LEVER GUN Shootout!....357 Magnum vs .44 Magnum!

Published on April 23, 2023
Duration: 15:49

This video provides an expert-level comparison of .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum lever-action rifles, specifically the Henry Big Boy models, using Hornady LeverEvolution FTX ammunition. The host, demonstrating high authority through chronograph verification and standardized testing, analyzes terminal ballistics, including penetration and expansion in ballistic gel, and compares muzzle energy and velocity against advertised specifications. The analysis highlights significant velocity increases over box ratings for both calibers, leading to substantial energy transfer in terminal tests.

Quick Summary

In a lever-action shootout, .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum rounds fired from Henry Big Boy rifles were tested for performance. Both calibers, using Hornady LeverEvolution FTX ammunition, significantly exceeded advertised velocities. The .44 Magnum delivered 1640 ft-lb of energy and 25 inches of penetration in ballistic gel, while the .357 Magnum achieved 21.5 inches of penetration, showcasing impressive terminal ballistics from rifle-length barrels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 01:07Ammunition Overview
  3. 02:01Firearms Specifications
  4. 03:04.357 Magnum Chronograph Testing
  5. 05:51.44 Magnum Chronograph Testing
  6. 08:34Ballistic Gel Impact
  7. 11:11Terminal Performance Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in performance between .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum lever-action rifle rounds tested?

The .44 Magnum round demonstrated significantly higher muzzle energy (1640 ft-lb) and deeper penetration (25 inches) in ballistic gel compared to the .357 Magnum (21.5 inches). Both calibers exceeded their advertised velocities when fired from 20-inch barrels.

How did the tested ammunition perform compared to its advertised specifications?

Both Hornady LeverEvolution .357 Magnum (140 gr FTX) and .44 Magnum (225 gr FTX) significantly exceeded their box-rated velocities. The .357 Mag reached 1773 fps (vs. 1440 fps) and the .44 Mag reached 1812 fps (vs. 1410 fps).

What are the advantages of Hornady's FTX ammunition for lever-action rifles?

The FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) projectile features a polymer tip that ensures safe feeding in tubular magazines common to lever-action rifles by preventing accidental primer ignition. It also aids in controlled expansion upon impact.

What firearms were used in the .357 Magnum vs .44 Magnum lever-action shootout?

The shootout utilized Henry Big Boy rifles, both with 20-inch barrels. The .44 Magnum model featured a round barrel, while the .357 Magnum model had an octagon barrel and a color case hardened finish.

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