44 mag for SD Question

[rondog]

Seems like it boils down to - for s/d, go with lightweight hollowpoints pushed fast for rapid expansion and minimal over-penetration, for maximum tissue damage and shock.

Big, heavy, slow bullets are for hunting.

Sounds reasonable to me.

 

[RealGun]

Seems like any expansion design bullet running in the supersonic, magnum velocity range will settle the expansion concern. Fragmenting would be the next stage, I guess, but if you bring a 44 Magnum loaded with legitimately magnum level ammo, you're probably good to go.

 

[Ric]

What Barry said, same here

Count me in as well, 200 grain Gold Dots.

 

[farm23]

I often carry a 44mag but load it with gold dots except when hunting. The 44 spl with gold dots is a great SD load. Last week I was working my dogs and a nice buck came up about 40 yds away and the Gold Dot took him down [had to use a 2nd shot to finish] so it can be used for hunting also but there are better loads for hunting.

 

[tipoc]

I guess where I am going with this question is this, what is the advantage of the slow moving 44 mag or the 44 special over the 357?
Or is there an advantage?

It comes down to this: Which do you shoot better?

There are good defensive rounds available for both as there are good hunting rounds available for both. But as shooting accurately at speed is quite important in a defensive sidearm, which you shoot better is a major concern.

tipoc

 

[dickydalton]

Seems like it boils down to - for s/d, go with lightweight hollowpoints pushed fast for rapid expansion and minimal over-penetration, for maximum tissue damage and shock.

Big, heavy, slow bullets are for hunting.

Sounds reasonable to me.

180 grain hollow points are deadly on whitetail deer and I am sure criminals too.

 

[RealGun]

Shooting the minimum load of 2400 with 240 gr bullets yesterday out of a 6" Smith 629-1, I lasted three shots and was reminded that I usually shoot 44 Mag with a glove.

 

[HexHead]

The platform for 44 Magnum is rather big for concealed carry, so let that settle the question.

Not necessarily. The S&W Model 69 .44 Mag is an L-frame revolver, same as their 686 .357 Magnum.

I typically carry mine with .44 Specials, which ballistically is very similar to .45acp. It's 7 ounces lighter than an N-frame and carries very comfortably all day long.

 

[RealGun]

I shot my 629-1 yesterday, starting load of 18.8 gr A2400 and 240 gr coated lead, so I know how this works. The model 69 is interesting, but if it is used as a 44 Special, and then limited to 5 rounds, it hasn't settled the question of whether 44 magnum is well suited to concealed carry.