.44 Magnum

About .44 Magnum

.44 Magnum is the cartridge everyone knows by reputation, and the reputation is broadly accurate. Full-power loads produce genuinely heavy recoil and are capable on any North American game at revolver distances, which is why it remains a standard choice for bear country and handgun hunting.

As with .357 and .38, the magnum case is a lengthened .44 Special, so any .44 Magnum revolver also fires the milder cartridge — and that is how most people should do their practice. Out of a lever-action carbine .44 Magnum gains substantial velocity and becomes an excellent short-range woods rifle with recoil that is entirely pleasant from the shoulder.