44 Special vs. 357 Magnum: Which Cartridge Is Right for You?

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Whether you’re considering purchasing a 44 Smith & Wesson Special or a 357 Smith & Wesson Magnum – or just want to know the revolver cartridges’ similarities and differences, this article is for you. I’ve pitted the 44 Special vs. 357 Magnum head-to-head in several critical categories to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Spoiler alert: one is definitely better than the other.

44 Special vs. 357 Magnum: Cartridge Specs

44 Special 357 Magnum
Parent Case 44 Russian 38 Special
Bullet Diameter 0.429 in 0.357 in
Neck Diameter 0.457 in 0.379 in
Base Diameter 0.457 in 0.379 in
Case Length 1.160 in 1.290 in
Overall Length 1.615 in 1.590 in
Case Capacity 33.5 grains H2O 26.2 grains H2O
Max Pressure (SAAMI) 15,500 psi 35,000 psi

The 44 Special is the larger cartridge in every way: a bigger bullet and a bigger case. However, it has a lower maximum pressure than the 357 Mag. In the section below, we’ll see how these differences affect each cartridge in real-world situations. Is bigger always better? Let’s find out.

44 Special vs. 357 Mag: Pros and Cons

44 Special 357 Magnum
Pros Cons
Lower recoil Fewer ammo options More ammo options Higher recoil
Nostalgic Fewer firearm options More firearm options Slightly less accurate
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More accurate More expensive ammo Less expensive ammo
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Less versatile More versatile
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Even though the 44 Special is the larger cartridge, it has a lower recoil than the 357 Mag, which is very appealing to many shooters. However, aside from the nostalgia that accompanies the 44 Special, it doesn’t offer many benefits over the 357 Mag.

The 357 Mag is better for hunting and self-defense because it offers less expensive ammo, more variety (firearms and ammo), and packs more of a punch. In most instances, the 357 Mag will be the better choice. Now, let’s find out what those situations are.

Continue reading 44 Special vs. 357 Magnum: Which Cartridge Is Right for You? on Ammo.com!

https://ammo.com/comparison/44-special-vs-357-magnum

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I like both for both reloading ease and easy shootin.

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44 is my favorite cause it will whack a deer good and hard. 357 not near as well.

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44Special really doesn’t hit as hard as 357 mag. Your 44 Mag will.

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This is my 44 Special with some of my dad’s hand loads.

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@shooterrex , I still have a few of my dad’s hand loads if you want to shoot it in a couple of weeks.

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Sounds like a plan.

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Which is why Elmer was instrumental in the development of the 44mag. 41 special is still be custom made alot and is still loved. But 44mag is much better. 357,41,44 all will kill a deer though just the 44mag is going to dona little better job in the bigger or further away game

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