44 magnum

[JimGinMD]

could someone set me straight with the differences between .44 magnum, .44 remington magnum, .44 special, and .44 cowboy load?
Just purchase Model 29 Classic and trying to choose ammo.

 

[Lenny_D]

Remington developed the 44 mag cartridge. The 44 magnum is officially a 44 remington magnum. Same cartridge. The 44 Special is the predecessor to the 44 Magnum. The case of the 44 special is about 1/8" shorter than the 44 Magnum and can be fired from a gun that is marked 44 Magnum. The reverse is not true. The 44 cowboy load is just a light load with lead bullets in either a 44 Magnum cartridge or a 44 Special catridge UNLESS it's a 44-40 cartridge.

 

[JimGinMD]

Thanks. Is there a difference in powder used in special vs. mag? Thought I saw some you-tube post saying after using special the gun would be fouled to a point he could not use mag until after cleaning?

Also, noticed fellow NY'er. Formally from western NY

 

[Lenny_D]

When you shoot the shorter 44 special out of a magnum gun, because of it being shorter it does lead powder residue in the cylinder which makes it harder to put the longer 44 magnum case into. I've found you have to shoot quite a few of the shorter 44 specials before that occurs and it's just a matter of cleaning the cylinder anyway. It's no big deal. When I shoot my Model 29 with both Specials and Magnums I just shoot the Magnums first and then the Specials afterwards and do my normal clean up latter.
I do live in NY but on the Eastern side bordering VT.

 

[JimGinMD]

Thanks again. How do you like the 29? shot the 629 with 6inch and had to have one. decided on the 29 for style/looks. supposed to be at shop wednesday.

 

[Lenny_D]

I bought my 29 in the early 80's. It's a -3. That was the design change that eliminated the recessed cylinder and pinned barrel. It is also a 6". It's always shot better than I can and has given me countless hours of fun. I am in the market now for a 4 inch as it would be easier to carry. I backpack in bear country and just feel more comfortable carrying insurance. Enjoy your gun and shoot em up. Save your brass as eventually you will be thinking about reloading.

 

[26Ford]

Enjoy your new classic, the 44 is just a all around awesome round and revolver to own. Load it up heavy for almost any big game in North America, or load it back down with Specials for Protection. I use the Hornady 44 Special 180 gr. XTP for the home protection. Overkill maybe but its a big house and no children. My humble suggestion is depending on your barrel length, chose your ammo accordingly also. Company's do offer specific short barrel ammo. 26

 

[Marshall 357]

You will love your 29, my 29-2 has the BEST trigger of all my revolvers,I have the 8 3/8'' bbl. you might want to look into reloading , you can make some super nice rounds. Enjoy

 

[yamadeal]

When you get old you can load up some powder puff loads and still kill paper and have a ton of fun. It don't have to be 2400 Elmer !!!