The .44 Russian (.44 S&W Russian) was The .44 Russian, also known as the .44 S&W Russian, is a black-powder center-fire metallic revolver cartridge developed by Smith & Wesson in 1870, another of the very earliest centerfire cartridges. Legend has it that the .44 Russian was developed by Smith & Wesson following Grand Duke Alexis' legendary hunt with William F. Cody, and his admiration for Cody's S&W revolver (in the less powerful .44 S&W). Fact is Smith & Wesson developed a more powerful .44-caliber cartridge, and the Russian government placed a large order. Although the .44 Russian has a fairly short .9701-inch case, the .44 Russian is a powerful cartridge, propelling a heavy 246-grain bullet at 770 fps. The bullet diameter is .4323-inch. The .44 Russian was a major success for Smith & Wesson, with production continuing until 1940.
