445 Super Magnum

Historical Notes:

The challenge of knocking down metallic silhouettes at ranges of 200 meters with a handgun requires considerable momentum and energy. Elgin Gates designed the 445 Super Magnum with this task in mind. The cartridge is essentially a 44 Magnum case with approximately 3/8 inch added to the overall length. As is the case with the 44 Magnum, the name is somewhat misleading as it uses bullets of .429 inch diameter. The 445 Super Magnum however, can drive the same bullets nearly 300 fps faster than the 44 Magnum. Dan Wesson Arms Co. is the only company manufacturing a production gun for this cartridge. And Starline Brass Co. is the only company producing brass. Custom loaded ammunition is available from various custom loading companies.

General Comments:

Due to the pressures involved and the overall length of the cartridge, guns chambered for this cartridge tend to be somewhat large and heavy. This has proved to be a very accurate cartridge and a fine performer with bullets weighing up to 300 grains. There is a price to pay for such performance and it comes in the form of considerable muzzle blast and recoil. The barrel compensator on some Wesson firearms has tamed this cartridge considerably, reducing its recoil to that of a 44 Magnum. For those willing to put up with the muzzle blast and recoil, this caliber could prove to be an excellent choice for competition silhouette shooting or handgun hunting of large game. With more and more bullet manufacturers producing heavy jacketed bullets in this caliber of 300 grains and up, this cartridge can really come into its own.

A note of caution may be advised here. Different guns reach maximum loads at different rates. While some work comfortably at the maximum loads listed in loading manuals, others peak out well before this.
As with any load, work up to maximum loads with care. The case is a shortened 444 Marlin and is not safe to shoot 44 Magnums in guns so chambered.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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