Best .44 Magnum Ammo [Hunting, Defense, & Lever Action]

Not long ago we covered the Best .44 Magnum Rifles and Revolvers...

But of course, even the (almost) most powerful handgun in the world is no good without something to make it go bang, and that’s why we’ve assembled a list of the finest .44 Magnum ammo to be found on store shelves.

We, and by that I mean I, have tested all of these rounds, and a few dozen more, and I can confidently say that I would trust these factory loads to serve their purpose.

Best .44 Magnum Ammo

1. Black Hills 240gr

I have hunted many a whitetail with the .44 Magnum and put down many a feral hog as well.  After long experience, I can comfortably say that Black Hills’ 240gr round is probably the premiere slayer of mid-sized game in this caliber.  

Black Hills 240gr .44 Magnum

$50

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$50 at Lucky Gunner

MIRA Safety (see price)

Ammunition Depot (see price)

Rainier Arms (see price)

Show all prices

If you're interested in taking BIG game with a handgun (eg Elk or Moose), I highly recommend you take a look at our review of the Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull! And yes, it does come in .44 Magnum also.

2. Hornady Leverevolution 225gr

If you plan on hunting with .44 mag in a lever-action rifle, this is the best of the best.

Hornady Leverevolution 225gr .44 Mag

$22

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$22 at Lucky Gunner

Brownells (see price)

While .44 Mag is normally a flat-nosed cartridge, Hornady Leverevolution is actually a spitzer style bullet using a polymer tip for the tip of the round making it safe to use in a lever-action tube magazine.

Marlin 1894

$669

at Cabelas

Prices accurate at time of writing

$669 at Cabelas

(see price)

The benefits of a spitzer bullet is better accuracy, higher velocity for the same amount of recoil, and a better cartridge in general.

3. Hornady Critical Defense 165gr

You knew what I was going to say, why did you ask? Okay, the truth is these are .44 Special - but in our opinion that is what you want for 2-legged threats. 

Hornady Critical Defense .44 Spl

$0

at MIRA Safety

Prices accurate at time of writing

$0 at MIRA Safety

Ammunition Depot (see price)

Rainier Arms (see price)

Aero Precision (see price)

Show all prices

Trust me, you don’t want a full-strength hunting cartridge for defending against a two-legged threat. Indeed, for a human solution, I suggest the lighter-recoiling, but still incredibly effective .44 Special, which you can shoot through your .44 Magnum without any problems whatsoever.  

The same brands that make good .44 Mag ammo make good .44 Special ammo and a nice 180gr bullet to top things off should serve you just fine.

Hornady Critical Defense is one of our top recommended defensive ammo types in nearly every caliber it comes in. The design is top of the line, the price is decently reasonable, and the quality is always reliable.

What's your take on Hornady's .44 Mag ammo?

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Now if you want to try something different...

4. Buffalo Bore Anti Personnel 180gr

While the name is a bit...cringy, the 180gr ammo makes a good option.  

Really anything with a JHP, particularly an XTP-flavored bullet such as the kind that Hornady offers, coupled with a less powerful powder charge will do it.

5. CCI Blazer 240gr

If I’m just casually punching paper or making steel ring loud at the range, I’m after cheap FMJs, and there’s almost no cheaper FMJ than Blazer Brass.  I like the 240gr options because the recoil is a bit more stout and .44 Magnum-y.

CCI Blazer .44 Magnum 240gr

$54

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$54 at Palmetto State Armory

AR15 Discounts (see price)

Optics Planet (see price)

Firearms Depot (see price)

Show all prices

I’m also used to old blackpowder pistols slinging heavy projectiles, and of course the .454 Casull, so you may want the 180gr version for its softer recoil.  There’s no shame in it, sore palms and wrists are no fun, and if you’re doing any kind of high-volume shooting, lighter is going to be better.

Parting Shots

.44 Magnum isn't for everyone - the recoil sensitive need not apply. But for those of us that can tame the beast, it can be a deeply enjoyable experience as well as being the ultimate companion for those long hunts far away from home.

Smith and Wesson Model 29

$1071

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1071 at Brownells

Don't forget to take a look at Editor's Picks for even more great options in ammo and guns! Or needing another .44?  Check out Best .44 Magnum Revolvers & Rifles.