Compare / .44 Russian vs .44 Special

Cartridge comparison

.44 Russian vs .44 Special

.44 Special is faster (900 vs 820 fps); .44 Special carries more energy (400 vs 367 ft·lb); .44 Russian recoils less.

.44 Russian →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−90″90″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.44 Special →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−75″75″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.44 Russian.44 Special
TypeRevolverRevolver
Introduced18701907
Bullet ⌀0.429″0.429″
Case length0.97″1.16″
Velocity770–820 fps700–900 fps
Energy323–367 ft·lb220–400 ft·lb
Max pressure14,500 psi15,500 psi
Recoil2.5–4 ft·lb5–8 ft·lb
Eff. range40 yd75 yd

FAQs

Is .44 Russian faster than .44 Special?
.44 Special is faster — up to 900 fps versus 820 fps.
Does .44 Russian hit harder than .44 Special?
.44 Special carries more muzzle energy (400 vs 367 ft·lb).