I am curious as to how these two cartridges compare for self defense purposes.

The 44 Special standard SD load appears to be 180 or 200 grains and the same type load for 41 Magnum looks to be 210 grain.

Both the velocity and energy seem to be greater with the 41 Magnum in comparable 44 Special loads.

It doesn't look like either caliber has a large amount of factory made self defense ammunition available but the 41 Magnum has a healthy contingent of hunting ammunition. I'm wonderig if those hunting loads would be a good candidate for SD.

How does the felt recoil match up between the two with similar size/weight firearms? I've never shot either.

I'd love to hear from you guys about your experiences and opinions on these rounds and how they match up against each other for SD purposes.

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~ S&WCA No.2159 ~