Compare / .44 Magnum vs .45 Winchester Magnum

Cartridge comparison

.44 Magnum vs .45 Winchester Magnum

.44 Magnum is faster (1,650 vs 1,400 fps); .44 Magnum carries more energy (1,200 vs 1,131 ft·lb); .45 Winchester Magnum recoils less.

.44 Magnum →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−128″128″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.45 Winchester Magnum →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−31″31″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.44 Magnum.45 Winchester Magnum
TypeRevolverPistol
Introduced19551979
Bullet ⌀0.429″0.451″
Case length1.285″1.198″
Velocity1,200–1,650 fps1,200–1,400 fps
Energy750–1,200 ft·lb736–1,131 ft·lb
Max pressure36,000 psi40,000 psi
Recoil22–35 ft·lb5–8 ft·lb
Eff. range150 yd75 yd

FAQs

Is .44 Magnum faster than .45 Winchester Magnum?
.44 Magnum is faster — up to 1,650 fps versus 1,400 fps.
Does .44 Magnum hit harder than .45 Winchester Magnum?
.44 Magnum carries more muzzle energy (1,200 vs 1,131 ft·lb).