The Best .44 Magnum Ammo for Self-Defense

.44 Mag ammo

The .44 Magnum has been called “the most powerful gun on earth” and, at one time, that was true. While other guns have stolen the title from the iconic round, the .44 Mag remains a favorite with handgun hunters and those looking for a solid self-defense ammunition. It hits its target hard and fast, leaving a deep channel in its wake. The .44 Magnum intimidates novice shooters with good reason, its strong muzzle flash and heavy recoil are hard to handle without ample practice.

History

Elmer Keith designed the .44 Remington Magnum in 1955. Keith, an Idaho rancher, writer and firearms enthusiast, had made a name for himself when he created the .357 cartridge. Keith’s goal was to make an all-purpose round to be manufactured by the Remington Arms Co. Remington produced the cartridge but it was slated to be used in the Smith & Wesson Model 29. As such, S&W is usually credited with introducing.44 Mag ammo to the public. However, Ruger introduced its ammo first, attached to their new single-action .44 Magnum Blackhawk.

Unlike John Browning and other designers, Keith’s aim was to create a round that was practical for multiple uses. The premise paid off, making Keith’s ammunition popular with a wider audience.

Development

Keith spent years making custom loads for the .44 Special before he created the .44 Magnum. He based the new ammunition the .44 caliber bullet but used a high-pressure load to ensure that the new ammo could fire a heavy bullet. The bullet made the ammo faster and stronger than anything the public had seen.

Design

Keith had originally intended for the .44 to be used for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. The round is strong and packs a hefty punch. The .44 is precise, giving the shooter as much as a 90% accuracy rate.  However, the high-pressure causes it to have a heavy recoil and muzzle flash, making it less than ideal for novice shooters. Those that find the .44 Mag a bit too intense may opt for the .44 Special, a slightly smaller cartridge with less recoil.

Specs

Remington created the .44 Mag as ammo for a revolver, however, it can also be used in other guns including lever action rifles, carbines, and semi-automatic pistols.

The .44 Magnum cartridge uses a bullet with 240 grain (gr), has a velocity of 1,350 feet per second (fps), and puts off a muzzle energy of 971 foots pounds (ft-lbs). The .429-inch lead bullet sits in a straight-walled case that measures 1.285 inches long. The total length of the ammo is 1.61 inches. It uses a large pistol primer. It can be loaded to a max pressure of 36,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

.44 Special

Some shooters revert to the .44 S&W Special, a smaller round with has less recoil. Experts say shooters should test both types of ammo to choose the one with the most comfort. The .44 Mag has high pressure, so it can only be used in guns chambered for the round.

Popularity

The .44 Magnum wasn’t selling well in the marketplace until 1971 when Clint Eastwood made his debut as “Dirty” Harry Callahan. Dirty Harry was the lead character in the movie, a hard-boiled San Francisco police detective who routinely faced off with criminals that plagued his city. Dirty Harry stands toe to toe with a wounded bank robber when he delivers his famous speech:

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Did he fire six shots or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?”

After the movie hit the theaters, Eastwood’s devotion to his S&W Model 29 and .44 Mag skyrocketed sales and kept the Model 29 and its ammo at the top for decades. It’s hard to tell how many thousands have practiced that very line in front of the mirror.

The .44 Mag is no longer the most powerful handgun in the world, but its popularity will live on forever.

Self-Defense

Seasoned shooters often disagree regarding the .44 Magnum as a top choice for self-defense purposes. Experts claim that the .44 Mag is too powerful because of the round’s deep penetration. Inexperienced users can easily cause collateral damage through over penetration or run the risk of shooting innocent parties.

Shooters should know that .44 Magnums aren’t all the same. Some guns can be used for  home defense while other, less powerful weapons are better suited for sports and target shooting.

Best .44 Mag Self-Defense Ammo

Buffalo Bore: Anti-Personnel 180 Grain Lead Hollow Point

This round is touted as one of the best for self-defense. It is a no nonsense ammunition designed for self-defense and eliminating two-legged targets. It has a Muzzle Velocity of 1500 fps and a Muzzle Energy of 899 ft-lbs.

Buffalo Bore: Anti-Personnel 200 Grain .44 Spl Wadcutter

According to Buffalo Bore: “This load is designed to permanently and quickly disable human threats.” This powerful round offers a Muzzle Velocity of 1300 fps and a Muzzle Energy of 751 ft-lbs.

Federal Ammunition: 240 Grain Fusion

This medium-priced American-made Fusion bullet with brass casing delivers 887 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy.

Federal Ammunition: Hydra-Shok 240 grain Personal Defense

The new production Hydra-Shok 240 grain Personal Defense round is an excellent choice for concealed carry and law enforcement agencies. The center-post design delivers controlled expansion. The notched jacket gives maximum penetration. It offers a Muzzle Velocity of 1180 fps and Muzzle Energy of 742 ft-lbs.

Fiocchi Ammunition: 240 Grain JSP

Coming in at the same price as the Remington, this foreign made 240 grain self-defense round offers 1838 FPS velocity.

Hornady Ammunition: JHP XTP Load

Hornady XTP is highly recommended by seasoned shooters. The American-made self-defense cartridge makes the list for the best .44 self-defense ammo. It’s slightly more expensive than the Remington, but also more powerful. It boasts 1150 FPS Muzzle Velocity.

Remington Ammunition: 240 Grain HTP Rounds

Top of the list of the best .44 ammo for self-defense. Available in 240 grain SP and SJHP rounds, this American-made defense load is inexpensive, but powerful. It boasts 1180 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 742 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy.

Speer: Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection 44 S&W Special

Speer Gold Dot has an excellent reputation for quality and accuracy. This 200 grain hollow point has plenty of what it takes for self-defense. It offers 875 fps of Muzzle Velocity.

Winchester Ammunition: Platinum Tip 250 Grain JHP

A bit more expensive than the other brands, Winchester offers this American-made self-defense cartridge with 1250 FPS Muzzle Velocity.

Conclusion

The .44 Magnum is a powerful gun that is not well suited to concealed carry. It is an excellent choice for self-defense although some claim that the .357 Magnum is easier to carry and aim. In the end, personal comfort and performance wins the day, leaving the choice to the shooter.

Law Enforcement and The .45 ACP Ammo

Finding the perfect ammunition

Military and law enforcement personnel have gone through a series of changes in standard issue weapons over the past couple decades. At one time the .38 Special reigned supreme. Today 9mm is carried by 67 percent of law enforcement agents, but that by no means is their only choice.

Since the early 1900s, the .38 Special was standard issue for most police departments across the U.S. The 10mm was slated to take over the top spot but didn’t last long. In the 1980s, the FBI commissioned the manufacture of the .40, which some law enforcement officers still use. It was replaced by the 9mm in the 1990s.

Most officers see the 9mm as a “reasonable round” for a duty pistol. While it may be considered standard issue, there are many agencies that allow their officers to choose their weapon, either as a standard issue or as a backup piece. The variety comes from a number of reasons. Some police forces have different requirements for their weapons. There are some departments that simply cannot afford the latest and greatest handguns. Lastly, some departments require their officers to purchase their own weapons. In the latter case, it is not uncommon to see a wide variety of calibers including9mm, .40, .45, .357 SIG, and 10mm.

Currently, the most popular guns used by police departments are Glock, followed by SIG Sauer. Yet, there are still departments that swear by their .45 ACP.

History of the .45 ACP

The .45 ACP is the most “American” of all pistols on the market. Introduced in 1905 by Colt and designed by weapons legend John M. Browning, the .45 ACP was an instant hit with the U.S. military. After a series of field tests, the ammunition was adopted as the standard issue for Colt’s M1911. The ammo’s stopping power also made it a favorite of the U.S. Cavalry, and the U.S. Army followed suit. .45 ACP handguns were the official sidearms of the U.S. military throughout World War I and World War II, and up until they were replaced by the 9mm in 1985.

The .45 ACP was well matched to the 1911 handgun. In 1918, it was adapted to be used in John T. Thompson’s .45 machine gun. The “Tommy Gun” was invented to be used as a trench gun during WWI and perfected during WWII.

The .45 ACP has a long and storied history. It has been used in many conflicts including Anzio, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, and the Tet Offensive. It was a favorite round at the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and commonly used by Bonnie & Clyde and John Dillinger.

ACP for Self-Defense

Most people think of civilians when they think of “self-defense.” However, law enforcement officers have the ultimate job when it comes to defending themselves as well as others. When it comes to self-defense, how does one choose the perfect .45 ACP ammo? The uppermost factor is stopping power. Officers must be sure that their rounds are going to stop targets in their tracks. Other factors include accuracy and reliability.

The Best .45 ACP for Law Enforcement

These are the top choices for .45 ACP ammo for law enforcement as well as for personal protection. Each round on this list has been tested using stringent ballistics testing techniques.

Winchester 230-Grain Ranger T-Series

The Winchester T-Series features a hollow-point bullet in a reverse tapered jacket that has six “talons” designed to expand upon impact. It is designed to expand even after penetrating though tough barriers or heavy clothing. The round is also available in a +P load. The T-series is a top choice for American law enforcement officers.

Federal 230-Grain HST

The Federal HST is an extremely popular round for law enforcement and self-defense. It is one step up from Federal’s Hydra-Shok bullet which dominated the market for many years. The HST is used in many different calibers from the .380 Auto to the .45 ACP. Despite the fact that it is not a bonded bullet, it is currently one of the most popular rounds used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S.

Another Federal round worth mentioning is the Guard Dog line. While not as powerful as the HST, it is a solid choice for self-defense.

Remington 185-Grain Golden Saber +P

Remington Golden Saber +P uses a lighter bullet with 185 -grains. The light weight means that it has the highest muzzle velocity of the cartridges on the list. The Jacketed Hollow Point ammo hits the target hard. It offers deep penetration and reliable expansion without the danger of over-penetration. It’s a solid choice.

Magtech 230-Grain Bonded

Magtech First Defense Bonded ammunition uses a JHP bullet with a lead core bonded to the jacket. The bond means the bullet is less likely to separate from the jacket when striking a solid object. It is also likely to experience deeper penetration and expansion after impact.

Speer 185-Grain Gold Dot

The Speer Gold Dot line was specifically designed in the 1990s for law enforcement. Gold Dot bullets are bonded, which greatly reduces core-jacket separation. They also have an outstanding reputation for deep penetration, high weight retention, and reliable expansion. Speer Gold Dot is at the top of the list for many law enforcement agencies.

Speer 230-Grain Gold Dot Short Barrel

Similar to the 185-grain Gold Dot, Speer’s 230-grain Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel load uses a heaver-weight bullet. This design gives premium performance when used with shorter-barreled handguns. It is a top choice for concealed carry.

Federal Law Enforcement 45 ACP AUTO Ammo 230 Grain +P HST JHP

Federal is known for manufacturing quality ammunition with cutting edge technology. Federal’s LE line was designed specifically for law enforcement. The tip is designed not to plug upon impact with tough barriers or layers of heavy clothing. It offers deep penetration and terminal performance.

Hornady 200gr XTP

Hornady is known for its Critical Defense, often touted as an excellent self-defense round. That is true, however, the 200-grain XTP bullet is one step above due to its superior accuracy, reliable penetration, and expansion. The XTP features serrations in the bullet and a strategically weakened jacket that assists with expansion.

Conclusion

For more info about the .45 ACP and its other uses, check out The Best .45 ACP Ammo For Self-Defense, Target Shooting, and More.

Fiocchi: Born at the Right Time

 

Fiocchi Ammunition

Fate has a way of stepping in at the right moment. Giulio Fiocchi discovered fate when he went to collect on an overdue loan made by his bank in 1876.

A bank in Milan, Italy employed Fiocchi as an accountant and he was sent to Lecco to visit the deliquent manufacturer of muskets and black powder. Fiocchi researched the company’s ability to pay the loan and found it was not possible. The accountant returned to Milan thinking about the opportunity to buy the bankrupt company. Giulio spoke with his brother Giacomo and, together, the men decided to go into the ammunition business. Fiocchi’s bank lent money to the brothers to begin their business, Giulio Fiocchi Enterprises.

Never Say Die

The Fiocchi brothers founded Fiocchi Ammunition (Fiocchi Munizioni in Italian) at the right time in history. The breech-loader had replaced the muzzle-loader, so Fiocchi began to make reloadable primer cases. Black powder went the way of the dinosaur, and Fiocchi adapted once again.

Pre-war, Fiocchi was dedicated to making ammunition for sport shooting and hunting. During World War I they had the opportunity to produce ammo for the Italian army. The Fiocchi factory was seized by Germans in World War II, but the employees were able to hold them off on the ground. However, the employees failed to keep Allied planes from destroying the factory.

The Fiocchi family rebuilt a new factory in 1946. This enabled Fiocchi to make more advanced ammunition, encouraging expansion and new partnerships through the 1950s and 1960s.

Innovators

Initially they were throwing away its scrap metal. The company found a way of recouping the money spent on the metal. In addition to manufacturing ammo, the company began to make metal snaps. The garment industry bought the snaps which became a staple in fashion. One of the largest clothing manufacturers in the world bought the snap manufacturing business in the 1980s.

Fiocchi gave to the community that supported his manufacturing operations. In 1904, the company built houses for its workers to ensure that they had nice places to live. They also provided childcare and medical care to their employees and still do to this day.

Fiocchi of America, Inc.

Fiocchi came to the U.S. in a roundabout way. In the 1950s, the company shared a factory with Smith & Wesson in Illinois. The companies had disagreements and Fiocchi sold its shares, halting their presence in the Americas. Then in 1980, Carlo Fiocchi, the great-grandson of Giulio Fiocchi, came to the United States on his honeymoon. Carlo researched the possibility of the company’s return to the U.S. and, in 1983, Fiocchi of America began to import products.

Consumers bought ammunition faster than it could be imported from Italy. Carlo met with Paolo Fiocchi, the company president, to discuss building a manufacturing plant stateside. History repeated itself when Fiocchi purchased land from a farmer that had been unable to pay his mortgage. The locals embraced Fiocchi as they provided good jobs for the region. Today, the company sells over 75 percent of the company’s U.S. sales at that plant. Fiocchi is proud of its slogan, “Italian by birth, American by choice.”