.44 Special Ammo Availability

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While .44 cases are available on some sites, the bullets are not.

https://rimrockbullets.com
Give these guys a look. They’ve always done right by me, and going by what I see on their website, Rimrock Bullets of Polson, Montana has plenty of cast .44 bullets for sale - both gas-checked and plain base, and everything from little 180gr, clear on up to 340gr.
Also, shoot me a PM - I can help you out with some .44 Magnum brass cheap. Standard and “+P” .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases work great - I’ve been loading .44 Magnum cases with light to medium loads for better than 40 years. The truth is, probably 95% of my .44 Magnum shooting has been with what amounts to “+P” .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases.:thumbup:
 
Shooter's Choice has IMR 4227 in stock. It's a good powder for .44's, from light target up through fire-breathing, rifle or handgun.

EDITED: Never mind. Canada only. Sorry.
 
https://rimrockbullets.com
Give these guys a look. They’ve always done right by me, and going by what I see on their website, Rimrock Bullets of Polson, Montana has plenty of cast .44 bullets for sale - both gas-checked and plain base, and everything from little 180gr, clear on up to 340gr.
Also, shoot me a PM - I can help you out with some .44 Magnum brass cheap. Standard and “+P” .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases work great - I’ve been loading .44 Magnum cases with light to medium loads for better than 40 years. The truth is, probably 95% of my .44 Magnum shooting has been with what amounts to “+P” .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases.:thumbup:
I have used some Rimrock bullets in the past and they are good bullets. But, please note that their first page says 6 to 8 weeks before delivery!
 
Have you fired a 44mag? How about your SIL? I could be off base but it seems like neither of you have hit this level of horsepower.

You would be perfectly fine with a heavy 357 mag load, Buffalo Bore does one that hits about 900ftlbs in my gun. That's perfectly fine for black bear and you have it already
 
Thanks for all the follow-up and links!!! I truly appreciate it!

I was able to find two sources of commercial .44 special for practice/training purposes. There doesn't appear to be a shortage of decent bear ammo. As far as reloading, as others pointed out, large pistol primers availability IS the problem. But I will continue to watch the THR thread that was provided.

Once I realized how difficult getting.44 cal ammo or components was, I started researching "plan B", and found a BB .357 bear load that actually beats the 10 mm. Earlier I had mixed the two. But here they are: HEAVY 357 MAG OUTDOORSMAN - 180 gr. Hard Cast LFN-GC (1,400fps/M.E. 783 ft. lbs.) and HEAVY 10MM OUTDOORSMAN - 220 gr. Hard Cast - FN (1,200 fps/ME 703 ft. lbs.).

Saturday, I plan on going to the range to compare the .357 and .44 as it has been a while (maybe 20 years?) since I shot a .44. Hopefully, Saturday evening I will have made my decision on whether to cancel the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 or not. As for my SIL, he is going to a different range on Saturday to do the same. He has said he shot a .44 years ago, but neither he nor I really were analyzing it as a defensive type of revolver at the time. For me, it was just shooting a friend's revolver. We both remember being surprised with that very first trigger pull and what recoil came afterward.

It has been a while since I've been back here on THR. You guys came through and have been really helpful just like I had remembered it. Thank you!
 
Due to black bears coming to my yard weekly as I live in a mountainous area in CO, I wanted a .44 for a defensive solution. My SIL fishes and hikes in the CO mountains and is in need of something as well.

Well, both my SIL and I bought the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 and expect to pick them up next week. In the meantime, I quickly learned there is practically zero training type ammo (.44 special) available. Whereas, I can easily buy the Buffalo Bore defensive ammo.

Since I have a Dillon Precision 550B, I called DP to inquire about .44 dies and was told they were back-ordered and I should expect 48 weeks. Yes, forty-eight weeks before they come in. While .44 cases are available on some sites, the bullets are not. You can imagine how disappointed we are. The good thing is that we can cancel the purchases right up to the very moment we arrive at the sales counter. Thus, unless we find .44 training ammo from a respectable vendor, plan B (10 mm) will be our next choice. It appears there are many vendors that have 10 mm FMJ, etc. in stock.

So, does anyone have any ideas where one can buy .44 special ammo today?
Hunters Shack Munitions makes a good .44 spls as well as midrange 44 mags
Sportsman's Warehouse used to stock both around here, I don't know whats available in your town.
HSM loads with good Starline brass, too!
 
You’re not going to get 783 ft lbs from .44 special.

Hunters Shack Munitions makes a good .44 spls as well as midrange 44 mags
Sportsman's Warehouse used to stock both around here, I don't know whats available in your town.
HSM loads with good Starline brass, too!

Since I made my .44 purchase through Sportsman's Warehouse, they were the first place I called as I thought they may have been holding back some ammo to sell with firearms sales. The guy said it had been several months since they had any .44 ammo. I may call another SW about 100 miles away to see if they have any... a good suggestion!
 
I personally would feel pretty warm and fuzzy about having 15+1 rounds of 10mm on tap ready to go from a glock 20. Especially in your stated purpose.

Nothing wrong with the Ruger Redhawk alaskan, just think the 10mm can compete, and then some. Gotta keep in mind barrel length when you look at velocities too....
 
Thanks for all the follow-up and links!!! I truly appreciate it!

I was able to find two sources of commercial .44 special for practice/training purposes. There doesn't appear to be a shortage of decent bear ammo. As far as reloading, as others pointed out, large pistol primers availability IS the problem. But I will continue to watch the THR thread that was provided.

Once I realized how difficult getting.44 cal ammo or components was, I started researching "plan B", and found a BB .357 bear load that actually beats the 10 mm. Earlier I had mixed the two. But here they are: HEAVY 357 MAG OUTDOORSMAN - 180 gr. Hard Cast LFN-GC (1,400fps/M.E. 783 ft. lbs.) and HEAVY 10MM OUTDOORSMAN - 220 gr. Hard Cast - FN (1,200 fps/ME 703 ft. lbs.).

Saturday, I plan on going to the range to compare the .357 and .44 as it has been a while (maybe 20 years?) since I shot a .44. Hopefully, Saturday evening I will have made my decision on whether to cancel the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 or not. As for my SIL, he is going to a different range on Saturday to do the same. He has said he shot a .44 years ago, but neither he nor I really were analyzing it as a defensive type of revolver at the time. For me, it was just shooting a friend's revolver. We both remember being surprised with that very first trigger pull and what recoil came afterward.

It has been a while since I've been back here on THR. You guys came through and have been really helpful just like I had remembered it. Thank you!

I shot quite a few fairly stout 44 Mags a couple days ago. Not too too bad in my 7.5 Super Blackhawk, you'll definitely notice it in the Alaskan.
 
Due to black bears coming to my yard weekly as I live in a mountainous area in CO, I wanted a .44 for a defensive solution. My SIL fishes and hikes in the CO mountains and is in need of something as well.

Well, both my SIL and I bought the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 and expect to pick them up next week. In the meantime, I quickly learned there is practically zero training type ammo (.44 special) available. Whereas, I can easily buy the Buffalo Bore defensive ammo.

Since I have a Dillon Precision 550B, I called DP to inquire about .44 dies and was told they were back-ordered and I should expect 48 weeks. Yes, forty-eight weeks before they come in. While .44 cases are available on some sites, the bullets are not. You can imagine how disappointed we are. The good thing is that we can cancel the purchases right up to the very moment we arrive at the sales counter. Thus, unless we find .44 training ammo from a respectable vendor, plan B (10 mm) will be our next choice. It appears there are many vendors that have 10 mm FMJ, etc. in stock.

So, does anyone have any ideas where one can buy .44 special ammo today?
You have a 550b, it takes any standard die, not just DP.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101119737?pid=875273
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019477824?pid=781747
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011444424?pid=607621
Load your own ammo. Also, load 44 Mag, not 44 Special. Brass is easier to come by. Just don't go full rock and roll magnum. Hodgdon Universal or Winchester 231, you can push a 230gr bullet anywhere from ~850 to ~1300 fps. Should be easy to duplicate a 44 Special load in the 44 Magnum cartridge.
 
The components are out there to be had. I just started loading 44 special on a whim just to try out in my .44mags. I found brass and powder online no problem. Already had primers dies and bullets. Use the same dies as for 44mag by adjusting to specs. Get that .44 rolling you will learn it and love it. That Alaskan will be stout but recoil is all in how you learn how to handle it the right way.
 
I'm just throw this out here.......I have had real good success creating light 44 Mag loads with TiteGroup. I'd have to look, but I think I was using 6.5-7 grains in the 44 mag brass. That would save you the trouble of having to stock both calibers, and you basically get a bit hotter than a special load, but no where near a mid to full power 44 mag load. It was actually my 44 practice load for a long time.

I did this with 240 gr LSWC from Badman
 
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Thanks for all the follow-up and links!!! I truly appreciate it!

I was able to find two sources of commercial .44 special for practice/training purposes. There doesn't appear to be a shortage of decent bear ammo. As far as reloading, as others pointed out, large pistol primers availability IS the problem. But I will continue to watch the THR thread that was provided.

Once I realized how difficult getting.44 cal ammo or components was, I started researching "plan B", and found a BB .357 bear load that actually beats the 10 mm. Earlier I had mixed the two. But here they are: HEAVY 357 MAG OUTDOORSMAN - 180 gr. Hard Cast LFN-GC (1,400fps/M.E. 783 ft. lbs.) and HEAVY 10MM OUTDOORSMAN - 220 gr. Hard Cast - FN (1,200 fps/ME 703 ft. lbs.).

Saturday, I plan on going to the range to compare the .357 and .44 as it has been a while (maybe 20 years?) since I shot a .44. Hopefully, Saturday evening I will have made my decision on whether to cancel the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 or not. As for my SIL, he is going to a different range on Saturday to do the same. He has said he shot a .44 years ago, but neither he nor I really were analyzing it as a defensive type of revolver at the time. For me, it was just shooting a friend's revolver. We both remember being surprised with that very first trigger pull and what recoil came afterward.

It has been a while since I've been back here on THR. You guys came through and have been really helpful just like I had remembered it. Thank you!


The Buffalo Bore 357 actually hits almost 1500fps in my 6 inch gp100, I'd feel perfectly safe with it against black bear.

The 10mm is a great round but it's biggest advantage is holding a lot more in a magazine than a revolver and while there are definitely advantages to that, in almost any situation that would involve being charged by an aggressive bear you are getting 1, maybe 2 shots so you gotta make them count. Shooting a 357, which I'm assuming you already own, and have practice on is a good choice really.
 
Well, both my SIL and I bought the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 and expect to pick them up next week. In the meantime, I quickly learned there is practically zero training type ammo (.44 special) available. Whereas, I can easily buy the Buffalo Bore defensive ammo...

So, does anyone have any ideas where one can buy .44 special ammo today?
So help us out here. What exactly is your intention? You are buying a .44 Magnum revolver. You metion .44 Special ammo for training, and you also mention Bufflao Bore defensive ammo. You don't state if you are looking at BB .44 Mag or .44 Spl. ammo, or which ammo you are considering for your carry load.

So you state you are planning to practice with .44 Spl. ammo. What are you going to load the revolver with for carry/defensive purpose? BB .44 Spl? BB .44 Mag? And if so, which offering from BB. They have "outdoorsman" loads, as well as "anti-personnel" loads.

Also be aware, .44 Spl. shoots and feels very different than full power .44 Mag. Point of impact can vary widely as well, due to the different velocities. I have found 800 fps. .44 Spl. ammo can hit as much as a foot higher than 1600 fps. .44 Mag at 25 yards. Shooting the lighter loads for familiarization has some benefit, but I would recommend practicing with whatever you intend to carry as well.

So again, what exactly do you intend to use for both practice and carry?
 
So help us out here. What exactly is your intention? You are buying a .44 Magnum revolver. You metion .44 Special ammo for training, and you also mention Bufflao Bore defensive ammo. You don't state if you are looking at BB .44 Mag or .44 Spl. ammo, or which ammo you are considering for your carry load.

So you state you are planning to practice with .44 Spl. ammo. What are you going to load the revolver with for carry/defensive purpose? BB .44 Spl? BB .44 Mag? And if so, which offering from BB. They have "outdoorsman" loads, as well as "anti-personnel" loads.

Also be aware, .44 Spl. shoots and feels very different than full power .44 Mag. Point of impact can vary widely as well, due to the different velocities. I have found 800 fps. .44 Spl. ammo can hit as much as a foot higher than 1600 fps. .44 Mag at 25 yards. Shooting the lighter loads for familiarization has some benefit, but I would recommend practicing with whatever you intend to carry as well.

So again, what exactly do you intend to use for both practice and carry?

It has been probably nearly 20 years or so since I shot my friend's .44. After that time, I had always wanted one, but frankly, I could not justify it. I enjoy shooting, but I view all my guns as tools with a purpose.

The purpose for the .44 for my SIL and myself is really only for bear protection. I guess one could use it against mountain lions, but I believe a .357 is sufficient for that type of predator. While we would train with .44 lighter loads, we would also train with full BB .44mag Outdoorsman sprinkled in. While I own a 686 4", I thought the .44 mag would be better suited for bear ballistically. While I'm older than when I first shot the .44, I believe I can handle the recoil. The question is will I be able to place a second or third follow-up shot on target when rapid firing.

Whether I end up using a .44 or my .357, I plan on only wearing it in a chest holster which I would put on when taking the dogs out at night. I carry my .40 in IWB, extra mag and a bug at work and at home....basically all the time. So, even with the defensive bear load in one of the revolvers mentioned above, I still will have those two other pistols. Though they have a different purpose with the .40 using 180gr HST rounds and the bug using an alternating 70gr and 90gr Corbon rounds. As for the current bug, I plan on replacing it with a new one once I train with it making sure it functions flawlessly with 147gr HST....

As for my SIL, he would be wearing his .44 in a chest holster when he hikes and fishes. He wears a .40 on his side as well.
 
Due to black bears coming to my yard weekly as I live in a mountainous area in CO, I wanted a .44 for a defensive solution. My SIL fishes and hikes in the CO mountains and is in need of something as well.

Well, both my SIL and I bought the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 and expect to pick them up next week. In the meantime, I quickly learned there is practically zero training type ammo (.44 special) available. Whereas, I can easily buy the Buffalo Bore defensive ammo.

Since I have a Dillon Precision 550B, I called DP to inquire about .44 dies and was told they were back-ordered and I should expect 48 weeks. Yes, forty-eight weeks before they come in. While .44 cases are available on some sites, the bullets are not. You can imagine how disappointed we are. The good thing is that we can cancel the purchases right up to the very moment we arrive at the sales counter. Thus, unless we find .44 training ammo from a respectable vendor, plan B (10 mm) will be our next choice. It appears there are many vendors that have 10 mm FMJ, etc. in stock.

So, does anyone have any ideas where one can buy .44 special ammo today?

https://www.underwoodammo.com/44-special-220-grain-xtreme-penetrator.html

Not cheap but it will work great as a woods load
 
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