About 44 Special Ammunition
Developed in 1907 by Smith & Wesson, .44 Special ammo was initially designed to offer shooters a more potent round than its predecessor, the .44 Russian, and balance effective stopping power and manageable recoil.
Advancements in ammunition technology have allowed the .44 Special to evolve, improving its ballistic capabilities without compromising the qualities that initially made it popular.
Modern loadings include high-performance self-defense rounds with improved bullet designs and propellants, offering enhanced accuracy, velocity, and terminal performance.
Additionally, the cartridge's versatility has been expanded through the availability of diverse bullet weights and configurations, catering to shooters' specific needs and preferences.
Despite being overshadowed by its more powerful offspring, the .44 Magnum has been utilized in numerous contexts, ranging from self-defense and law enforcement to hunting and recreational shooting.
Its moderate recoil and substantial power have earned it a dedicated following among enthusiasts who appreciate the cartridge's reliability and performance in a revolver platform.
Common Names for 44 Special
Since its initial release in 1907, 44 Special has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- .44 Smith & Wesson Special
- .44 S&W Special
- 44 Special Rounds
- 44 Spl
- 44 Spc
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 44 Spl ammunition has earned a dedicated following over the years and is available in multiple configurations throughout the lineup of nearly every significant ammo manufacturer.
Common .44 Special Bullet Types
.44 Spl ammunition is available in various types and variations, catering to a range of bullet types designed for multiple shooting purposes, from self-defense to hunting and target practice.
Learn more about each variation type and its unique characteristics below.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
FMJ bullets are encased in a hard metal jacket, with the exception of the base, minimizing lead exposure and barrel fouling. They're commonly used for target practice and training due to their reliability and consistent performance.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
JHP bullets have a metal jacket covering the lead core, with a hollow point at the tip. This design allows for controlled expansion upon impact, making JHPs a preferred choice for self-defense and hunting, as they deliver significant stopping power and terminal performance.
Jacketed Soft Point (JSP)
JSP bullets feature a metal jacket that covers the sides but leaves the tip of the lead core exposed. This design offers a balance between deeper penetration and moderate expansion, suitable for hunting and some self-defense scenarios.
Jacketed Flat Point (JFP)
Similar to JSP, JFP bullets have a flat tip, enhancing the bullet's ability to create a larger wound channel than rounded designs. They are effective for hunting and self-defense, providing a good balance of penetration and expansion.
Lead Round Nose (LRN)
A traditional bullet design featuring a rounded nose made entirely of lead. LRN bullets are often used for target shooting and plinking due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Wadcutter (WC)
Wadcutters have a completely flat front, designed to punch neat, round holes in paper targets. They are primarily used in target competition for their precision and clean scoring capabilities.
Lead Semi-Wadcutter (LSWC)
This bullet-type has a flat nose and sharp shoulder, designed to cut clean holes in paper targets for easier scoring. It's popular for both target shooting and hunting small game due to its ability to create a larger wound channel than a round-nose bullet.
Popular 44 Special Ammo Brands
Federal Premium
Renowned for its innovation and quality, Federal Premium offers .44 Special ammunition designed for precision and reliability, catering to self-defense and hunting enthusiasts.
Remington
With a long history in ammunition manufacturing, Remington produces 44 Special rounds trusted by shooters for their consistency and dependability, suitable for a wide range of shooting activities.
Winchester
Winchester's .44 Special ammunition is designed for excellent accuracy and performance. They offer a variety of bullet types to suit different shooting needs, from self-defense to target practice.
Fiocchi
An Italian manufacturer with a global reputation, Fiocchi offers 44 Special ammo that combines European quality with versatility, which is ideal for competitive shooting and hunting.
Hornady
Hornady is well-respected in the ammunition industry for its advanced bullet designs and superior quality. Its .44 Special lineup includes options ideal for self-defense and hunting, featuring high-performance bullets.
CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.)
CCI is recognized for its innovation in the ammo industry, particularly in rimfire and specialty rounds. Their 44 Special ammunition is engineered for reliability and cleanliness and is suitable for practice and target shooting.
Magtech
Magtech is known for its affordable yet reliable ammunition. Their .44 Special offerings are popular among shooters looking for good performance without breaking the bank, especially for target shooting and practice.
Buffalo Bore
Specializing in high-performance ammunition, Buffalo Bore produces .44 Special rounds with enhanced power and precision, making them a top choice for hunting and self-defense.