{"id":1141,"date":"2024-06-20T22:02:34","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T22:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1141"},"modified":"2024-06-20T22:02:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T22:02:35","slug":"understanding-handgun-power-gun-digest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1141","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Handgun Power &#8211; Gun Digest"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-feature-44-russian-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Understanding Handgun Power\" title=\"Understanding Handgun Power\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The .44 Russian is really the \u201cone that started it all\u201d and is something of a predecessor of most modern cartridges. Instead of outside lubed bullets (think .22 LR), the .44 Russian was the first to use inside-lubricated bullets, thus setting the stage for a vast swath of the rounds we know and love.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-while-the-ammo-used-by-pistols-and-revolvers-can-certainly-pack-a-punch-it-s-important-to-understand-the-realities-of-handgun-power-and-its-limitations-compared-to-rifles\"><strong>While the ammo used by pistols and revolvers can certainly pack a punch, it\u2019s important to understand the realities of handgun power and its limitations compared to rifles.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As a lifelong student of Elmer Keith, the father of what we could consider the modern hunting handgun and its theory of use, I have come to appreciate the old man and his teachings far more now than I have in the past. And, wouldn\u2019t you know it: Most of what was known 100 years ago is still just as relevant today\u2014and perhaps we need a gut-check on what \u201chandgun power\u201d really means.<\/p>\n<p>Studying and participating in all facets of hunting\/field revolver cartridge reloading, as well as their history and associated stories and legends, I\u2019ve come to the understanding that many shooters today don\u2019t understand what these rounds are actually capable of\u2014ignoring data and instead taking information from anecdotal evidence, often from tall tales and word-of-mouth. In my experience with these cartridges and their associated firearms, I\u2019ve arrived at the conclusion that the revolver cartridge \u201cquestion\u201d was solved a century ago.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt.jpg\" alt=\"handgun-power-45-colt\" class=\"wp-image-294364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The .45 Colt is a storied cartridge and offers deep, straight penetration in hardcast form either with Keith-style bullets or traditional flat-points.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a manner of speaking, Keith\u2019s word has stood the test of time. The understanding of what he accomplished, however, has largely been lost, as we\u2019ve moved on in technology and abilities.<\/p>\n<p>Let me explain.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-author-s-conundrum\"><strong>The Author\u2019s Conundrum<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3>\n<p>For me, a .45 Colt or .44 Magnum with a 260- to 300-grain hardcast Keith bullet, exiting the muzzle at around 1,000 to 1,200 fps from a 5-inch gun, will kill virtually anything inside 100 yards with a center-mass hit.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg\" alt=\"45 colt 44 special 44 magnum\" class=\"wp-image-294363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg\" alt=\"45 colt 44 special 44 magnum\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-colt-44-special-44-magnum-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The .44 Special (center) is a direct copy of Keith\u2019s own \u201cperfect\u201d load, and it\u2019s still a thumper that can take game. However, Keith did later move to .44 Magnum (right), a longer .44 Special. The .45 Colt (left) was largely dismissed for the better part of a half-century until heavy-frame revolvers began to take over and people began to see that it could, in fact, roll with the big boys. The .45 Colt amped up is no joke, and it exceeds .44 Magnum in many cases. It since spawned the .454 Casull and .460 S&amp;W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Simple enough, right? What in the world are we doing with everything else then?<\/p>\n<p>Well, the gunwriter in me knows that this is how I get work: talking about the next thing that you need. The honest man in me\u2014who has messed up more times than I have succeeded\u2014will tell you that most of the rest is simply marketing, and the guns and cartridges above a certain power level rapidly lose their benefits. There are recoil junkies of course, and I respect those guys, though I need my delicate wrists for typing.<\/p>\n<p>From a technical standpoint, the energy and penetration delivered with the above-mentioned loads is perfect considering that the associated recoil and training curve are respectively mild and short. You might think that 1,000 fps is slow, but it isn\u2019t. And in my time with hardcast .45 Colt in the Colt SAA and Ruger revolvers, I\u2019ve shot clean through full-grown whitetail inside 75 yards using 0.452-inch Rim Rock bullets in Keith style.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA.jpg\" alt=\"handgun-power-45-colt-SAA\" class=\"wp-image-294365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA.jpg\" alt=\"handgun-power-45-colt-SAA\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-45-colt-SAA-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Many companies make Keith-style bullets, and loading them can be easily learned. A .45 Colt Single Action Army revolver with 260- to 270-grain bullets at 1,000 fps is a healthy, powerful load that can easily take game and serve for field and recreational use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Going up in power to 300-grain bullets moving at the same speed produces serious recoil, especially with jacketed bullets like the Hornady XTP. Increasing to 1,200 fps in heavy-frame revolvers gets a bit stout, and I find myself anticipating the shot, even with plenty of practice. It\u2019s easy to be a pro at the range, but I\u2019ve missed game due to flinching. For a long time, I worried about not having enough power, where in reality, I had plenty to begin with and simply thought I should have more because I believed it would kill better.<\/p>\n<p>I won\u2019t say that you need more than what was discovered by Keith. It took me the better part of a decade to understand what was already written, and now I tend to go a bit less instead of more. You\u2019ll be remiss if you think that you need more power when you may not even understand how good your loads actually are. There is a big difference between felt recoil, which in large part has to do with the shape of the grip, and the killing ability of the bullet. To my own experience, there\u2019s little difference between hardcast loads in .44 and .45 bores, in that sweet-spot of 240 to 300 grains, being pushed at 1,000 to 1,200 fps.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44.jpg\" alt=\"modern-alloy-bullets-45-44\" class=\"wp-image-294371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44.jpg\" alt=\"modern-alloy-bullets-45-44\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-alloy-bullets-45-44-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Modern alloy bullets in .45 and .44 calibers are bone-crushing machines that offer deep penetration without all the cleanup of lead bullets of similar shape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Unfortunately, shooters often feel like they need more recoil to believe they have more power.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve let plenty of people shoot my amped-up handloads in real-world game-killing power levels, and they, more often than I want to believe, state that they thought it would be worse \u2026 or more \u201csnappy.\u201d A handful have even stated that they thought it didn\u2019t hit the plates hard enough to make them think it was enough to kill a deer. The ideal field revolver is hardly a mule; instead, it should be packable and not obnoxious. What bullets do when they hit steel, especially lead bullets, is no indicator of what they do on game.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1.jpg\" alt=\"lead-bullets-1\" class=\"wp-image-294368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1.jpg\" alt=\"lead-bullets-1\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lead-bullets-1-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lead bullets don\u2019t deform much in gel, making them give less than interesting visual results. However, penetration is deep, with .45 Colt loads able to pass through several blocks of ballistic gel depending on bullet type.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-too-powerful\"><strong>What Is Too Powerful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The big thing to consider when looking at the various levels of power inherent to revolvers is that they are, as a group, widely inferior to rifles. You enter what I like to refer to as the \u201cdeath spiral\u201d when you try to make it do something it\u2019s not intended to do, in this case making a revolver into something of a rifle by means of increasing its power level to a point of non-function. Some manufacturers try to make a revolver somehow more powerful to negate the handicaps of a handgun \u2026 but end up making them worse. \u201cHandheld, heavy, less powerful, stockless rifle with high recoil and limited range that is hard to carry\u201d isn\u2019t much of a selling point, but some revolvers have arrived at this place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson.jpg\" alt=\"500-Smith-Wesson\" class=\"wp-image-294369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson.jpg\" alt=\"500-Smith-Wesson\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-Smith-Wesson-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The upper end of revolver power is occupied by the colossal .500 S&amp;W, a round that\u2019s so large that it\u2019s really in a class of its own, not dissimilar in size to the old .50-70 Government. There\u2019s so much recoil energy, and the guns designed for it are so heavy that it\u2019s made impractical by its size alone. Considering that .500 Linebaugh is made for standard, packable Blackhawk frames, the .500 S&amp;W is just too much.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There\u2019s a massive difference in power in all but the most powerful revolvers\u2014and the most handicapped rifles. Yes, it is, in theory, true that .460 S&amp;W out of a big X-Frame with a 10-inch barrel is nearly equivalent in total power to a .450 Bushmaster of the same 250-grain weight, both firing 0.451 or 0.452 diameter bullets. But projectile energy alone isn\u2019t the only factor to consider: The revolver is substantially harder to become proficient with and limits effective range due to physical restrictions on optics and the lack of a stock.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster.jpg\" alt=\"45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster\" class=\"wp-image-294366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster.jpg\" alt=\"45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/45-70-560-SW-450-Bushmaster-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Examples of rifle cartridges, .45-70 and .450 Bushmaster, flanking the revolver cartridge .460 S&amp;W. Few rifles have been made in .460, while there are almost countless versions in .45-70 and .450 BM. Despite impressive ballistics from a revolver, the learning curve is far steeper with the .460, and the author gave up on it after one season. It was a revolver trying to play in rifle territory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, the thought process that landed us at these massive handgun cartridges began with enough good intention to forgive it. And, more power shouldn\u2019t be the main consideration when looking at revolver rounds.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the .45 ACP is a fine field pistol cartridge and is in no way a magnum class revolver load. I\u2019ve killed plenty of large-bodied whitetails with 230-grain Black Hills JHP and Hornady 220-grain +P Critical Duty in a 1911. Both of these loads are absolutely suitable for realistic field use, and I\u2019ve had pass-through shots broadside with the Hornady load. I do not expect the .45 ACP cartridge to exit; in fact, I don\u2019t need it to because I\u2019m hunting under with a bullet traveling less than 1,000 fps suppressed inside 40 yards. I feel that it is superior in noise control and shot placement over 10mm Auto, an opinion that many would disagree with, but I\u2019m not seeing any evidence in practice from active pistol hunters to prove me wrong.<\/p>\n<p>That said, I\u2019d not shoot at game with this setup nearly as far as I would a revolver; in fact, the 1911 has half (or less) of the range of a .45 Colt 300-grain Keith bullet moving at 1,100 fps. These small incremental differences matter: While both are .45 caliber and traveling nearly the same speed, the difference in bullet construction and penetration ability is paramount. This is a nuanced game when it comes to pistol and revolver hunting, and going hog wild in power is never the answer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat.jpg\" alt=\"handgun-power-meplat\" class=\"wp-image-294367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat.jpg\" alt=\"handgun-power-meplat\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/handgun-power-meplat-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meplat differences have a great deal to do with a bullet\u2019s on-game performance. The .45 ACP 230-grain FMJ is a known fighting bullet that has given great results\u2014however, most shooters consider it less than ideal for large game. Simply switching to a heavier bullet with a flat point at the same speed will not tremendously increase recoil, but it will dramatically change how the bullet interacts with flesh and bone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Bullets truly designed for killing in the field are made to penetrate, and the introduction of mechanical action (expansion) introduces variables to that equation \u2026 which can be easily controlled in gel\/advertising. The explosive effects of some of these bullet designs is enough to lure consumers into thinking that they need this for success, but this is just not true. Again, simple reliability in revolver loads is what you truly need.<\/p>\n<p>The most effective wound channels are not so dramatic. Instead, they\u2019re deep-penetrating and as blind to bone as possible. Shooting through something at any angle is what we\u2019re asking of a field gun, a notable difference as compared to defense ammunition where immediate expansion is desired.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reinventing-the-wheel\"><strong>Reinventing the Wheel<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Continuing improvement in design is what we strive for, but that continuing improvement in revolver cartridge design is a bit of a misnomer, as it is more of a continued branching off of a proven, rooted trunk than anything else. The main design elements are already decided in most cases: Most designs out there are just longer versions of existing cases. Simply lengthening cases is a sure way to increase bullet weight and powder capacity, though the purpose here lies largely in tinkering than true utility.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s known to work hasn\u2019t changed. Notice that, aside from reduced-power specialty competition cases (think .45 Cowboy Special), nobody is making any \u201cless\u201d powerful revolver cartridges. Instead, they keep getting bigger. I wonder who is truly asking for these.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag.jpg\" alt=\"500-SW-45-colt-44-mag\" class=\"wp-image-294370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag.jpg\" alt=\"500-SW-45-colt-44-mag\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/500-SW-45-colt-44-mag-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The .500 S&amp;W next to .45 Colt and .44 Magnum. The comically large size of this cartridge is immediately apparent: The loads shown here in .44 and .45 are both hardcast Keith style and fly at around 1,200 fps, enough to take most game animals in the country at 75 yards or so with manageable recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So, is it true that we\u2019ve hit peak revolver performance more than a century ago? Well, it could be argued that we arrived with Keith and his .44 Special testing in the \u201920s and \u201930s, but it wasn\u2019t until he\u00a0 had the commercial support to deliver the .44 Magnum later that I feel we truly hit the pinnacle. The .44 Magnum is, in many ways, the perfect revolver cartridge, and when loaded with Keith\u2019s own bullet designs, it\u2019s arguably the most balanced performer from a 4- to 6-inch barrel under field conditions in terms of ballistic abilities, effect on game and ability to be carried.<\/p>\n<p>It seems that we keep coming back to this every decade or so, and then promptly forget it when it\u2019s not used in the field but instead as a range toy that needs more \u201cboom.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>Raise Your Ammo IQ:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-21\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The .44 Russian is really the \u201cone that started it all\u201d and is something of a predecessor of most modern cartridges. Instead of outside lubed bullets (think .22 LR), the .44 Russian was the first to use inside-lubricated bullets, thus setting the stage for a vast swath of the rounds we know and love. While [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1141"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1143,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141\/revisions\/1143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}