How Powerful is a .44 special?

[kmittleman]

Hi Guys,

I've been reading some interesting threads here on the .44 special. And I checked a nice Ruger BH Flattop the other day - felt great in my hand. My question is, what's the biggest game it can take? I already have dies for .44 mag / .44 special, so the idea is intriguing.
-Kevin

[336A]

With the Keith load (17.0gr of 2400 & Lyman 429421 or RCBS equivalent) which the Ruger will easily handle, it will reliably take elk sized game. Btw here is some good reading material for you
http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/

[shooter]

It can take anything you care to hunt in North America with the right loads in the right gun. With that being said, it wouldn't be my first choice on Grizzlies, or perhaps even Moose, but I'm sure even on those gigantic animals it would get the job done with a well placed shot. Shot placement is key no matter the cartridge. I would be comfortable hunting most anything on the continent if armed with stout .44 Sp ammo.

[Booger Bill]

In a strong gun like the ruger you can load a 240 gr up to about 1,200 fps with elmers old load. I own the gun you looked at plus another 6 in .44 special, 4 smiths and 2 colts.

[jens5]

In the early 80's while at the police range in Ft. Collins,CO. The local armored car company was testing a sample of the new "bullet-proof glass for it's vehicles. A sample was set up a 25 yards.
Using a 255 gr, Keith hard cast hot load out of a S&W mod.24, I put a round clean through.
To the dismayed glass rep, I said,"I don't think this is gonna work.

[piller]

In the early 80's while at the police range in Ft. Collins,CO. The local armored car company was testing a sample of the new "bullet-proof glass for it's vehicles. A sample was set up a 25 yards.
Using a 255 gr, Keith hard cast hot load out of a S&W mod.24, I put a round clean through.
To the dismayed glass rep, I said,"I don't think this is gonna work.

It would seem to be a little bit lacking. I wonder what it was designed to resist?

[1894c]

great cartridge and a really good SA...if I was to do it all over that would be my choice...but for now i'll stick with the .357... :)