Just basic ballistics, the old standard was a 246 grain lead bullet at around 750-850 fps, so on paper similar to .45 ACP hardball.
Of course, the .44 special was the basis for the .44 magnum, the results of use by Elmer Keith among others hot loading it with hard cast semiwadcutters to around 1000-1100 fps(and more!)-this was in N Frame Smiths-NOT something to be done in a Charter Arms Bulldog!!!
Modern ammo using something in the 185-200 grain bullet range at around 900 fps puts it in the .45 ACP non +P range. More powerful than a .38 or 9mm generally speaking, but less than a .357 magnum. There are heavier loads available but not what I would use in the Charter.
It is a good round if you like larger diameter bullets at more moderate velocities. In the old Smiths, it has a reputation as being very accurate.
Watching Hickok45 miss at any range leads me to believe that no front sight is a bad idea. I know this is an instinctive shooting gut gun, but sometimes longer shots might be necessary. Don’t know that I’d be interested in a purely grappling distance gun of any kind.
The caliber itself on the other hand would be a good compromise between stopping power and controllability as opposed to a .357 in the same sized package (my first choice, truth be told)
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For .44 Special, I use the Underwood 200gr Bonded HP load. 975 FPS. Moderate recoil and non +P pressure. Good accuracy and performance without the blast and recoil of .44 Magnum.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
Posts: 16475 | Location: Marquette MI | Registered: July 08, 2014
I own a "few" handguns in 44 Special, and handload the brass. I really like this caliber as one can load it mild to wild. The small lightweight handguns get a "softer" range round than my S&W 3" 696 handgun. A very versatile round in my way of thinking.
Posts: 6748 | Location: Az | Registered: May 27, 2005
I have 3 .44 special revolvers. A Ruger 4 5/8 inch Bisley , a 2 1/2 inch Model 24 and a 4 inch Model 24. I prefer to load and shoot 200 grain bullets at velocities between 750- 900 FPS.
Posts: 3218 | Location: Manheim, PA | Registered: September 04, 2007
Some time back I picked up a mint in the old black and gold box Charter arms 44 spl Stan bridge Conn gun , I never fired it yet , also found two speed loaders at a shop for 5 bucks ea and grabbed them up . this gun is stainless it was like new for 250
Unless, of course, someone has some reason to believe that a mugger will take it away from them and shove it up their ass before pulling the trigger. Then, yeah, a revolver without a front sight might make sense.
Posts: 27309 | Location: Deep in the heart of the brush country, and closing on that #&*%!?! roadrunner. Really. | Registered: February 05, 2008
I can't speak to the revolver in question, but the cartridge itself is excellent. I've used it to good effect on a good sized boar, and a nice lion. Reloading is highly recommended for this round. There is a lot you can do with it.
Its a cult gun. The 696 is a high dollar piece, with the 396 pretty good all around. Yes, I have them but my favorite is my prewar target 44. The 6 1/2 and the 4".
Unhappy ammo seeker
Posts: 18394 | Location: Kentucky, USA | Registered: February 25, 2001
I've got a couple Model 24-3 N-frames, but my favorite .44 Special is a 3" Model 696 (L-frame, five shot). Loaded with 190 grain Hornady Critical Defense loads, the old Federal 200 grain LSWCHP ammo, Winchester Silvertips, or Speer Gold Dots, its a relatively pleasant shooter that still packs a punch for defensive purposes. If you want something a heavier to throw, try the Buffalo Bore 255 grain "Keith" LSW loads in anything but Charter Arms revolvers.
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Posts: 10279 | Location: The Free State of Arizona | Registered: June 13, 2007
