Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!

Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 44 Special Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!

Best 44 Special Ammo

What is 44 Special Ammo? 🤔

It is a type of revolver cartridge designed to provide a high level of accuracy and performance. It is designated by the calibre size of .44, which is a very large round compared to other handgun ammunition.

Our Top Pick
44 Special – 246 Grain Lead Round Nose – Remington
The Remington 44 Special is an excellent centerfire pistol ammo for target shooting. Manufactured with superior craftsmanship, the brass cartridge case encases a Lead Round Nose (LRN) bullet weighing 246 grains and generates 755 ft/s of muzzle velocity and 311 ft-lbs of energy on impact.
Buy Now On OpticsPlanet
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Types 🔰

There are three main types:

✅ Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) – FMJ ammo typically has no expansion capabilities, meaning that when it hits its target it will not cause as much damage as JHP or LRN ammo.

✅ Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) – On the flip side, JHP ammo has an expanding jacket which creates a larger wound channel, making it more effective for hunting and self-defence scenarios.

✅ Lead Round Nose (LRN) – LRN ammo consists of a lead ball encased in a copper jacket and is usually used for target practice due to its decreased cost compared to JHP or FMJ rounds.

44 Ammo Types

Features 🔥

1.💥 It is a highly versatile and powerful ammunition, capable of stopping large and dangerous game animals at a range of up to 50 yards.

2.💥 It is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge with a maximum pressure of 15,000 psi that has been used in handguns since the late 1890s.

3.💥 The round has excellent accuracy and trajectory characteristics, making it popular for hunting and target shooting alike.

4.💥 Its relatively low recoil makes it easy to use in smaller calibre pistols and revolvers, while its high terminal performance makes it suitable for defensive use.

5.💥 This Ammo is available in both lead and jacketed hollow point (JHP) varieties to suit the needs of shooters who prefer either type of projectile for their specific use cases.

6.💥 The round is highly favoured among experienced handgun hunters due to its ability to take down deer-sized game animals at extended ranges without excessive damage or meat loss from over-penetration or ricochet risk from other more powerful magnum calibres commonly used for hunting larger game species like elk or bear.

7.💥 It has the ability to achieve flat trajectories with minimal point-of-impact shifts when fired from short-barreled pistols.

Please watch this video to learn more information 📺

Our Selection 13 Best 💣 44 Special Ammo – Editor’s Choice

1# 44 Special – 210 Grain Lead Flat Point – Black Hills Ammunition

44 Special - 210 Grain Lead Flat Point - Black Hills Ammunition 

50 Rounds

Black Hills Ammunition has been manufacturing high-quality ammunition for many years, and their 44 Special rounds are no exception. These rounds are perfect for use in vintage firearms, as they have a muzzle velocity of only 700 feet per second. The bullets are 210-grain lead flat point, and the casings are boxer-primed, reloadable brass. Black Hills Ammunition currently supplies the US military with match-grade rounds in 5.56x45mm, and many law enforcement agencies use and trust their ammo for both duty carry and range training. You can be confident that these 44 Special rounds from the Black Hills will provide excellent performance every time you fire them.

Pros:
  • High quality
  • Consistent
  • It’s perfect for vintage firearms
Cons:
  • Only achieves a muzzle velocity of 700 feet per second

 

2# 44 Special – 125 Grain HoneyBadger – Black Hills

44 Special - 125 Grain HoneyBadger - Black Hills

50 Rounds

If you’re searching for a top-quality self-defense round, you can’t go wrong with Black Hills’ 44 Special – 125 Grain HoneyBadger. This round is designed to penetrate deeply and create a large wound cavity, thanks to its unique nose design. The scalloping on the tip of the bullet forces tissues outward as it passes through, causing extensive damage. With 50 rounds per box, you can be sure you’re prepared for anything. Don’t settle for less than the best – choose the Black Hills.

Pros:
  • Deep penetration
  • Massive wound cavity
  • Precisely measured propellant
  • Excellent quality
Cons:
  • Can cause excessive damage
  • Could be difficult to find

 

3# 44 Special – 246 Grain LRN – Remington Performance WheelGun

44 Special - 246 Grain LRN - Remington Performance WheelGun

500Rounds Rounds

The revolver is a timeless classic and with good reason. It’s reliable, accurate, and above all else, fun to shoot. Make sure your wheel gun has the stuff it needs to perform at its best with this case of Remington’s fine Performance WheelGun 44 S&W Special cartridges.

These rounds are tipped with 246-grain projectiles. The lead round-nose bullets are at once economical, highly accurate, able to penetrate targets reliably, and capable of deformation if you’d ever have to wield your beefy revolver in self-defense. With 50 rounds per box and 10 boxes per case, you’ll be able to shoot all day long without having to worry about running out of ammunition. So don’t wait any longer. Pick up a case of Remington’s Performance WheelGun 44 S&W Special cartridges today!

Video review

Pros:
  • Penetrates targets reliably
  • Economical
  • Deformation potential in a self-defense scenario
  • Kleanbore primer prevents corrosion and rusting
Cons:
  • Lower muzzle velocity than some other rounds

 

4# 44 Special – 200 Grain JHP Brass – Sig Sauer

44 Special - 200 Grain JHP Brass - Sig Sauer

20 Rounds

Sig Sauer V-Crown Elite Performance ammunition is designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s professional shooters. Featuring Sig’s patented V-Crown technology, this ammunition provides exceptional accuracy and terminal performance. The integral cannelure design provides superior weight retention and expansion, making it an outstanding choice for self-defense or range training.

Video review

Pros:
  • Superior accuracy and terminal performance
  • In-house ability to precisely match specific core temper to specific bullet temper
  • Exceptional weight retention
  • Solid brass cased
  • Round tip lead core
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • May not be available in all areas

 

5# 44 Special – 246 Grain Lead Round Nose – Winchester

44 Special - 246 Grain Lead Round Nose - Winchester

50 Rounds

The Winchester Super-X HANDGUN .44 Special 246 grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is an excellent choice for those who want to get the competitive edge. With a lead bullet, the Winchester Handgun Ammo is capable of recreating the image of a frontier gunfighter. These supplies are perfect for taking to the range. The 44 Special Ammo is completely safe to shoot at the range and in the field.

Video review

Pros:
  • Consistent Accuracy
  • Trusted for target and range shooting
  • Lead Bullet Recreates frontier image
Cons:
  • Box only includes 50 rounds

 

6# 44 Special – 200 Grain Silvertip JHP – Winchester

44 Special - 200 Grain Silvertip JHP - Winchester

20 Rounds

Winchester SUPER-X HANDGUN .44 Special 200 grain Silvertip Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition provides maximum stopping power for personal defense scenarios. The hollow point bullet is designed to expand on impact, while the engineered jacket profile ensures reliable functioning, precise accuracy, and consistent expansion. With a legacy of quality and dependability, Winchester is a brand you can trust.

Pros:
  • Hollow point for maximum stopping power
  • Engineered jacket profile ensures reliable functioning and consistent expansion
  • Precise accuracy
Cons:
  • The hollow point may not expand reliably

 

7# 44 Special – 246 Grain Lead Round Nose – Remington

44 Special - 246 Grain Lead Round Nose - Remington

50 Rounds

The 44 Special from Remington is a high-quality centerfire pistol ammunition that is perfect for target shooting applications. The cartridge case is made of brass, and the bullet is a Lead Round Nose (LRN) with a weight of 246 grains. The muzzle velocity is 755 ft/s, and the muzzle energy is 311 ft-lbs.

Pros:
  • High-quality components
  • Kleanbore priming will not rust or corrode the barrel
  • Perfect for competitive and target shooting applications
Cons:
  • Only available in traditional revolver and lever rifle bullet styles

 

8# 44 Special – 240 Grain Lead Flat Nose – Winchester

44 Special - 240 Grain Lead Flat Nose - Winchester

50 Rounds

Looking for a top-quality cartridge for your early American rifle or revolver? Pay attention to the 44 Special from Winchester. These cartridges are designed to exact standards, combining the best of yesterday’s technology with today’s advanced engineering. With a muzzle velocity of 750 ft/s and muzzle energy of 300 ft-lbs, the 44 Special is perfect for recreational shooting or target practice. The brass cartridge case and lead flat nose bullet make this ammunition both durable and accurate. So whether you’re indulging in some cowboy action shooting or just looking to improve your shooting skills, don’t go another day without Winchester’s 44 Special.

Pros:
  • Lead Flat Nose bullet is designed for accuracy and durability
  • Muzzle velocity of 750 ft/s produces muzzle energy of 300 ft-lbs
  • It’s perfect for recreational shooting, target practice, and cowboy action shooting
Cons:
  • May not be suitable for all handguns

 

9# 44 Special – 200 Grain Gold DHP – Speer Gold Dot

44 Special - 200 Grain Gold DHP - Speer Gold Dot

20 Rounds

This .44 Special ammunition from Speer Gold Dot is a great choice for self-defense and duty use. The unique pressure-formed lead core is bonded to an extremely uniform jacket, resulting in exceptional weight retention and penetration. The Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently through a variety of barriers, while the sealed primers and nickel-plated brass ensure reliable ignition and cycling.

Video review

Pros:
  • Excellent weight retention and penetration
  • Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently
  • Sealed primer and nickel-plated brass for reliable cycling
  • Structural-plated, pressure-formed core
Cons:
  • Limited availability
  • Expensive

 

10# 44 Special – 200 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point – Federal Premium

44 Special - 200 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point - Federal Premium

20 Rounds

If you need high-quality, accurate, and consistent handgun ammunition, note Federal Premium’s Champion Training 44 Special 200 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point. This brass-cased, centerfire pistol ammunition is designed for small magnum pistols and revolvers and is perfect for target practice. With a muzzle velocity of 870 ft/s and muzzle energy of 336 ft-lbs, this ammo will provide the power and performance you need.

Video review

Pros:
  • Accurate and consistent
  • Noncorrosive
  • Ideal for target practice
Cons:
  • Not lead-free

 

11# 44 Special – 220 Grain Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Brass – Ammo

44 Special - 220 Grain Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Brass - Ammo

20 Rounds

Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just starting, Ammo, Inc. Streak .44 Special 220gr Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Pistol Ammunition is a great choice for range training. Thanks to the innovative Red Streak Technology, these non-incendiary bullets will glow at the rear but won’t generate heat. That means you can see your bullet path and immediately adjust your aim for greater accuracy. And because they are safe to use at indoor and outdoor ranges, you can practice anytime, anywhere. So step into a sci-fi shooting experience that will help improve your accuracy and make your range time more fun. Try Ammo, Inc. Streak 44 Special 220gr TMJ Visual Handgun Ammo today!

Pros:
  • Non-incendiary bullets that glow at the rear
  • Safe to use at indoor and outdoor ranges
  • Improve accuracy
Cons:
  • May not fit all guns

 

12# 44 Special – 140 Grain Shotshell – CCI Ammunition

44 Special - 140 Grain Shotshell - CCI Ammunition

10 Rounds

Wish for a reliable and effective way to take down snakes and other pests? Consider CCI Ammunition’s 44 Special Shotshell. This exclusive centerfire pistol shotshell is designed to produce consistent patterns, making it easier to hit small targets in tight quarters. With a muzzle velocity of 1000 ft/s and muzzle energy of 311 ft-lbs, this ammunition packs a punch. So don’t let pests ruin your day – pick up a box of CCI Ammunition’s 44 Special Shotshells and take care of business.

Pros:
  • Exclusive centerfire handgun shotshell
  • Produces consistent patterns
  • Targets small pests accurately
  • Punishing muzzle velocity and energy
Cons:
  • May not be effective on larger pests

 

13# 44 Special – 110 Grain Shotshell – CCI Ammunition

44 Special - 110 Grain Shotshell - CCI Ammunition

10 Rounds

If you want to purchase a versatile and effective shotshell for your handgun, check out the CCI Big 4. These centerfire shotshells are perfect for taking down pests at close range, thanks to their No. 4 lead payload. The resulting energy and patterns enable the Big 4 to take down larger pests at longer distances, making them even more useful. The CCI Big 4 is available in a variety of popular calibers and is packed in reusable boxes of 10 shotshells.

Video review

Pros:
  • Versatile and effective shotshell for handguns
  • It’s perfect for taking down pests at close range
  • More energy and longer range than conventional handgun shotshells
Cons:
  • Not lead-free

 

Usage of 44 Special Ammo 🚀

This Ammo also known as “.44 Special,” is a type of handgun cartridge that can be used in both revolvers and semi-auto pistols. Developed in the early 1900s by Smith & Wesson, this cartridge is a great choice for those looking for a quieter, low-recoil round that still offers plenty of stopping power. Commonly used for self-defence and hunting applications, 44Special Ammo can be found in many different brands, styles, and grain weights.

🎯 When it comes to self-defence scenarios, this Ammo is an ideal choice due to its high accuracy and light recoil capabilities. This type of ammunition is typically designed with heavier bullets than other rounds of the same calibre, meaning that users can expect greater energy transfer into the target from each shot.

🎯 When it comes to hunting applications, this can be used on smaller games such as whitetail deer and feral hogs. With its higher rate of velocity when compared to larger calibres like .45 ACP or 10mm Auto rounds makes it more suitable for smaller targets at shorter distances. Therefore, hunters looking for a cartridge that provides plenty of stopping power without causing too much damage to their quarry can find success with 44Special Ammo.

🎯 Finally, this Ammo has also become popular among target shooters due to its lower noise level when compared to other types of cartridges. This makes practising at an indoor range or even shooting outdoors a much more pleasant experience for all involved. Additionally, this type of ammo is available in several grain weights and styles so shooters have options when selecting reloadable ammunition or factory-made rounds suited specifically for target practice.

FAQ ❓

What is the Difference Between .44 Mag and .44 Special?

🟡 The .44 Magnum was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1955 as an improved version of the .44 Special, which had been around since 1907.

🟡 The .44 Magnum is a much higher-velocity round than the .44 Special, producing higher bullet energies and greater muzzle velocity. This makes it a much more powerful round when fired from a revolver, as well as more suitable for hunting applications where range and accuracy are important factors.

🟡The other main difference between the two rounds is their size. The .44 Magnum uses a slightly longer case than the .44 Special and requires larger diameter bullets. This can be problematic when using the same revolver for both rounds, as the chamber must be cut to accommodate one or both cartridges. As a result, many shooters use separate revolvers for each cartridge to avoid compromising either round’s performance.

🟡Other differences between these two rounds include the type of powder used to load them (the magnum typically uses faster burning powders) and their recommended barrel length (the magnum has a preferred 8″ barrel length compared to 6″ for the special). Additionally, many handguns chambered in one cartridge cannot accept rounds of the other due to differences in case dimensions and pressures created when firing each cartridge.

🟡Finally, due to its higher velocity and energy levels, shooting a heavier bullet with greater accuracy over longer distances means that it is better suited to hunting situations than its less powerful counterpart. For example, if you plan on hunting deer at long distances from your stand or blind, then you will likely want to opt for the more powerful magnum round rather than using the weaker special round which may struggle with such shots.

Can You Shoot .44 Special in a .44 Magnum Handgun?
Yes, you can shoot .44 Special in a .44 Magnum handgun. The key difference between the two is the pressure. The .44 Magnum round produces more pressure than the .44 Special, due to its higher powder load and larger case size.
Is a 44 Special powerful?
The 44 Special is a very powerful cartridge, especially when compared to other handgun cartridges. It has more than enough power to take down most game animals, and can even be used for self-defence if necessary.
Is 44 Special good for Bear defence?
44 Special is a great round for bear defense. It has enough stopping power to take down an attacking bear but is not so powerful that it will penetrate the hide and injure the animal unnecessarily. 44 Special ammo is also relatively affordable, so it is a good choice for those who want to be prepared without spending a lot of money.
Can I shoot 44 Special in Colt Anaconda?

The 44 Special is a great round for self-defence, and many people love to shoot it in their Colt Anaconda revolvers. However, you need to be aware that the 44 Special is a bit longer than the 44 Magnum, so you may experience some feeding problems if you try to shoot 44 Special ammo in your Anaconda. It’s always best to consult your gun’s owner’s manual or a gunsmith before shooting any ammunition in your firearm.

Is 44 Special more powerful than 9mm?
The 44 Special is a great choice for those who want more power than a 9mm but don’t want to step up to a 44 Magnum. It’s also a popular calibre for revolvers.

Conclusion 😎

44 Special Ammo is a powerful cartridge that’s been popular for generations. It has great accuracy and can take down medium to large games easily. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best this type of Ammo products on the market today. We hope you found this information helpful and are now better equipped to make an informed purchase decision. Thanks for reading! 🤩❤️

 

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
12 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jat
Jat
11 months ago

Thanks for the information. Appreciate you bringing 44 into posts. It is really hard to find a post about this Ammo

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Jat
11 months ago

Thank you for your feedback

BlueStrong
BlueStrong
11 months ago

Greetings! I do like this type of ammo and your post about them
Want to ask – where can I buy 44 Special Ammo?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  BlueStrong
11 months ago

The best place to buy 44 Special Ammo is at a reputable, licensed gun shop or gun store in your area as well as honoured web stores. There are also many online stores that offer 44 Special Ammo, but you should make sure to do your research and read customer reviews before making a purchase💻

Tutor
Tutor
11 months ago

Pretty cool post. Make sure you don’t forget just how powerful the .44 Magnum is – it takes a special kind of ammo to keep this badass calibre in mind!

Xinavi
Xinavi
11 months ago

After I accomplish the milestones of college graduation and homeownership, I plan to purchase some guns. To be specific, a G17 for carrying purposes as well as an S&W Model 629 for weekend recreation and hunting trips. They will need Ammo. What are the best brands of 44 Special Ammunition?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Xinavi
11 months ago

There are many different manufacturers and brands to choose from. Each offers its own unique blend of quality, performance and price, so choosing the right one can be a challenge. Here we will take a look at some of the best 44 Special ammo available today, so you can make an informed decision about which is the best for you. We outlined some of the best in this article📖

Padiliss
Padiliss
11 months ago

Hello. Please, help the beginner. Are there any special considerations when reloading with 44 special ammo?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Padiliss
11 months ago

When reloading with 44 special ammo, it’s important to take a few extra steps of caution.

🟨 The first thing to consider is the type and quality of the brass you are using. It’s essential to use high-quality brass that is in good condition, as any impurities or damage could lead to misfires or other issues when firing.

🟨 You’ll also want to make sure that all components of your reload are rated for the 44 special calibres. This includes the primer, powder, bullets and cases. The primer should be a standard small pistol primer, although some speciality primers may be required depending on your particular load. The powder should be selected carefully as some faster-burning powders are best suited for lighter loads while slower-burning varieties may work better with heavier loads.

🟨 The bullets chosen should also match the intended use of the round, such as target shooting versus hunting or self-defence purposes. Copper-jacketed hollow point bullets tend to be most suitable for self-defence applications while lead round nose (LRN) bullets are often used for target shooting due to their lower cost and reliable performance.

🟨 Finally, you’ll want to pay close attention to case length and trimming when reloading your 44 special rounds. Generally speaking, it’s best practice to closely adhere to factory ammo specifications by using cases that have not been trimmed too much from their original length. Trimming cases more than necessary can cause chambers not designed for shorter cases to become jammed or otherwise malfunction during firing.

LastShot
LastShot
11 months ago

I was shooting this weekend. I noticed one thing. Unbelievably, plain lead bullets can quickly disperse energy. The .44 Special has the capability to deliver an impressive 240 grain slug with immense power and less of a risk for over-penetration.

Jacob
Jacob
11 months ago

I have successfully taken down two deer, one a buck and the other doe, with 180gr JHP is 44 Special. The bullets expanded satisfactorily and I was able to watch them collapse at the spot of impact. Although the buck did get knocked back into a shallow ravine nearby after being shot by this calibre’s performance!

M.T
M.T
11 months ago

I had tested a lot of Ammo. While the .44spl is not nearly as powerful as the .44mag, it’s rules may be different. Usually, combining lightness and speed ensures optimal penetration – which is everything in self-defence. But if you pick a slow heavy jacketed hollow point (JHP) that does not expand well, then this won’t work out for you either However, an ample and stout SWC or hard-cast flat-nose FMJ in .44special might still offer good levels of penetration while sustaining its energy output at impact.