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OK, what is the difference?

beantole
I just got my used Astra 44 magnum and shot it last night. Shot great. Then I was looking at some S & W guns and they said they would take 44 magnum
or 44 S&W ammo. What is the difference? Thanks

Bruce
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • p3skyking
    The 44 S&W is an older and milder cartridge.

    ...honor is important only when dealng with honorable men.
    You asked if I have reverence? I have reverence for truth, but I do not know what truth is. I suspect there are many truths, and therefore, I suspect all who claim to have THE truth. L'Amour
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  • trstone
    As far as I can tell, according to Cartridges of the World (8th ed.), the 44 S&W Magnum is about .13" longer in case-length, but otherwise identical in bullet diameter, neck diameter, and base diameter. The Magnum, of course, delivers considerably more muzzle energy and velocity. It'd be analgous to .357 Magnum vs. .38 Special.
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  • allechalley
    Your gun should be able to fire safely .44 Rem. magnum, .44 S&W special, and .44 russian. .44 S&W special is slightly shorter and of lesser pressure and velocity for S&W special guns. It may also be used in the .44 magnum, sort of like .38 special can be used in
    .357 handguns. You may or may not have difficulty after firing a good number of specials of getting a magnum cartridge to extract as a ring of fouling can develop in the cylinder. Since the magnum is a slightly longer cartridge, the case can wedge because of the fouling and be a bear to get out. Not to worry, just check if you fire a lot of .44 specials for a ring of carbon. Best is to clean the cylinder bores before you go back to magnums. Generally, tho, you can buy the magnums in reduced loadings or full power for the same or even less than the specials because of the volume produced.

    You should NOT under any circumstances try to shoot .44 magnums in a gun made for the S&W specials.
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  • beantole
    Well, now I know. Thanks for setting me straight. I think I'm going to stick with shooting .44 Rem. magnum 240 grain soft point. It was recommended to me and seemed to shoot fine. OBTW, last night was the first time I have ever shoyt a .44 magnum, that thing is a damn cannon!!
    I told my wife that the only legitimate purpose I could see in that gun would be to shoot a very large animal attacking me if I were hiking.

    Bruce
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  • Colt Super
    On behalf of the .44 Special... many people have found the round to be superbly accurate, when shot from a Magnum. Mild report, easy recoil.

    I have shot thousands of Special rounds from my Magnums, with no ill effects.

    And, if you hit Mr. Bear with 4 or 5 Specials, he will busy himself in other pursuits.

    I do, though, carry full-house 240 grain Magnum loads in the woods.

    God Bless America and...
    NEVER Forget WACO
    NEVER, EVER Forget 911
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  • beantole
    quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
    On behalf of the .44 Special... many people have found the round to be superbly accurate, when shot from a Magnum. Mild report, easy recoil.

    I have shot thousands of Special rounds from my Magnums, with no ill effects.

    And, if you hit Mr. Bear with 4 or 5 Specials, he will busy himself in other pursuits.

    I do, though, carry full-house 240 grain Magnum loads in the woods.

    God Bless America and...
    NEVER Forget WACO
    NEVER, EVER Forget 911


    I think I also will carry a 240 grain magnum when in dep woods. We only have blackbears now and I have not seen one in 6 years of hiking but I don't want to see one either. And cougar are now being hit by cars near Kansas City (far north of me) but they are slowly migrating here via the river valleys from Colorado. OBTW, I have taught my kids of the murders at Waco authorized by that Nazi Reno.

    Bruce
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