Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized
.44 AMP
The flagship cartridge of the Auto Mag pistol — .44-caliber semi-auto magnum performance from a pistol weighing nearly 4 lbs loaded.
- Caliber
- 0.429″ · 10.897 mm
- Introduced
- 1971
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- .308 Winchester
- Primary use
- Hunting, Target
- Status
- Discontinued
- Introduced
- 1971
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Harry Sanford / Auto Mag Corp
- Manufacturer
- Auto Mag Corporation
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 43.2 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:20
- Primer
- Large Pistol Magnum
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 100 yd
- Max range
- 300 yd
- Recoil
- 20–30 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .44 AMP — an obsolete/collector cartridge. Parent case: .308 Winchester (cut down).
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 10.90 | 0.429 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 11.61 | 0.457 | ~ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 11.94 | 0.470 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.94 | 0.470 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | — | — | |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 32.97 | 1.298 | · |
| Overall length | 40.64 | 1.600 | ~ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .44 AMP is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .44 AMP
1 model in the database chamber .44 AMP. Browse all →
Lineage
Connected reference
History
The primary cartridge for the Auto Mag, introduced in 1971. Harry Callahan's weapon of choice in 'Sudden Impact' (though used earlier in 'The Enforcer'), the .44 AMP and Auto Mag pistol became one of the most recognized film firearms of the 1980s. The Auto Mag Corporation's manufacturing problems meant the pistols were as famous for jamming as for power. Original factory ammunition is now collector-grade; handloaders form brass from cut-down .308 Winchester cases.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .44 AMP use?
- .44 AMP typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .44 AMP?
- .44 AMP uses a 0.429″ (10.897 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .44 AMP still in production?
- .44 AMP is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is .44 AMP used for?
- .44 AMP is primarily used for hunting, target.
- What is .44 AMP based on?
- .44 AMP is derived from the .308 Winchester (cut down) case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →