Why Did Dirty Harry Carry a 43 Magnum?

Published on June 13, 2025
Duration: 13:19

This video clarifies the common misconception around the '.43 Magnum' carried by Dirty Harry, explaining that the Smith & Wesson Model 29 fires a .44 Magnum cartridge. The actual bullet diameter is closer to .429-.430 inches, leading to the confusion. The discussion delves into the historical evolution of .44 caliber naming, including 'heeled' bullets and the influence of cartridges like the .44 Russian, highlighting how naming conventions don't always perfectly match precise measurements.

Quick Summary

The .44 Magnum cartridge, famously carried by Dirty Harry in his Smith & Wesson Model 29, has a bullet diameter closer to .429-.430 inches, not a distinct '.43 Magnum'. This historical naming convention, influenced by cartridges like the .44 Russian, persists despite modern measurements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: The '.43 Magnum' Myth
  2. 00:55The .44 Magnum vs. .43 Caliber Technicality
  3. 03:10Comparing .44 Magnum, .44 Special, and .45 Colt
  4. 04:53History of .44 Caliber Naming: Heeled Bullets
  5. 07:02The .44 Russian Cartridge Influence
  6. 11:15Conclusion: It's Still .44 Magnum

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Dirty Harry carry a .43 Magnum?

No, Dirty Harry's iconic Smith & Wesson Model 29 carried the .44 Magnum cartridge. The confusion arises because the actual bullet diameter is closer to .429-.430 inches, leading some to colloquially refer to it as '.43 Magnum'.

What is the actual bullet diameter of a .44 Magnum?

The actual bullet diameter for a .44 Magnum cartridge typically measures between .429 and .431 inches. This precise measurement is the source of the discussion around the '.43 Magnum' designation.

Why is the .44 Magnum called .44 if the bullet is .429 inches?

Historical naming conventions, like those for the .44 Russian and earlier cartridges, often used '.44' even when bullet diameters were closer to .429 inches due to factors like 'heeled' bullets or case design changes.

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 29?

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a powerful .44 Magnum caliber revolver, famously associated with the character Dirty Harry. It features a double-action/single-action mechanism and was often seen with a 6.5-inch barrel.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from hickok45

View all →