MyLoads Open the calculator →

44 S&W Special Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 44 S&W Special with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

44 S&W Special reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)15,500 psi
Nominal case capacity35.0 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.430 in (10.92 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Sierra 44 Caliber (.4295) 240 gr JHC Sports Master
Powder
Hodgdon Trail Boss
Charge
5.1 gr
Barrel
4 in

Muzzle velocity

592 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)

10,270 – 11,071 – 11,787 psi

nominal is 71% MAP (15,500 psi)

Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.

The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet and may read pressure high or low.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Popular 44 S&W Special powders

Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 44 S&W Special, drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.

Popular 44 S&W Special bullets

Use MyLoads as a 44 S&W Special velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 44 S&W Special in the MyLoads calculator →

More cartridges