The 44 Special vs. 45 ACP debate has raged for over 100 years, but recently the 45 ACP has dominated the conversation because it offers higher ammo capacity and more ammo options. However, does that mean it’s the right choice for you? As you continue reading, you’ll discover where each handgun cartridge outshines the other.
45 ACP vs. 44 Special Key Differences
| 44 Special | 45 ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform (Handgun Type) | Revolver | Semi-Auto |
| Stopping Power | Less | More |
| Best Used For | Target Shooting | Self-Defense |
| Advantage | Lower Recoil | Slightly Larger Wound Channel, Higher Ammo Capacity |
| Disadvantage | Less Terminal Expansion, Lower Ammo Capacity | More Recoil |
Recoil and Shooting Experience: 44 Spc vs. 45 ACP
As an inexperienced shooter, whenever I’d try out a new firearm or cartridge, I was most concerned with how much it kicked. s Now that I’m more experienced (but by no means an expert marksman), I’m less concerned about recoil. But it still factors into some of my decisions. When I’m shooting at the range, I want the experience to be enjoyable. Otherwise, I’ll leave that firearm at home.
The 44 Special generates about 4.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy, which is mild and manageable for most shooters. A 44 Special revolver isn’t my first choice to hand to a new shooter, but 4.5 ft-lbs of energy isn’t a lot even for a handgun cartridge.
The 45 ACP generates about 8 ft-lbs of recoil energy. It’s still manageable, but not friendly to newer shooters. One needs to develop proper shooting technique to properly handle recoil while firing a 45 ACP.
I’ve found both cartridges to be enjoyable at the range, but the 44 Special definitely has less recoil than the 45 ACP. It’s important to note that several factors contribute to recoil. The preceding figures are general references and will vary depending on the firearm and ammo you choose.
Stopping Power: Penetration and Terminal Ballistics
These two cartridges are very comparable in terms of stopping power. Both penetrate 12-18 inches in ballistic gel, create similar wound channel diameters (since the bullets are similar in size: 0.451" bullet diameter for the 45 ACP and 0.429" for the 44 Special), and transfer similar amounts of energy to the target. However, the 45 ACP offers many more bullet options that expand better than 44 Special bullets.
If you’re looking for raw power, check out our 44 Mag vs. 45 ACP comparison. Alternatively, if you’re interested in how the 44 Special stacks up against its more powerful counterpart, see our 44 Special vs 44 Magnum breakdown.
Bullet choice significantly affects stopping power. An FMJ will penetrate deeper than a JHP, but a JHP will create a larger wound channel. When we compare similar bullets, the 44 Special has slightly more energy. A 44 Special 180 grain JHP bullet generates 383 ft-lbs muzzle energy, whereas a 45 ACP 185 grain JHP bullet generates 333 ft-lbs.
Accuracy
I’ve met some incredible marksmen who could outshoot me no matter what cartridge they used. That’s because accuracy largely depends on the shooter, and not the cartridge. However, in my experience, it’s easier to be more accurate when recoil is lower.
Some shooters find the 44 Special more accurate because it recoils less, but I haven’t noticed enough of a difference in recoil to affect my accuracy with either cartridge.
Continue reading 44 Special vs. 45 ACP: Revolver vs. Semi-Automatic Pistol Cartridge on Ammo.com