.44 S&W Russian Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.44 S&W Russian: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Revolver
Primer Type Large Pistol
Used For Target Shooting, Historical Reenactment
Case Design Rimmed, Straight
Year Introduced 1870

.44 S&W Russian: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Historical significance in firearms development
  • ✔ Moderate recoil compared to larger .44 calibers
  • ✔ Good accuracy potential in well-made firearms
  • ✔ Suitable for cowboy action shooting
  • ✔ Can be handloaded for various applications

Cons

  • ✘ Limited availability of factory ammunition
  • ✘ Fewer modern firearms chambered for this cartridge
  • ✘ Less powerful than .44 Special or .44 Magnum
  • ✘ Not typically used for self-defense or hunting
  • ✘ May require specialized reloading equipment

.44 S&W Russian: A Comprehensive Overview

The .44 S&W Russian is a historic revolver cartridge that played a significant role in the development of modern handgun ammunition. Introduced in 1870 by Smith & Wesson, it was designed for the Russian Imperial government and became the progenitor of several influential cartridges, including the .44 Special and .44 Magnum. Known for its accuracy and moderate recoil, the .44 Russian gained popularity among target shooters and was used in various military and civilian applications.

History and Development

The .44 S&W Russian cartridge was developed in 1870 by Smith & Wesson in response to a request from the Russian government. It was designed to be used in a modified version of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolver, which became known as the Russian Model. The cartridge featured a heel-based bullet design, which was common at the time, but later transitioned to an inside-lubricated bullet that improved accuracy and reduced fouling.

The .44 Russian quickly gained a reputation for exceptional accuracy, particularly in target shooting competitions. Its moderate recoil and consistent performance made it a favorite among marksmen. The cartridge's success led to its adoption by various military forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the Russian Imperial Army, for which it was originally designed.

In the United States, the .44 Russian became popular among civilian shooters and was used in various revolvers produced by Smith & Wesson, Colt, and other manufacturers. Its influence extended beyond its direct use, as it served as the basis for the development of the .44 Special in 1907 and, later, the powerful .44 Magnum in 1955.

While the .44 Russian is no longer in widespread use, it maintains a following among collectors, historical firearms enthusiasts, and some target shooters. Modern reproductions of revolvers chambered for this cartridge are still manufactured, allowing contemporary shooters to experience this piece of firearms history.

Technical Specifications

The .44 S&W Russian cartridge typically uses a 246-grain lead bullet with a diameter of .429 inches. The original black powder load propelled this bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 750 feet per second, generating approximately 310 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Later smokeless powder loadings maintained similar ballistics to preserve the cartridge's renowned accuracy.

The case length of the .44 Russian is 0.970 inches, with an overall cartridge length of 1.375 inches. These dimensions made it suitable for use in revolvers with cylinder lengths that could not accommodate longer cartridges, contributing to its popularity in compact revolvers of the era.

Timeline of .44 S&W Russian Development and Usage:

Year Event
1955 Introduction of the .44 Magnum, a more powerful cartridge developed from the .44 Special, which itself was based on the .44 Russian.
1907 Introduction of the .44 Special, a lengthened version of the .44 Russian case.
1887 Smith & Wesson introduces the .44 S&W Russian cartridge with an inside-lubricated bullet, improving accuracy and reducing fouling.
1871 Russian Imperial Army adopts the Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian in .44 Russian caliber.
1870 Smith & Wesson develops the .44 S&W Russian cartridge for the Russian Imperial government.

.44 S&W Russian Performance Characteristics

The .44 S&W Russian cartridge offers moderate performance that made it popular for target shooting and self-defense in its era. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 246 grains
Lead bullet
Muzzle Velocity 750 fps
With original black powder load
Muzzle Energy 310 ft-lbs
Moderate energy suitable for self-defense and target shooting
Effective Range 50 yards
Optimal for revolvers of the era
Accuracy 1-2 inch groups at 25 yards
Renowned for exceptional accuracy in skilled hands

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .44 S&W Russian loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.44 S&W Russian: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .44 S&W Russian ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Target Shooting 0-50 Accurate for paper target shooting at moderate ranges
Hunting (Medium Game) 0-75 Suitable for deer-sized game at closer ranges
Self-Defense 0-25 Effective for close-quarters self-defense situations
Historical Reenactment 0-50 Used in period-correct firearms for historical accuracy

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .44 S&W Russian is an older cartridge with moderate power and range compared to modern alternatives. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .44 S&W Russian

The .44 S&W Russian, while less common today, still finds use in specific applications:

Target Shooting
  • Popular for cowboy action shooting competitions
  • Used in vintage and reproduction revolvers for recreational shooting
  • Moderate recoil allows for comfortable extended practice sessions
Hunting
  • Suitable for medium game hunting at closer ranges
  • Effective for deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals within 75 yards
  • Soft lead bullets provide good expansion for ethical harvests
Self-Defense
  • Can be used in modern reproductions of historical revolvers for self-defense
  • Effective stopping power at close ranges
  • Limited capacity compared to modern semi-automatic pistols
Historical Interest
  • Used in authentic or reproduction firearms for historical reenactments
  • Collected and fired by enthusiasts of 19th-century firearms
  • Provides insight into the ballistic capabilities of late 19th-century military and civilian arms

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .44 S&W Russian's place in the revolver world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.44 S&W Russian vs. .44 S&W Special ▼

.44 S&W Russian vs. .44 Remington Magnum ▼

.44 S&W Russian vs. .45 Colt ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .44 S&W Russian with other revolver cartridges. (Based on a 2.5 lb revolver)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads and firearm characteristics. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .44 S&W Russian with other revolver cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 50-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .44 S&W Russian with other revolver cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .44 S&W Russian with other revolver cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .44 S&W Russian

The .44 S&W Russian is a black powder cartridge introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1870. It was the predecessor to the .44 Special and .44 Magnum cartridges.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.44 S&W Russian 246 0.185
.44 S&W Russian 255 0.192
.44 S&W Russian 200 0.151

Note: The .44 S&W Russian typically uses bullets with diameters of 0.429 inches. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². While the .44 S&W Russian is considered obsolete for modern use, it played a significant role in the development of subsequent .44 caliber cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .44 S&W Russian cartridge?

A: The .44 S&W Russian is a centerfire revolver cartridge developed by Smith & Wesson in 1870. It was designed for use in their top-break revolvers and was the first cartridge to use inside lubrication.

Q: How does the .44 S&W Russian compare to the .44 Special?

A: The .44 S&W Russian is the parent case of the .44 Special. The .44 Special is slightly longer and can handle higher pressures. Guns chambered for .44 Special can typically fire .44 S&W Russian, but not vice versa.

Q: Is the .44 S&W Russian still in production?

A: While not as common as it once was, the .44 S&W Russian is still produced in limited quantities by some manufacturers for collectors and enthusiasts of historical firearms.

Q: What are the typical ballistics of the .44 S&W Russian?

A: A typical .44 S&W Russian load would feature a 246-grain lead bullet with a muzzle velocity of around 750 feet per second, generating approximately 300 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.

Q: What types of firearms were chambered for .44 S&W Russian?

A: The .44 S&W Russian was primarily used in top-break revolvers manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It was also adopted by the Russian military for their Smith & Wesson Model 3 revolvers, hence the 'Russian' in its name.

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