Brian45

I picked up some .44 Mag Federal Hydra-Shok. I am thinking of using my S&W M29 Classic for my nightstand gun. Right now I keep my Python for that duty. I am worried about it being overkill, possibly passing through a BG and/or going through exterior walls. Should I expect it to penetrate that much more than the .357. Has anyone seen any testing on this subject. I know the Hydra-Shok is supposed to dump its energy pretty quick but this .44 Mag load is moving at 1180fps with 740ft-ibs of energy at the muzzle.

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the-fly

i'd be concerned about over penetration. While 44 mag will definitely put a nice hole in a scumbag, the flash, roar, recoil, and possible overpenetration would concern me.

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artz

you should be fine.....in a house using non-frangable ammo, almost anything else is overkill. The key is using a JHP or frangable LITE bullet. Look into .44 special .
oh...make sure you hit the BG, 'cause you'll be blind from the flash. But...most other calibers will do the same... my .02

acparmed

I would definetly NOT use 44 Mag loads for home defense. As stated in prior posts, the recoil, muzzle flash and over-penetration are very valid concerns.
If it's the gun you choose to use, I would load it with a good 44 Special load.
The magnum load will both temporarily blind you and the muzzle blast will stun your senses to the point of being unable to defend yourself against a second attacker or to fire a second shot at the original BG.
Just for the sake of arguement, the next time you are at an indoor range try to fire your HydraShok magnum load through your gun without hearing protection. I promise it will be the last time you ever try it.

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Bud White

No such thing as over kill Dead is dead...


But i would worry about the 44 passing though the bad guy and keep on going which im pretty sure it will

chiefs-special-guy

I agree. The noise alone defies belief, and will cause permanent hearing damage. In darkness, the flash is blinding. The 357 is also pretty bad, but not THAT bad. Use 44 special, a very fine round for defense.
rb

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Euclidean

200 Grain Gold Dots in .44 Special. Problem nicely solved.

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P95Carry

My thinking too Euc - nice round. Still plenty loud too!!

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Rob72

Having been in an adjacent room when a .44 mag was ND'd, yes, the sound wave is literally stunning- it is much like being tagged on the ear with a sap. I take that back: both ears. Simultaneously. If you aren't using something like Peltor's Tac 7 electronic muffs, as part of your immediate grab HD gear (right along with the pistol), I would use Specials. Or a 9mm......

Brian45

Thanks, I will try the .44 special. It should solve the problems. I like the M29 for the sights, orange front and white rear outline.

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