11 Nice supporting
What do you think about this?
Meat target elk, giraffe, bear or a tactical T-Rex?
UA-cam:
Magnum Pistols vs Body Armor
Link source:
ua-cam.com/video/nrQOJgTsSlg/v-deo.html
I use the 44 special to introduce novice shooters to big bore guns. Most are surprised how gentle they shoot out of a big full frame revolver. Then we step them up to the bigger loads without fear.
Yup, though not commented on, the degree of 'muzzle flip' with the 44 Spl rounds was practically non-existent.
Rapid, accurate, follow-up shots with a 44 Spl _is_ doable.
@@ironwolfF1 Paul is an extremely experienced shooter and he's very good at managing recoil, but watching this video I noticed the same revolver moved less than half as much when he was shooting .44 Spl.
If you're not as practiced as Paul (most of us ain't!) then that difference could be even larger.
44 Special has a cult following which includes myself. Good video.
Colt following
*Knee slap
I'm telling you son, well it ain't no fun staring straight down a .44
It's no fun staring down the bore of any gun
@@poorfatman5317 I wouldn't mind staring down the bore of *insert female celebrity here*
"Staring down the bore of the deadly .44 of Ringo. Ringo"
@@Mister_Belvidere Lame AF, also never going to happen jackass.
@@jonross377 your white knight services are appreciated.
I know what that Chronograph is thinking. Did he fire 6 shots or only 5?
ayyyyyy :D
Nnaaaa...it knew it was a five shot revolver.. 😉
@Frisky Bottomsuuater ...well do ya? ...click
🤣
During all of the confusion he does not remember, But this being a 44 Special it can blow the Chonograph right off of the Table, Tell me " Do you feel Lucky Punk,?
For me, my 44 mag revolver doubles as a Bear gun when I am hiking in bear country (loaded with 44 mags). But is also my bedside gun which I load with 44 special for less noise and penetration for indoors. Great video, as usual.
If someone owns a .44 Magnum Revolver, they might use .44 Special loads for self defense and .44 Magnum ones for hunting.
I had a 44 revolver and carbine, I loaned to a retaliative and they lost both, but if all you have is a 44 mag hunting gun for self protection the right 44 special load makes sense. LOL
Stanley Post
Mr. P,
Are you convinced that "retaliative" truely lost your firearms, or possibly just to his closet ?
I know a Big Al and Moose that i can send over, to "talk" with him and get to the bottom of all this ...
If I'm carrying 44 mag it's because I'm out in the wilds where the threat is large animals. However, when I'm doing so I may be on a trip away from home, so require a SD firearm for the hotel and so forth, so a switch to 44 special ammo can make that a better option for carrying in "civilization", or than taking two handguns with me and then worrying about where to safely store one or other of them. I find both of my 4" 44 mag revolvers can carry quite well as concealed handguns with the right holster, although I obviously wouldn't choose them for everyday carry.
Correct!
@@JohnDavis-im1oy I don't entirely see your point, I have many small carry guns, but good luck facing down a cougar, or black bear with one. The point for me at least, is regularly I have a 44 mag with me, usually during my many outdoor pursuits and have had 44 special ammo on hand for any SD incidents that could occur, while in my hotel, where ever I'm staying on my trip, or even in Walmart getting supplies. You have to carry enough gun for the potential "job in hand" - that changes, and I can conceal carry a 4" barrel 44 mag with the holster I have making it a viable option when there's the possibility of needing a powerful sidearm. Sometimes I still bring along a pocket carry firearm, but that also creates the problem of what to do with your other firearm if you aren't going to carry it? leaving a 44 mag, or a 9mm, that you don't want to carry at that point, in a hotel room, or in your parked vehicle is not generally being responsible, due to the risk of theft etc. So there are many scenarios outside of just a pocket carry handgun, which is my normal carry, and many of us have a number of different handguns in various calibers to meet those needs. Also as Paul often points out in his videos, what if the 44 mag is your only gun? you may have one because you need it for protection against large animals, but not be in the fortunate position having bought it, to buy another handgun better suited to the urban environment.
A video comparing 38 special and 44 special would be a fun one to watch.
ring... Ring... RING... RING!!! Thanks Paul.
For me, I'm a old timer and just love big bore revolvers. I shoot them good and I'm comfortable and confident in protecting my family with them. Besides, any hole is better than no hole. 😀
Option #4 or #5 - someone just might like the uniqueness of having a GP100 in .44 Special! Thank you for the video Mr. Harrell!
Good to be considered "someone".
Love my Ruger GP100 .44 Special.
Period
I love it when I get PH notifications
I don't think PornHub notifies people of new videos, if they do can you please teach me how to get them.
It's your weekly PH balance.
Is it acidic, or more alkaline?
Bet you love lamp too
Stopped watching @20:22, nasty email sent, cc to Yankee Marshal just because. *:-)*
Once again stellar video, and for you information Mr. Harrell you talking is in no way boring.
Everytime I search something gun related, Paul has a video on it and it's bound to be the most detailed and well made one. You sir are a scholar and a gentleman.
I need a shirt that says "I come with a couple of caveats..."
I'm in! 2X for me
Doc gave me some pills, and my caveats cleared right up.
Do you come from the South Bay in Cali? I used to know a Robert Bailey there.....
@@DeepOwl1073 my dad kicked my butt once and my caveats disappeared too!
Another chapter in the Gospel of Harrell, Paul be praised.
If Jesus had Paul as His apostle, the Romans would have been devastated.
@@TheRoadhammer379 Jesus did have an apostle Paul, and while the Romans weren't devastated, many were converted :)
@@TheRoadhammer379 "Lets test the effectiveness of .44 special 180 grain jhp on Roman Armor."
Jerry McHugh Amen
Pretty cancerous my dude
I quite enjoy the use of Latin: ad nauseum, ad astra, et cetera.
Caveat empor ( pardon my deficiency in spelling )
Markius Fox Paul was actually Spartacus!
Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum viditur. = Anything said in Latin sounds profound
@@blairbuskirk5460 For future reference, emptor.
@@1RFB308shooter Vestigia nulla retrorsum.
Regarding intimidation factor as a civilian: I was forced to pull my CCW weapon twice fairly recently. The first time was when I was accosted by 3 individuals (one brandishing a knife) while walking my dog in broad daylight. My J-frame 38 was enough to make them run away. The second time was at night in a gas station parking lot, which started as a surprise unprovoked physical altercation. I was able to create some distance and pull my Officer model 1911, and my attacker ran away.
All that to say that I don’t put much stock in the concept of “intimidation factor” in the context of civilian interactions when a firearm is drawn. I agree with Paul that the criminal’s belief that the victim will indeed shoot is a more important factor.
I had actually never heard of 44 special until seeing it mentioned the 44 mag. video, so watching this one was a no-brainer. Another one of those videos with loads of info.
Another smash hit! This was the highlight of my day
I love gun fire in the back ground. It sounds like....victory.
Comically, I read this, thought - 'well I haven't heard any' 21:25 "BOOM!" in the background.
@FlamQ Dbltap i dunno if waffler fits precisely, i think he's just a normie when it comes to guns. people who dont have a nuanced understanding of the whole atmosphere around 2ndA stuff probably dont see bump st0ks as essential, and dont understand how banning such a thing can set a precedent for things to come. And it would seem that even fewer folks out there understand how detrimental the erosion of our 1st and 2nd will be down the line.
sounds like... Liberty :)
Alpha Team Outdoors Yessiree! A few of those reports were quite loud & sharp....perhaps they were .357 cal loud & sharp.
mtgAzim Good points. I don’t know how much his sons influence his opinions on such matters but one of them is an enthusiast. Maybe that will some weight.
I carry 44 special for 2 legged threats in my 44 mag, and carry 44 mag in the woods.
I never shoot factory ammo in a .44 Special. First started loading for it about 1973. I have had several magnums including the 29, but always felt it was a bit more than I really wanted to deal with. The Special was more efficient. My oldest .44 Special is a 2d Model Hand Ejector made in 1927 that does nightstand duty. I agree with those that commented about nostalgia and the regrettable fact that the Special has become a reloader's proposition because of early weak guns. A 217 grain SWC at 1000 fps will handle anything I need to deal with and is superior to most .45 ACP loads. However I also have several .357 Mags, .40 and 9mm handguns at various strategic locations and don't feel undergunned with any of them. What a country! For now.
Another big reason for choosing 44 Special is nostalgia. Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton, John Taffin, the .44 Hand Ejector, and all of that...
FredrikW You forgot Dirty Harry. Perhaps only in shooting competitions but nonetheless.
I've been carrying, shooting, and reloading the 44 special since the late 1960's. The first thing I would like to point out is that expanding hollow point bullets are not too reliable at 44 special velocities. I have discovered that a hard cast 245 gr Keith style semi-wadcutter is not only accurate but is a very reliable stopper. Penetration is good and recoil is very tolerable. You can cast your own bullets or they are commercially available. The nice thing about the 44 special is they don't need high velocity to be effective.
David SgtE I only use Keith bullets in my specials.
Wad cutters are what you want
Here here! I also use only 245-255 grain RCBS or Lyman SWC or RNFP’s. Factory ammo is so grossly under loaded. It’s so easy to get 900 plus fps with those heavier bullets while staying within the standard pressure limit.
Thanks that is good to know. Now I will not waste my money on expensive hollow point ammo. I have been loading my .44 specials with 4.9 grains of accurate number 2 powder with a 200 grain FMJ semi wad cutter.
@@876mpr It's such a shame the main factory ammo manufacturers have pretty much opted out of doing anything with 44 special and just turn out the "standard" load, which is weak. If you look beyond the major players, commercial ammo is available to push a 200gr at 900-1000fps, even a 240 at 850-900 fps which is certainly an effective SD load.
Another reason that the .44 Special and the .45 Colt (yea, Long Colt) still exist and are still in active use is the 'mystique' factor. People still respect the use of these rounds by shooters no longer with us- examples include Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton, the Askins, etc. Certainly some of their beliefs are considered functionally outdated, however not rendered useless by todays technology.
This particular presentation still remains on my list of top 12 Paul Harrell videos.
I think .44 spl and .45long Colt are still with us because they are still an effective round. They were effective when they were first developed and some people can’t see dropping something that works. Of course, in the case of .45 long Colt, cowboy action shooting has helped a great deal. I enjoy shooting the old rounds rather than buying new guns that shoot newly developed rounds. The problem I have with the .44 spl, .44 mag, .45 long Colt is over penetration. I would feel guilty as hell if a round from my gun over penetrated and killed an innocent bystander.
They are only around because of cowboy competitions. Literally none of the reasons you listed. If it wasn't for cowboy action, they would have been phased out decades ago
Its official Mr. Harrell....Ive watched every video you have produced on this channel. Ive recently fallen ill so Ive been staying entertained , thank you.
If your a hand loader you find the 44 Special very rewarding, 13 grains of 2400 behind a 250 grain Keith SWC is very good.
250 grain gas check bullet over 8 grains on unique will give you new respect for the 44 special
Heck yes. Checking in with 9 grains of Unique behind the same. Makes a nice low pop and a clean hole.
On the other end of the spectrum, I have a self defense(against 2 legged threats)load using 215 grain soft lead hollow base full wadcutters with 4.5-ish grains of trailboss behind them. They do great damage to soft tissue and bone and usually stop just before exiting the target. I carry those when I got to civilization.
It depends on the platform. A 1950 Target/M24/M624 is a different animal than a 3" Charter Bulldog. My most useful loads in that little thing, and it's 4" Target Bulldog sister, have been midrange Unique charges and a lighter SWC like the Lee 210, the MP 220 gr SWCHP or an inverted MP HBWC.
Perfect timing! I just picked up a new .44 Special.
did you like the results
Which one
Enjoy. My last purchase was a 44mag Tracker from Taurus. :)
I picked up two in the last few months. CA Bulldog and GP100 3" ... the latter I installed a Novak front tritium sight. Also CDNN had a sale on the GP100 which made it hard to pass up. BTW I can highly recommend Underwood 44 SPL ammo!
@@cnick6 Do you think the bulldog would be a good CCW?
Thank you for doing this and other videos covering the subject of the 44 special as a defensive caliber. I often tell people that like my 44 special related videos to come check out yours because they provide lots of good information that they might need. Thank you for all that your channel does and for its great content.
Yay, the video on my carry caliber.
In shopping for my carry gun, I was coming from a background in .45 acp. It was the caliber I grew up with and shot accurately. My revolver choice came from one of your videos points actually, that if I have to use the gun point blank, a revolver wont jam pressed into someone like an autoloader will. I looked into revolvers shooting 45acp using moon clips but eventually settled on 44 special since it has similar ballistics to 45 acp and I wouldn't need special clips to shoot it.
Then I realized other advantages, namely that my .44 shot crazy accurate groups with a 3 inch barrel, better than my target barrel .40 glock did. That shocked me, but also made me confident in my choice. I love my big, heavy concealed carry to death.
One of the more interesting things about the .44 calibers is they are not .44" in diameter. They are .429" in diameter. So why .44 moniker? The parent cartridge of the .44 magnum is the .44 special. The parent cartridge of the special is the .44 russian which was still .429 bullet diameter. The parent cartridge of the russian is the .44 American and it is a heeled bullet, (Outside diameter matches case mouth diameter) but it s overall bullet diameter is .434". So why the .44 designation? The maximum case diameter at the case head is .440." Today, there is nothing on a .44 special/mag that measures .44. (Base = .457") All this time and the reason it is called a .44 is because of the base diameter of a cartridge first produced right after the civil war and hasn't been commercially produced since before WWII. Cartridge lineage is an interesting study.
Paul made a video about that a while ago. Good stuff. ua-cam.com/video/_zrH8nn0kAc/v-deo.html
Interesting indeed, but Paul speak about this in the past.
I carry a .44 special because the caliber has always displayed very good accuracy in anything other than the Charter Arms Bulldog. I primarily carry in the field and there are feral dogs as well as wild hogs in the area. I also cast my own bullets and reload my own ammunition. I cast soft or hard lead and use different bullet profiles depending on what I anticipate to encounter. Generally it’ a 230 gr round profile flat nose with a cast in hollow point and a #2 alloy. Not quite soft enough to mark the bullet with a thumbnail. Accurately delivered at about 850-900 fps, I assure you those bullets will expand and penetrate on pork ribs and chops. Start the BBQ.
What about why .38 caliber is called .38 even though it's really .36 caliber in diameter? Is that story somewhat similar?
wow
you could bore the perp to death
I love .44 special rounds, hardly any recoil & with good self defense ammo it’s definitely a very effective round
John Davis Perhaps it would’ve been better stated as “44 special CAN BE a very effective round”. As Paul demonstrated in the presentation, it depends greatly on projectile design as to how effective it can be. The sad truth is most 44 special ammunition that you find on the shelf is either pud, cowboy action ammo or what I refer to as “bandwagon” ammo. The bandwagon ammo is (in my experience) 44 special brass that has been loaded with bullets that were designed to function at 44 Magnum velocities. Ergo, you’ll have serious over penetration issues due to almost no bullet expansion.
So a, 44 special can be effective if loaded with an appropriate projectile AND if it is used within a reasonable range. A reasonable range being UNDER 30 yards. Are there better options? Most definitely. Also, if you’re going to hunt just upgrade to the magnum. That’s what Mr Keith did.
Ok , I HAVE shot large critters with both .44s, and 9mm +P+ .
Yes , the 9mm worked , albeit with very precise shot placement . But a 44 loaded to " Skeeter level " , ie 240swc @ +/- 900fps is better for all around hunting , or the rare , but more than zero chance of anti- social black bear , while hiking or 4x4'ing in bear rich environs .
And loads of that level in a large frame revolver are a slightly different recoil dynamic than a hot 9mm , but are at least as controllable for rapid hits .
.44 SW Special is, in my experience, perfect caliber for self-defence. It is accurate, effective, recoil is very manageable, and revolver in this caliber with 3" barrel is not too heavy for concealed carrying. Something like .45 Colt Auto (ACP).
The guy at Gander mountain told me that 44 special has been outselling 9mm and 45 COMBINED for the last three years. He said that most people are getting tired of those bullshit calibers and are coming home to the true classic. Remember, he added with a knowing smile, Dirty Harry's Smith and Wesson was akshually a 44 special... look it up.
@@evin98 sorry, but I don't get it. What do you mean by that? The revolver used in the movie was able to shoot .44 magnum rounds and they didn't shoot live rounds, so could you explain it to me?
@@Neomalthusiano
Sweet: “What kind of load do you use in that .44?”
Harry: “Light Special.”
minute 1:05 --
ua-cam.com/video/Gs8AqzN9Ga4/v-deo.html
@@evin98 I remember that scene, but as I see it, he's not talking about .44 spl, but about handloading his revolver with lighter loads (less powder) when training. That's what most people do when handloading, except if the goal is to train rapid fire. You could argue that a light loaded .44 mag may be have the same characteristics of a . 44 spl shot, which is true, but that's still a .44 magnum, just lightly loaded. The same way some people reload .357 magnum below .38 spl standard loads.
On the other hand previously, when inquired, he said that he chosen the .44 magnum because, if I recall correctly, because the round is powerful enough to not suffer deflection, like it happened to him before. So even if he used .44 spl when training, which I don't think so, he suggested that. 44 mag is the round for the streets.
@@Neomalthusiano good points
In the far past I did some testing with the .44 special. Using the old wet phone book test (yes we did that then) the set up that came to the top was the old Winchester factory loaded 240 full lead conical hollow point. Compared to some JHP loads, it came out best on accuracy, penetration and expansion. (Fired in three different revolvers.) To this day I am still surprised by that-but alas, that load is long out of production. It would be interesting to see the meat target react to those loads. Keep up the great work, Paul.
Great info as always. One other reason for .44 special. My fishing buddy isn't a "gun guy" but carries a .44mag while fishing and camping in bear country. When at home he simply loads it with .44 special soft lead hollow point wadcutters for home defense. It always amazed me how good of a marksmen he is considering his lack of interest in guns in general.
-'Beware the man who has only one gun. He probably knows how to use it".
Hes a LOT more into guns than ypu think
I have a Charter Arms 44 special On-Duty with a 2.5” barrel. It’s not my EDC, but it’s a good gun for what I paid as if I had to use it for self defense I would much rather have it than one of my 38 specials, and since I reload it’s not too expensive to shoot. I shoot the 44 Special 5 times as much as I do my 38 specials because it just feels good in the hand and it makes nice fireballs too. Thanks for another great video Paul, I hope you enjoy your new Ruger. 👍🏼🖖🏼
Agreed! I shoot my Bulldog better than the Mag Pug even if it's downrated to .38 Spl loads.
I don’t really. I mainly pull those out for letting my new shooter friends feel the difference between the snubbie 38s and my micro 9s. My Charter Arms 44 has maybe 700 rounds through it in the time I’ve had it.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy I should say thank you in a weird way. In the last year I’ve shot my .38 snubbies more, about a thousand rounds worth. If I shot a box of .38spl, I shot a box of .44spl. And I can say I like the 1 7/8’ and 2" models less now. The only benefit I’m seeing is weight and size, because my S&W J frames and my Taurus 85 Ultra-lite have the most basic U-channel rear and fix front blade sights you can get. Even with putting paint on the blade they just aren’t as prominently the ones on my Bulldog. That said, I bought a 3" Taurus 856 and it is a wonderful gun. I get one more round and the Big-dot front sight and tiny gain in sight radius make the Taurus 856 better than the even the Bulldog, and it’s only a 3/4" longer than the Bulldog. I bought the Two-tone Defender model with CZ grips and it needed a little sanding to smooth out the "rub-ya-raw’ area, but I have found a very nice gun that is growing on me the more I shoot it. I’ve chosen the Federal 130gr HST as my carry ammo. All this because your comment rubbed me the wrong way. I’ve shot a considerable amount of .38spl and .44 spl this year. My Bulldog now has 1700+ rounds through it and it still shoots fine. Most of my shooting has been in the last 6 months and mostly because I bought that 856. I also reload and .38spl and .44spl were still pretty available up until about 6 weeks ago. Now it’s all gone too. I mean it when I say thank you and hope you’re doing well. Also, if you have not looked into the Taurus 856 Defender you should, even if you’re not interested in buying one I think you’ll agree Taurus has come a very long way with their revolvers. And my 856 Defender is a fantastic gun!
Paul I love your research, presentation & narration in your videos. Out there in the elements with about a foot of snow shows the dedication & I appreciate it. Keep on keeping on good fella.
I love shooting the 44 special. It's just fun.
18:34 I'm going to make this my new "Ring" tone
YES
NedryOS time stamp is late.
Love it
ROFL 😂😂😂
Another great video. I like how Paul explains why someone has to use or wants to use a certain firearm and how, while he may not agree with someone’s choice, he respects their decision to choose the firearm that they are using.
Thanks Paul, for a very interesting show on the .44 special..
Excellent as always
Just thinking, we've seen .357 magnum vs. .44 magnum, how about .38 special head-to-head with .44 special?
I would like to see that too!
Good one !
I just had the same thought. Both calibers are relatively slow and non expanding, yet have decent penetration. Would the extra mass of the 44 special make it any more effective than 38 special. I have read that recoil is comparable.
I just can't picture Paul Harrell cleaning my teeth. Says he works part time as a dental assistant and has done it full time in the past. Just really hard to imagine him doing that.
After flossing your teeth: "Please do this at home even though I'm what you call a professional, and thanks for coming for a teeth cleaning"
@@smite5555 That made me laugh.
I think he's got the attn to detail for that work
I'm glad I encountered this channel!
This is one of the very best channels, along with Sensus Fidelium.
Like wise ! , I pity those who have yet to find this exemplary show .
Love the talking points at the end. Always find something new to ponder. Thanks for the good video.
Seriously Paul, thank you. You do a great service of presenting good level headed info in a world where most people are just providing whatever is "tacticool".
I’d like to see a video on 327 magnum please.
Yes!!! Please do a segment on the 327 Federal Magnum and compare it to the 32 H&R and the 32 S&W Long and Short, that would be very interesting!
Recently added a Ruger LCR chambered in 327 to my collection, I’m very impressed with this caliber so far.
Yes please!
I'd love to see a .327 vs .38+P video!
Yeah, I have a .327 Fed LCR and would love to know exactly how much ass it kicks.
Here is some data my friends and I gathered one afternoon. Sorry the formatting gets screwed when posting it. 1st number ins FPS, second is energy Ft/ Lbs
Temperature 38
Altitude ~9000 feet
Avg FPS Energy
Ruger LCR 357 (1.87”)
--------
Aguila 158gr SJSP 1075 405
Remington Green & White 125gr JHP 1146 364
Remington Green & Yellow HTP 125gr JHP 1211 407
Ruger LCRx 327 (1.87”)
--------
Federal 100gr SP 1318 386
Speer 115gr JHP 1276 416
S&W Mod28 357 (4”)
--------
Aguila 158gr SJSP 1213 516
Remington Green & Yellow HTP 125gr JHP 1409 551
S&W M&P Shield 45 (3.3”)
--------
Federal 230gr FMJ 708 256
Speer 200gr FMJ 728 235
Hornady Crit Duty 220gr +P 890 387
Springfield XD Sub Compact Mod 2 (3”) 9mm
--------
Winchester Steelcase 115gr FMJ 1007 259
Hornady Critical Defense 115gr FTX 1060 287
Underwood 115gr Ext Penetrator +P 1146 335
Buffalo Bore 147gr Hard Cast +P 1038 352
Great presentation, Paul! As to appearances in weaponry. A friend of mine, who was an under cover Treasury Agent, was laughed at by the bad guy he arrested because my friend's modified Walther looked like a toy to the BG. After that, my friend switched to a big, shiny 1911.
I will admit, as I get older, I do appreciate lower chamber pressures. I like 45 Colt for that reason. It gets a lot of work done at lower pressures.
Thanks for what you do.
How did it look like? I would find it difficult to laugh unless it was a beretta 418,and that still would be a nervous laugh.
I've avoided two situations merely reaching for my pistol. Guy kind of followed my wife and and took a roundabout way and hid in a dark alcove where we had to wait for the gate in a parking garage. We pulled up and stopped, and he stepped out zeroed in on me, I pulled open my suit and reached in, his eyes got really wide really fast and he turned and walked out the garage. Downtown OKC near the Chesapeake Arena around 10pm.
The 2nd time was in a parking lot in Walmart, I usually dog leg to my vehicle from a different isle. I could see the guy tailing me after getting out of his car near the front, after my dog leg is saw him more clearly in my peripheral and he turned right after I did, mimicking my movement. I came up to my truck and could see him in the reflection on it, once he got about 10 feet away I spun and dropped my bags, threw my cover garment open and reached for my pistol, he immediately turned and jogged back to the car and drove away. Edmond OK around 1am.
In both instances I called the police gave descriptions, told them what direction they went, and then went on my way. In both cases it was dark, my carry gun is a Glock, and I could have easily done the same those two nights, not carrying a firearm at all, most criminals are cowards. Now I am glad I was carrying because if they were intent on continuing I might have had to take further action, however since they both immediately vacated my AO with a quickness, I never got to the point of drawing.
You should move out of the okc / edmond cesspool area.
@@blueduck9409 we did. Much better outside of the city.
Another reason #4. “I like 44 special.”
This is the most relevant episode to my life (I edc Charter Arms Bulldog) in a long while.
I carry a 44 spl bulldog which is similar in size to 5 & 6 shot 38 spl snubby and in my experience good expansion from a 38 spl bullet will be about the size the 44 spl starts out at. And the 44 spl will out penetrate the 38 spl ..... an important consideration in the great outdoors where large 4 legged predators that don't recognize the position humans have in nature's pecking order.
Follow up with a 41 mag examination and I'm going to swoon.
I have both and love them. 44 special is my conceal carry and the 41 mag is my walking in the woods revolver. I've had the 41 since I bought it new in 81.
What ammo you carry? I use #321 from Underwood.
The Son of Sam Killer saved Charter Arms from bankruptcy, when it was revealed that he was using a .44 Special Charter Arms, so the round has that going for it...lol!
That is a really nice gun, but the wood grips hurt they say. I love the the finish on it. Charter arms has had problems in the past, but I think they have fixed their quality issues now.
Elmer Keith pushed the .44 special to the point of breaking. It's really how the .44 mag finally came around.
Before he became known as Son of Sam, he was simply called "The .44 caliber Killer".
When I bought mine all 3 of the employees made mention of that; almost made me choose differently but it was too late then. And while filling out the paperwork the guy is telling me about a police officer that went through all the rigamarole of buying one then went home and shot himself with it instead of just using his duty weapon. I'm thinking Jeez... I want this as a snake and night stand gun; enough already! (Although I do sometimes carry it instead of my .45 or .40 esp. if travelling interstate.)
@@exothermal.sprocket Actually , it was Keith's blowing up of a .45 Colt that lead him to the .44 Spl .
Once the .44 Mag was a thing , Keith didn't even handload it as hot as the initial factory loads . He wanted 1200fps on purpose , and his .44 Mag loads had same velocity as his .44 Spl loads .
Paul's casual disclaimers, prosaic explanations, and informal asides are more engaging than what passes for informed commentary on many YT gun channels.
i keep going back and watching. i cant help but love these videos. ive learned so much from em
Just picked up a 44 mag. I'm looking forward to shooting 44 special cartridges through it for a couple months so I don't hurt my sissy wrists.
You can get some very easy to shoot 44 mag rounds. Check out HSM Cowboy loads. I'm a new 44 mag owner too, and those cowboy loads were no problem.
Which one did you get
@@infamousnova Taurus Raging Bull. It's been really good to me, I've enjoyed the heck out of shooting it. I have a couple videos on my channel if you want to check it out.
@@TheOldFatDadGoober I got the 4" Ultralite Raging Bull. That's a lot of fun, but I can't shoot those +P+ rounds from it. I also made a recoil video about it, and my other Raging Bull.
ua-cam.com/video/GiKWg4Dtlb0/v-deo.html
Try shooting Buffalo Bore .44 mag out of a Ruger New Model Blackhawk and you’ll wish you’ve gotten .44 Special cartridges!
i thought another good reason ppl might like 44 special over 38/357 is the old belief in a larger heavier bullet for self defense. it seems 44 special is pretty close ballistically with 45 acp.
Right, that "old belief" still happens to be very accurate and true. when is enough power, enough for self defense. the 44 spl does mimic the 45 acp in revolver form. lighter recoil, faster follow up, expends most of its energy in intended targets, and who cares if it expands when it's already the size of expanded 38/9mm. the 45 acp, still one of the most effective defense rounds 100+ years
@@jonjames4281 very good points, it might not expand but it never shrinks and while velocity may not be very high, thats still a big hunk of lead coming at you faster than the eye can see.
now that .45 acp revolvers are a thing I see even less reason to opt for the .44 special. That's just my honest opinion as .45 acp is much cheaper and more readily available to shoot. Who doesnt want a cartridge that has revolvers, pistols, and carbines next to it's name?
Jason Shults I don’t know about you, but I’m sure glad I load my own. I don’t really feel the need to use hollow points. I’m very pleased with how the Keith slugs perform at any velocity.
Thanks for all your videos Paul 👍 this is the best gun channel, I used to watch alot of channels to keep up with handgun information, and I hope you continue doing what you do thank you for all you do!
Very well put together and informative video as usual Paul. Thank you.
My brother is the owner/president/audiologist of a well known hearing aid company, so I know a LOT about hearing and hearing loss, and I assure you that Paul's statement about hearing loss is spot on. A concert, gunshots, cranking you car audio etc will not damage hearing to any noticeable amount. It's the people who have to hear loud ongoing sounds all day long that experience hearing loss, such as a factory worker exposed 8 hours a day everyday for years to constant sound-those are the folks with hearing loss.
or sirens for 32 years. Yep.
Gunshots will absolutely damage hearing. When I was younger, I shot guns (rifles, shotguns, and handguns) only a couple of times without ear protection and I developed some fairly serious tinnitus. Now I always wear ear protection when shooting.
Once again, thanks Sam, that's why we come here, for your expertise.
Thanks for the info. I was wondering about that.
40 years on the ground side of aviation. Was tested yearly for hearing loss. The audiologist noted a slight loss in my left ear and asked if I did a lot of bird hunting. Yep. Simply advised me to wear one ear plug in that ear while hunting. That was 30 years ago and it prevented further hearing loss. Smart man.
Revolvers are a perfectly acceptable platform for folk that train with them.
The .44 special is a perfectly acceptable choice of cartrage for defense or hunting at reasonable handgun ranges.
I shoot often, and a lot of rounds go down range from various semi automatic and revolvers.
I've never felt under gunned carrying a revolver.
cartridge
As others said, 44 spcl is a good handloaders cartridge. My revolver is a Ruger bisley 44 spcl. The frame is "357 size" rather than 44 mag size. It makes for a nice handling weapon, trimmer and lighter than my 44 mag but is still strong enough for +p loads. With a 5" barrel it will safely launch 240 grain bullets 900 fps.
What do you think about about the 44 Spl’s potential as a big slug going fairly slow and having a pretty good chance of imparting all (or most) of it’s energy by stopping IN (or almost coming to a stop IN ) the target (rather than zipping through), and thus imparting a violent shock wave upon stopping (or almost stopping) that impairs fine motor movements like lining up sights and triggers, thereby increasing the chance of one hit stops, in a pistol with relatively low recoil ?
I read an article years ago about the 44 Spl and the 45ACP’s shared capability for doing the above with common loadings - the argument being that a big slow moving bullet that literally knocks a bad guy out of a fight by stopping IN him, is better than a higher speed slug that passes through , even if giving an eventual terminal result, but possibly leaving the assailant with the time and physical ability to kill you before that happens. I believe some of the older gun writers liked that philosophy for man-stopping, i.e., they believed in the big relatively slow bullet for its human incapacitation abilities - the bigger magnums being developed later - essentially for hunting purposes.
Think there is anything to that ?
Another enjoyable video! I was waiting for Paul to articulate the theory that some ammo manufacturers have "mailed it in" by loading their .44 Specials with off-the-shelf .44 Magnum projectiles designed to expand and hold together at those magnum velocities, hence the poor performance at special velocities we saw today. Certainly, the Critical Defense load is a more recent design, coming from the modern era of emphasis on terminal performance, and was likely engineered with .44 spec expansion velocities in mind
Gordo_Gun_Guy Good comment. Although Speer is SUPPOSED to have developed the entire line of Gold Dot / Deep Curl bullets in a research-heavy, caliber-specific manner, the 44 Spl 200 gr GDHP has been a big disappointment for me. It has too heavy a ‘jacket’ to work at SPL velocities, and I’ve tiptoed between using my dwindling stock of Speer 225 gr JSWCHPs and using the M-P 200 gr HBWC, reversed, cast a little softer than wheelweight, in the Bulldogs and 624. Same goes for my 45 ACP/AR & 45 LC revolvers.
I participated in two iterations of Speer's "Gold Dot Show" when the GDs were introduced, one as the shooter and one as the stats guy. Still got the gimme cap. Their ad copy of the period says that each design gets a specific core hardness and "jacket" plating thickness assigned for the intended use, ie the same weight bullets are allegedly different between .44 SPL and Mag. When I attended their dog & pony show, they had us bring any ammo we wished, and shoot it against the GDs in the FBI standard gel & barrier tests. The GDs were jaw-droppingly impressive. I had several pallet-loads of Wonder Bullets of another brand ($25K+) on order at our ammo jobber, and when the retiring rangemaster and I got back to the office, we cancelled that order and told them to replace everything with either Gold Dots or Speer's training FMJs/SWCs. They later had to backpaddle and produce the "short barrel" line of GDs. I guess .44SPL fell through the cracks, because (1) look at this test, and, (2) in handloading every version of .44 GDs extant, I have not gotten any of them to expand to any appreciable extent out of a Bulldog nor a 624, nor in any SPL-level load out of any .44 Mag platform, including rifles. The quest makes me wish Speer had not discontinued its excellent 3/4 jacket SWCHP/SP line. That 225 JSWCHP made it simple to get great expansion.
Appreciate the tests. When I carry it’s usually my .44 special Charter Arms bulldog loaded with the Critical Defense ammo that was tested last in the video. I’m glad to see the round will do the job if needed.
I agree me and my Bulldog go for a little walk here and there to the grocery store gas station Etc and that Hornady ammo helps deliver a pretty good bite
As always, excellent work and I learned something. Thanks Paul.
Would be nice to see this done with a follow up on something like a skeeter skeleton 44 special round (lead Keith bullet and 7.5 grains of unique). That load is around 850-1050fps depending on barrel length. With a 240 grain slug going 950fps, that is no slouch and makes a big hole. To me, that is where the 44 special is a useful round. It's a shame the ammo manufacturers put out such cream puffs with no energy.
I want to take a minute to thank you for the time you spend on these videos. I appreciate your in depth reviews and can't help it if some people don't have the attention span of a toddler.
I know that many people for whatever reason don't carry all of the time, but I take protecting my loved ones very seriously. I carry concealed 100% of the time. It's NOT always convenient, and I guess if you only have a single firearm, it's even more difficult. I often end up spending almost as much on holsters as I did the firearm. What I carry depends on several things, like what I'm doing and how I'm dressed, the weather, and my perceived threat level. One of my more convenient options is my .44spl Smith and Wesson model 296ti so thank you for the exhaustive review of the more uncommon calibers.
Looks a bit warm where you filmed this...
Thanks for braving the weather just for us
Paul is accurate with his assessment on why a person would choose 44spl..
I purchased one during the pandemic in CA because it was the only gun in the shop. Charter Arms Bulldog, to be specific. I had no firearms in the state, and too much was going on in the country where I felt I needed something compliant to the state for protection.
You always make learning about guns, fun, Mr. Harrell. 👏
I like 44 special. Loaded a whole bunch of it but what I would say is if you reload, just load 44 mag light if you want a 44 sp load assuming you're shooting a mag revolver.
Its alway a fine day when Paul makes a new video!
I really appreciate your professionalism in treating a difficult subject for most people. I would really like a closer look at your handgun and ammo choices so the size comparisons make sense to me as a potential buyer or shooter. Thank you again.