I agree with everything said in the last two posts EXCEPT the comment on stopping power. Every objective database I have seen where real police shootings have been objectively tallied put the 125 grain jacketed hollow point .357 magnum as the #1 one shot-stopper in history. This is evidence based and a function of simple physics. I spoke to my friend who is a physics professor (and very knowledgeable on the Newtonian Physics lol) and even he believes that the .357 hot loaded is going to leave the 44 special and 45 ACP in the dust regarding self-defense! Using the hottest
buffalo bore ammo My .45 ACP 1911 launches a +P 230 grain load to about 950 fps/ 451 ft-lbs, my 3" S&W 696 launches the 180 grain JHP .44 special to 1155 fps/543 ft-lbs, and my 4 " S&W Model 627 launches the 158 grain JHP .357 Magnum to 1490 fps/
780ft-lbs! (By the way the 125 grain JHP from buffalo bore does 1707 fps and 802 ft-lbs). The 44 magnum is what happens when you give a .44 special .357 magnum like velocity. Velocity kills and is the most important part of the formula
Velocity (squared) x bullet weight (grains) / 450240 = Muzzle energy (kinetic energy at the muzzle).
Heavy .357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
An average .44 special / 45 ACP does not have near the stopping power of a .357 magnum...Physics are physics (ballistics at self defense distances of 20-30 ft). Don't get me wrong I love big bore cartridges but I am grabbing my 8 shot .357 magnum Smith and Wesson 627 Performance Center if I could only grab one gun! lol
back to the .44 special....
It is a fantastic round that can take care of defense duties with aplomb, target shooting with ease, and loaded with a fat 255 grain keith bullet (a.k.a. buffalo bore...1000 fps/566 ft-lbs) will stop anything up to and to including a medium sized black bear. It is just a soft-shooting and very accurate cartridge. I would say that I love the .357 magnum the most but the .44 special is my second favorite cartridge in a very close second place! I really enjoy shooting my Smith and Wesson 696 in .44 special with the big hole at the end of the barrel putting a huge smile on my face (-: