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Welcome back to another edition of the TFB Round Table sponsored by Ammunition To Go! For those who are first joining us, this is a multi-part series where TFB will discuss the characteristics of great ammunition for specific applications. This could vary from big game hunting, plinking, precision rifle matches, small game hunting, or even pistol competitions. Chances are there is someone here at TFB who can offer you advice on buying the right round for your task at hand. This week I’m at the helm on TFB Round Table to discuss and recommend a cartridge that has been long phased out of the firearms industry. The cartridge in question is that of the .44 S&W Russian. Do you have an old revolver chambered in this comfortable target round? Are you finding yourself pondering the reason behind Russia being involved? Stay tuned! Let’s dive right into the .44 Russian caliber and some ammunition options to bring your old gat back to the range!
TFB ROUND TABLE: THE .44 S&W Russian ORIGIN STORY
It’s the late 1860s, the wild west is still wild, and Smith & Wesson have upped their revolver game with the revolutionary design of their new No.3 top-break revolver. This revolver was robust, simple to use, and faster to reload than traditional gate loaders. At first, it was chambered in the .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. That was all well and good until a certain Major George Schofield got his hands on a rimfire model and recommended the option of a centerfire caliber. Enter .44 S&W American! Bet you thought I’d say, Russian. Ammunition to Go gives a lovely segue and summary to the birth and transition from an American caliber to a Russian one:
Back in 1870, a Russian General named Alexander Gorloff was the military attaché at the Russian Embassy. While Alexander Gorloff was in America on duty, Russia itself was going through a restructuring of their military which including updating their arsenal. General Gorloff approached the famed revolver makers Smith and Wesson regarding the possibility of purchasing a number of their Smith and Wesson No 3 Top break revolvers.
While the Russian military was impressed by the break open nature, and ease of reloading the No 3 presented they did not want the 44 S&W American cartridge, fearing it’s externally lubricated bullet would reliability issues requested a new internally lubricated 44 round. And with that, 44 Russian ammo was born.
Other than Russia, various countries around the world, quickly adopted the S&W No.3. Russia had its first trial by literal fire during the Russo-Turkish War. The .44 Russian cartridge with its 246 grain lead bullet and a black powder charge of a hefty 23 grains proved itself to be a fantastic choice by the Russian government. It was not only extremely effective in its purpose but it was also light recoiling, heavy-hitting, and quite accurate. As a result, Russia would go onto double down on its orders with Smith & Wesson. Soon the world was tossed into a war that involved its entirety and although the 1895 Nagant revolver was adopted just before the start of the 20th century, the beloved top-breaking .44 Russian revolver was probably the most commonly found Russian sidearm on the battlefields in the early part of World War One. This is most notably tied to the slow production of the 1895 and increased need of all the retired military arms the Russian military could get. Check out what the Russian S&W looked like in the photo below:
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Long after its use as a military caliber, the .44 Russian was a commercial success for much of the 20th century. It was loved by cowboy action shooting enthusiasts, target shooters, and inheriters of an old hand-me-down Smith or Colt revolver. The ultimate downfall of this potent caliber was the much more powerful, new and improved, smokeless charged .44 S&W Special. Almost the exact same cartridge case, albeit a tiny bit longer.
TFB ROUND TABLE: WHAT’RE WE LOOKING FOR HERE?
If you find yourself in possession of a firearm chambered in such a caliber, there are a few things to consider. You could have a very early example of an S&W in shootable condition, a cowboy action shooting replica or later production gun of some sort, or even a gun that you use to target shoot with this wacky caliber. Regardless, it is important to know your intent and even better yet know what you are looking for in terms of .44 Russian which is in the shadow of obscurity.
- Powder Type/Charge
- Bullet Grain Weight
- Velocity
Now obviously these could all apply to your specific situation, but it is important to understand and appreciate the time you may take to research what you need for your particular firearm. If it is an early example S&W in shootable condition like I mentioned earlier, it’s almost certainly intended for a black powder cartridge. If it’s a later production or reproduction firearm for cowboy action shooting, the box of ammo you may want to buy off the shelf should be that of the less potent and low recoiling variety. Target shooting with this comfortable and combustible caliber? Try some higher velocity rounds to ensure that bullseye at incremental ranges.
TFB ROUND TABLE: Is .44 Russian doomed to Obscurity?
In terms of future production .44 Russian cartridge chambering, it is almost certainly dead. As a beloved and comfortable caliber chambered in some of history’s finest guns? It will absolutely live on in infamy! The .44 S&W American had its chance with the involvement of Schofield getting it adopted into the US military and even having a starring role in the death of the famous American outlaw Jesse James. However such things as those couldn’t seem to measure up to the man-stopping legend of 19th and 20th century battlefields, the .44 Russian.
As always, thank you for reading TFB! Be safe out there, have fun while shooting, and we will see you next time for the TFB Round Table brought to you by Ammunition to Go! Also, let us know what you think in the comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
TFB’S ROUND TABLE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY AMMOTOGO.COM
Black Hills 44 S&W Russian 210 Grain FPL Cowboy Load
This is 44 S&W Russian Black Hills Cowboy Action Load 210gr. Flat Point Lead load. Black Hills is well known as one of the premier manufacturers of ammunition, supplying all five branches of the military with ammo as well as the civilian shooter. They are also known for producing loads for the highly popular Cowboy Action Shooting competitions, one of which you see here. This .44 Russian round is loaded to a lower velocity of 650fps to allow for its safe use in older revolvers while utilizing a Western style 210gr. flat point lead bullet to emulate the 44 Russian loads available during its heyday in the late 1800s. This ammo is brass cased, boxer primed, and non-corrosive. The rounds come packed in 50rd. boxes.
Ultramax .44 Russian 200 Grain Round Nose Flat Point
This is .44 Russian Ultramax 200gr. Round Nose Flat Point Ammo. Ultramax ammunition represents serious quality for serious shooters. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases. This ammo comes packed in 50rds. per box.
