I would agree that for non HP the best would be a 240 gr semiwadcutter at 900-1000 fps. I use 249 LSWCHPs. 44 special loads are a good option for HPs like the Win Silvertips and soon the Corbon DPX. ......As far as Poland is concerned , you should all read how a few people armed only with pistols changed the entire German strategy in the Warsaw ghetto in WWII !!!!
Somebody uses .44 Magnum for defence?
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MMW
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Your posts are impressive 
As far as I understand, many of you prefer lighter Special loads or handloaded lightly Magnum loads. But I'm afraid, that Special loads may not mushroom from 4" tube. Most of factory velocities are from 6,50" tube. What are your experiences, e. g. with wet newspapers. Did you test your Special loads for mushrooming from 4" or 3" barrel?
I've found some Magnum loads which could be useful for selfdefence. Gold Dot Short Barrel [200 grans], Federal Hydra Shock, Cor-Bon [165 grans], Winchester Silvertips [210 grans]. But IMHO only Gold Dot is modern design and expands reliably in 4-layers denim test. Other are not so consistent. What do you think?
And last question: is there any commonly accepted number of ft-lbs recoil, which is a limit to quick followup shots? Which is to much for self-defence for you: 10 ft-lbs, 15, 20 ft-lbs of recoil?
As far as I understand, many of you prefer lighter Special loads or handloaded lightly Magnum loads. But I'm afraid, that Special loads may not mushroom from 4" tube. Most of factory velocities are from 6,50" tube. What are your experiences, e. g. with wet newspapers. Did you test your Special loads for mushrooming from 4" or 3" barrel?
I've found some Magnum loads which could be useful for selfdefence. Gold Dot Short Barrel [200 grans], Federal Hydra Shock, Cor-Bon [165 grans], Winchester Silvertips [210 grans]. But IMHO only Gold Dot is modern design and expands reliably in 4-layers denim test. Other are not so consistent. What do you think?
And last question: is there any commonly accepted number of ft-lbs recoil, which is a limit to quick followup shots? Which is to much for self-defence for you: 10 ft-lbs, 15, 20 ft-lbs of recoil?
Jet22
Member
It dosen't have to. Because it is a major diameter bullet, it will do lots of damage without mushrooming. Also, reread my comments on the effect of the semi-wadcutter bullet. That flat nose makes a hell of a shock wave.
I think the Silvertip would do quite well expanding. There starts to be a problem with unreliable penetration sooner or later with hollow points. This is where a semi-wadcutter may be more effective.
I believe a self defense gun has different requirements than a battle gun or a police gun. I am not looking to get in a firefight with a self defense carry gun...I am looking to get out of one. For home use I believe the only thing a defense pistol is good for is to get you to the shotgun. As for follow up shots, I am an old revolver shooter and like to make the first shot count. I even do most of my hunting with single shots (rifles and pistols). If I ever have to shoot in self defense it will be at close range and I will be using enough gun with the right bullets. If it happens to be a magnum round I doubt a second shot will be needed. If I do need to shoot again, I don't see it as a problem of speed. I think I read it in a post earlier...practice, practice, practice.
gunfan
Member
The Semi Wadcutter was used in both the W-W and the Remington "police" loadings for the .41 Remington Magnum. These fared quite well in actual shootings. A load of this nature, (240-grain Semi Wadcutter @ 1000 fps) would serve you VERY well. It features,
a) Low recoil.
b) Excellent penetration.
c) A good "smack" from a realtively big meplat.
d) Quick follow-up shots. (Due to the low recoil.)
e) No lawyer in his right mind would challenge a load of this nature. "Your Honor, this cartridge was 'loaded down' to cause greater damage!" What average jury would believe that? LOL! 
Scott
a) Low recoil.
b) Excellent penetration.
c) A good "smack" from a realtively big meplat.
d) Quick follow-up shots. (Due to the low recoil.)
e) No lawyer in his right mind would challenge a load of this nature. "Your Honor, this cartridge was 'loaded down' to cause greater damage!" What average jury would believe that?
LOL! Scott
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Sam
Member
Not being able to find the M24 S&W that Ii wanted I used to carry a M29 when I lived up north. Always wore a coat and concealment wasn't really a problem. I generally downloaded to 1000 with the Lyman 419421.
I also used that gun to shoot pins, and usually used a heavier load (429421 at 1200fps) Recoil recovery time was never my problem, always had the piece back down before I could get traversed to the next pin. Times were a bit better than for my M15 because I didn't have to be as precise to get them off the table.
I am certain that in a fight I would never notice the recoil.
I have the M24 now so the 29 went South a long while ago. My load is a 429421 right at 1000 fps and it is a bit harder to control in the 24 than the 29 but not enough to make me carry a weaker gun. Only CCW it in winter becase this place doesn't have much coat weather but I do have it and the mag on my permit.
Sam
I also used that gun to shoot pins, and usually used a heavier load (429421 at 1200fps) Recoil recovery time was never my problem, always had the piece back down before I could get traversed to the next pin. Times were a bit better than for my M15 because I didn't have to be as precise to get them off the table.
I am certain that in a fight I would never notice the recoil.
I have the M24 now so the 29 went South a long while ago. My load is a 429421 right at 1000 fps and it is a bit harder to control in the 24 than the 29 but not enough to make me carry a weaker gun. Only CCW it in winter becase this place doesn't have much coat weather but I do have it and the mag on my permit.
Sam
.44 mag in a Taurus Tracker just recently joined my family . It is a small frame ( about the size of a K - L frame Smith) 5 shot with a ported 4 inch barrel. (stainless steel version)
It's my home defense gun and may be carried under coat in the winter. Recovery time with 44 Spl's is not a problem, and muzzle jump comparable to the 3 inch 357 mag I traded in on it when using magnum loads. I would guess the porting helps on the Taurus.
I use 165 grn 44 Spl Corbons for SD , and for now have been shooting 180 grn Remington magnum loads. The recoil is rather harsh with magnum loads out of this lighter frame gun, but still managable .
I think I will stick with 44 Spl's for normal SD use , but will see what the Corbon 165 grn 44 mag loads feel like.
I have not measured recovery time - to be honest there are so many variables that measuring may still be subjective in the end.
It's my home defense gun and may be carried under coat in the winter. Recovery time with 44 Spl's is not a problem, and muzzle jump comparable to the 3 inch 357 mag I traded in on it when using magnum loads. I would guess the porting helps on the Taurus.
I use 165 grn 44 Spl Corbons for SD , and for now have been shooting 180 grn Remington magnum loads. The recoil is rather harsh with magnum loads out of this lighter frame gun, but still managable .
I think I will stick with 44 Spl's for normal SD use , but will see what the Corbon 165 grn 44 mag loads feel like.
I have not measured recovery time - to be honest there are so many variables that measuring may still be subjective in the end.
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