The 44 Remington Magnum (44 Magnum) was introduced by Remington and Smith & Wesson in 1955 in S&W's large-frame Model 29 revolver. Much credit much be given to gunwriter Elmer Keith, who wanted a more powerful revolver cartridge for handgun hunting. Keith had been experimenting with heavy 44 Special handloads, using that cartridge because its brass was heavier than older blackpowder revolver cartridges. The 44 Magnum is essentially a 44 Special case lengthened to 1.285 inches, using the same .429-inch bullet diameter. For many years the world's most powerful handgun cartridge, the 44 Magnum has been proven adequate for all North American big game. Although now surpassed by several big revolver cartridges the 44 Magnum remains a fine hunting cartridge with recoil levels at the limit that many handgunners can deal with. The most common bullet weight is 240 grains, but 44 Magnum loads are available up to 340 grains. The 44 Magnum is widely chambered to handguns and carbines.
