.44 Special
Mild, accurate big-bore revolver round. Self-defense and target; also fires in any .44 Magnum.
Good for: Revolver, Self-defense, Target
A typical factory load is a 240 gr lead SWC bullet at about 900 ft/s, with roughly 432 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Typical load
240 grlead SWC · 4" barrelMuzzle speed
900 ft/sMuzzle energy
432 ft-lbsTypical BC (G1)
≈ 0.16typical, varies by brandTwist rate
1:20Practical range
25–50 ydPoint-blank range
90 yd6" vital zoneRecommended platform
Medium or large revolverModerateOn the Handgun Cartridges chart
Made for
Mild, accurate big-bore revolver round. Self-defense and target; also fires in any .44 Magnum.
Typical load
240 grlead SWC · 4" barrel
Typical muzzle fps
900ft/s
Typical muzzle energy
432ft-lbs
Typical BC (G1)
≈ 0.16typical, varies by brand
Twist rate for typical load
1:20
Practical range
25–50 yd
MPBR (iron sights)
90 yd6" vital zone · Near zero 4 yd · Far zero 76 yd · Min PBR 0 yd · Max PBR 90 yd · Sight-in @25 2.49" high
Recommended platform
Medium or large revolverModerate
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Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.