454 Casull vs 44 Magnum: Expert Comparison

It was the middle 1960s on a shooting range along the banks of Cummins Creek just north of Columbus, Texas. Hollis Sillivan, our local Texas Ranger, handed me a large framed single-action revolver and said with a smile, “Give this one a try! 

Bit more powerful than what you’re shooting.” I took the revolver, noticed the hole in the muzzle was bigger than my .357 Magnum, and glanced at the stamp on the barrel: .44 Remington Magnum.

I’d read about this round in the pages of “American Rifleman” and “Shooting Times” but never had the chance to shoot one.

“Two rounds left!” he said. I rested the large frame revolver on top of a post, cocked the hammer, took a “fine bead” centered on a six-inch rock twenty-five paces away, and pulled the trigger. 

I lost my sight-picture when I squeezed the trigger but saw the rock literally explode. “WOW!” I uttered in amazement, then lined up on a second rock just a bit farther away. It, too, exploded. I glanced back at the Ranger and smiled. “I gotta have one of these!”

That was my introduction to the .44 Remington Magnum, a cartridge that would become a lifelong companion in my hunting adventures. But there’s another powerful contender in the world of big-bore handguns that deserves equal attention – the .454 Casull. 

If you’re trying to decide between these two legendary calibers, you’ve come to the right place.

History of the .44 Magnum and .454 Casull

Before we compare these cartridges head-to-head, let’s explore their origins and how they became the legends they are today.

.44 Magnum

The .44 Magnum was developed in the early 1950s through a joint effort of legendary gun writer Elmer Keith, Smith & Wesson, and Remington. Keith had been experimenting for years with lengthening the .44 Special case to develop a more powerful round.

Smith & Wesson introduced the round in their Model 29 double action in 1955. That same year, Ruger released their Super Blackhawk single-action revolver chambered for the new cartridge. The writings of Elmer Keith and other legendary gun writers helped popularize the round, which was primarily designed for hunting.

While some law enforcement officers carried .44 Mag revolvers, they weren’t necessarily department-issued firearms. 

The cartridge reached unbelievable popularity starting in 1971 when Clint Eastwood appeared in the first “Dirty Harry” movie, where his character proclaimed the .44 Mag “the most powerful handgun in the world.” Powerful yes, most powerful, not quite – but at the time it was pretty close.

.454 Casull

After the introduction of the .44 Mag, Dick Casull, a young gunsmith with a passion for handguns, along with Jack Fulmer and Duane Smith, started developing an even more powerful revolver round. They took a .45 Colt (also known as a Long Colt), made the case 0.10 inch longer, and began developing what would eventually become the .454 Casull.

This development occurred in the early 1980s, with the round officially introduced in 1983. Due to the considerably higher pressure produced by the new round, they chambered the .454 Casull in a Freedom Arms Model 83. 

Ruger later followed suit by introducing the cartridge in their Super Redhawk, and Taurus did the same in their Raging Bull double-action in 1998.

The road to commercial adoption took longer for the .454 Casull than the .44 Magnum. Though developed as a wildcat cartridge in the late 1950s, it wasn’t until 1997 that the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) officially approved the cartridge.

Comparing the .44 Magnum vs .454 Casull

Now that we understand the history, let’s break down the key differences between these two powerful cartridges.

Cartridge Dimensions

When comparing the 454 Casull vs 44 Magnum, physical dimensions tell part of the story:

.44 Magnum:

• Bullet diameter: 0.429 inches
• Case length: 1.285 inches
• Overall length: 1.610 inches
• Neck diameter: 0.457 inches
• Base diameter: 0.457 inches
• Case capacity: 37.9 grains H₂O

.454 Casull:

• Bullet diameter: 0.452 inches (454 casull bullet diameter is slightly larger)
• Case length: 1.383 inches
• Overall length: 1.770 inches
• Neck diameter: 0.480 inches
• Base diameter: 0.480 inches
• Case capacity: 45.5 grains H₂O

The .454 Casull’s larger case increases powder capacity, directly impacting performance.

Pressure and Performance

The most significant difference between these cartridges is their operating pressure:

• .44 Magnum: Maximum pressure of 36,000 psi
• .454 Casull: Maximum pressure of 65,000 psi

This enormous pressure difference explains why the .454 Casull requires specially designed revolvers to handle the higher pressures safely. The .44 Magnum’s 36,000 psi is substantial for a handgun cartridge, but the .454 Casull’s pressure approaches that of many rifle cartridges.

Muzzle Velocity and Energy

The higher pressure of the .454 Casull translates to superior ballistic performance. Let’s look at typical factory loads:

.44 Magnum (240-grain bullet):

• Muzzle velocity: 1,350 fps (average)
• Muzzle energy: 1,000 ft-lbs (average)

.454 Casull (250-grain bullet):

• Muzzle velocity: 1,600 fps (average)
• Muzzle energy: 1,700 ft-lbs (average)

That’s a substantial 70% increase in muzzle energy for the .454 Casull, which explains its reputation as a superior hunting cartridge for larger game.

I’ve hunted with both cartridges extensively over the years. Back in the late 1970s, I began hunting with my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter .44 Mag, which has an integral scope base. I’ve taken numerous whitetail, mule deer, black bear, and elk with this setup.

A few years ago, I shot my biggest bull elk ever using my .44 Mag Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter topped with a 2.5-7X Simmons long-eye relief scope, shooting Hornady’s 240-grain XTP Custom. I’d spent considerable time at the range and had the revolver sighted in dead-on at 100 yards.

After several days of hunting, my guide and I finally found a monstrous 6×6 bull. Try as we might, we couldn’t get any closer than 100 yards. The big bull stood broadside, facing left. From a solid rest, I shot the bull right behind the shoulder. 

He humped up, and I sent a second bullet his way, aiming about 6 to 8 inches farther back to create a second wound channel. The bull shuddered but didn’t move.

I shot him a third time, again in the vitals but in another area to create a third wound channel. I was preparing for a fourth shot when the bull collapsed where he stood. 

At his side, I was amazed not only by his antlers but also by his body size. When field dressing him, I noticed two perfectly mushroomed bullets just under the skin on the opposite side. The third had exited.

Trajectory

When examining 454 Casull vs 44 Mag trajectories, the higher velocity of the Casull gives it an advantage:

When sighted in at 25 yards:

• A 240-grain .44 Magnum bullet drops about 5.3 inches at 100 yards
• A 250-grain .454 Casull bullet drops only about 4.4 inches at 100 yards

This flatter trajectory gives the .454 Casull a slight advantage for longer range shots, though both cartridges are primarily used at distances under 100 yards for most hunting situations.

Stopping Power

How powerful is a 454 Casull compared to a .44 Magnum when it comes to stopping power? Let’s break it down:

Both cartridges deliver outstanding terminal performance on big game. The .44 Magnum has taken every species of big game on the planet. However, the .454 Casull’s additional velocity and energy give it superior penetration, particularly with heavier bullets.

At 100 yards, the .454 Casull typically maintains about 1,474 ft-lbs of energy, while the .44 Magnum retains around 634 ft-lbs. This substantial energy difference makes the .454 Casull particularly well-suited for large, dangerous game at extended handgun ranges.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s while I was on staff with “Shooting Times” magazine, I had the opportunity to shoot numerous handguns, including several .454 Casull revolvers manufactured by Taurus, Ruger, and Freedom Arms. I fell in love with the Freedom Arms Model 83 single-action – the quality of their work was second to none.

I shot numerous nice whitetail deer using the .454 Casull Freedom Arms. Later, I finally got my chance to pursue an Alaskan Brown bear with this powerful cartridge.

After several days of hunting, my guide Joe Polanco and I spotted a bear high on a ridge. Following an extremely arduous stalk that took nearly all day, we got within 75 yards of the bear. I crawled to a boulder for a solid rest, settled the .454 Casull’s crosshairs on the bear’s shoulder, and gently pulled the trigger.

At the shot, the bear fell, made one complete roll downhill, and stood again. I sent a second 300-grain Hornady XTP bullet into the bear’s vitals about six inches to the right of my first shot. The bear slumped to the ground and lay still. My .454 Casull had done its job perfectly.

Recoil Energy

When comparing 454 Casull vs 44 Mag recoil, there’s a noticeable difference:

• .44 Magnum: Approximately 22.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy
• .454 Casull: Approximately 39 ft-lbs of recoil energy
  • [Source – Sportsmans Warehouse Recoil Energy Chart]

These numbers can vary based on bullet weight, load power, revolver weight, barrel length, and whether the firearms are ported. In practice, the difference feels more substantial than these numbers suggest. The .454 Casull produces a sharper, more intense recoil pulse that can be challenging even for experienced shooters.

Shooter Experience

The subjective experience of shooting these cartridges differs significantly. The .44 Magnum produces stout recoil that most experienced shooters can manage with practice. The .454 Casull, on the other hand, generates recoil that many find uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions.

I’ve owned several .44 Mag revolvers and .454 Casull revolvers over the years. These days I primarily shoot and hunt with Taurus Raging Hunters, which have an integral porting system that helps manage recoil. My .454 Casull revolvers include Ruger Super Redhawks and Taurus Raging Hunters double-actions.

The .44 Magnum represents a practical upper limit for regular shooting practice for most shooters. The .454 Casull, while manageable for hunting purposes, tends to be too punishing for most shooters to practice with extensively.

Reloadability

Both cartridges can be reloaded, offering cost savings and the ability to develop custom loads tailored to your specific needs. The .454 Casull requires more attention to detail due to its higher operating pressures, but both cartridges respond well to careful handloading.

One advantage of both cartridges is their ability to fire less powerful ammunition in the same firearms:

• .44 Magnum revolvers can also fire .44 Special ammunition
• .454 Casull revolvers can fire .45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition

This versatility allows for less expensive practice with reduced recoil while maintaining the option for full-power loads when needed.

Ammunition Availability and Cost

Market Availability

The .44 Magnum enjoys significantly better market availability than the .454 Casull. As one of the most popular large-bore handgun cartridges in history, it is produced by virtually every major ammunition manufacturer and is commonly stocked in gun stores nationwide.

While not rare, the .454 Casull has a more limited selection of factory loads and is less likely to be found on store shelves, particularly in smaller shops or rural areas. This can be an important consideration if you plan to hunt in remote locations where resupplying ammunition might be necessary.

Cost Comparison

When comparing 454 ammo vs. 44 mag pricing, you’ll find:

• .44 Magnum: $1.00 to $2.50 per round for standard factory ammunition [Source – Ammunition Depot]
• .454 Casull: $1.50 to $3.00 per round for standard factory ammunition   [Source – Ammunition Depot]

Premium hunting ammunition for both cartridges tends to be similarly priced at the higher end of these ranges. However, budget practice ammunition is more readily available and affordable for the .44 Magnum.

For casual shooting and practice, the ability to fire .44 Special from a .44 Magnum or .45 Colt from a .454 Casull provides a cost-effective alternative that also reduces recoil.

Firearm Compatibility and Options

Handgun Models

The .44 Magnum has a clear advantage when it comes to firearm selection. Virtually every major revolver manufacturer offers models chambered in .44 Magnum, including:

• Smith & Wesson Model 29 and 629
• Ruger Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, and Super Redhawk
• Taurus Raging Bull and Raging Hunter
• Colt Anaconda
• Magnum Research BFR
• Dan Wesson 44 Magnum (rare)

The .454 Casull has fewer options, though quality choices exist:

• Ruger Super Redhawk
• Taurus Raging Bull and Raging Hunter
• Freedom Arms Model 83 and 97
• Magnum Research BFR

The more limited selection for the .454 Casull also typically comes with higher price points, reflecting the stronger construction needed to handle the cartridge’s higher pressures.

Rifle Availability

Both cartridges are available in lever-action rifles, which can extend their effective range:

.44 Magnum rifles:

Available at – Guns.com

Available at – Scheels

• Henry Big Boy
• Marlin 1894
• Rossi R92
• Winchester 1892
• Ruger 77/44 (bolt action)

.454 Casull rifles:

Available at – Guns.com

• Rossi R92
• Citadel LEVTAC – 92
• Big Horn Armory Model 90

Again, the .44 Magnum has more options, particularly with the inclusion of the Ruger bolt-action rifle, which has no equivalent in .454 Casull.

Pros and Cons Summary

.44 Magnum

Pros:

• Wider ammunition availability
• More affordable ammunition
• Greater variety of firearms
• Manageable recoil with practice
• Proven effectiveness on all North American game
• Cultural icon status thanks to “Dirty Harry”

Cons:

• Less powerful than the .454 Casull
• Less flat-shooting at extended ranges
• May be inadequate for dangerous game at longer distances

.454 Casull

Pros:

• Superior ballistic performance
• Higher muzzle energy and velocity
• Better penetration with heavy bullets
• Flatter trajectory
• Excellent for dangerous game hunting
• Can also fire .45 Colt ammunition

Cons:

• Severe recoil
• More expensive ammunition
• More limited firearm selection
• Less ammunition availability
• Overkill for most hunting situations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 454 Casull more powerful than a 44 Magnum?

Yes, the 454 Casull is significantly more powerful than the 44 Magnum. The .454 Casull typically generates around 1,700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy compared to the .44 Magnum’s 1,000 ft-lbs. This increased power comes from the .454 Casull’s larger case capacity and much higher operating pressure (65,000 psi vs. 36,000 psi for the .44 Magnum).

Is the 454 Casull better for hunting than a 44 Magnum?

The answer depends on what you’re hunting. For most North American big game like deer, black bear, and even elk at reasonable distances, the .44 Magnum is perfectly adequate and offers less recoil for better accuracy. 

For dangerous game like brown bears and moose, or for hunting at extended handgun ranges, the .454 Casull offers superior penetration and energy. The best hunting cartridge is the one you can shoot accurately, so the .44 Magnum might be better for many hunters despite its lower power.

Will 454 Casull stop a grizzly?

Yes, the 454 Casull is more than capable of stopping a grizzly bear with proper bullet placement. Its deep penetration and high energy make it an excellent choice for bear defense. 

However, it’s worth noting that the .44 Magnum has also successfully stopped many charging bears over the years. Shot placement is still the most critical factor, regardless of cartridge choice. The .454 Casull’s advantage is primarily in its ability to drive heavy bullets deeper through thick muscle and bone.

Final Thoughts

After decades of hunting with both the .44 Magnum and .454 Casull, I’ve come to appreciate each for its unique strengths. If you’re trying to decide between these two powerful handgun cartridges, here’s my advice:

Choose the .44 Magnum if:

• You want a more manageable recoil experience
• You value broader ammunition availability
• You’re primarily hunting deer, black bear, and similar-sized game
• You want more affordable practice sessions
• You’d like a wider selection of firearms

Choose the .454 Casull if:

• You need maximum stopping power for dangerous game
• You’re comfortable managing heavy recoil
• You value the flatter trajectory for longer shots
• You appreciate the versatility of also firing .45 Colt
• You want the peace of mind that comes with having extra power in bear country

Currently, I’m hunting with Taurus Raging Hunters double-action revolvers using various Hornady ammunition. I like how these revolvers look, feel, and shoot accurately. Plus, with their integral brake, the recoil is less than that of other revolvers chambered for the same rounds.

Which will I take on my next hunt? I’ll flip a coin—heads it’s the .454 Casull, tails it will be my .44 Mag. Both are excellent choices that have served me well over decades of hunting adventures. The beauty of these powerful handgun cartridges is that either one, in the hands of a practiced shooter, will get the job done effectively and ethically on even the largest game animals.

If you’re interested in learning more about big-bore cartridges and calibers, check out our review on the best deer calibers of the year!