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The .44 Magnum cartridge was developed by shortening the case of the .44 Special.
Answer: False
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge was developed by lengthening the case of the .44 Special, not shortening it, and loading it to higher pressures.
Elmer Keith was a central figure in the handloading experiments that led to the development of the .44 Magnum.
Answer: True
Explanation: Elmer Keith, a renowned writer and outdoorsman, was indeed a pivotal figure in the experimental handloading process that culminated in the creation of the .44 Magnum cartridge.
Elmer Keith chose the .44 Special case over the .45 Colt primarily because the .45 Colt projectiles were more varied.
Answer: False
Explanation: Elmer Keith's preference for the .44 Special case over the .45 Colt was primarily due to the .44 Special's thicker brass, smaller diameter allowing for stronger cylinder walls, and a more varied selection of projectiles, not solely projectile variety.
Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms were instrumental in the commercial production of the .44 Magnum cartridge and firearms.
Answer: True
Explanation: Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms collaborated in the commercial production of the .44 Magnum cartridge and firearms chambered for it, following successful lobbying by Elmer Keith and associates.
The first Smith & Wesson revolver chambered in .44 Magnum was built in December 1955.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initial prototype of the Smith & Wesson revolver that would become chambered in .44 Magnum was indeed constructed in December 1955.
Early Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers were initially priced around $1,600 in contemporary currency.
Answer: False
Explanation: The early Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers were initially priced at US$140. The figure of $1,600 represents the approximate inflation-adjusted value in contemporary currency, not the original price.
Julian Hatcher reviewed the new .44 Magnum revolver and cartridge in the March 1956 issue of *American Rifleman*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Julian Hatcher, serving as the technical editor for *American Rifleman*, provided a review of the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver and its accompanying cartridge in the March 1956 edition of the publication.
Sturm, Ruger began developing their Blackhawk revolver for the .44 Magnum cartridge in late 1955.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sturm, Ruger commenced development of their Blackhawk revolver for the .44 Magnum cartridge in the summer of 1956, not late 1955.
From which cartridge case was the .44 Magnum developed?
Answer: .44 Special
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge was developed from the .44 Special cartridge, by lengthening its case and increasing its pressure limits.
Who is credited as a key figure in the handloading experiments and advocacy for the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: Elmer Keith
Explanation: Elmer Keith, a prominent writer and experimenter, is widely credited as a central figure in the handloading experiments and advocacy that led to the development of the .44 Magnum cartridge.
What was the primary reason Elmer Keith preferred the .44 Special case over the .45 Colt for developing the .44 Magnum?
Answer: The .44 Special case allowed for stronger cylinder walls in revolvers of the same size.
Explanation: Elmer Keith preferred the .44 Special case because its smaller diameter allowed for thicker, stronger cylinder walls in revolvers of the same size compared to the .45 Colt, enabling higher pressures with reduced risk of failure. The greater variety of .44 caliber projectiles was also a factor.
Which two companies were lobbied by Elmer Keith and associates to produce the .44 Magnum commercially?
Answer: Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms
Explanation: Elmer Keith and his associates successfully lobbied Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms to commercially produce the .44 Magnum cartridge and firearms chambered for it.
When was the first Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver publicly announced?
Answer: January 19, 1956
Explanation: The first Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver was publicly announced on January 19, 1956, following its initial construction in December 1955.
The origin of the .44 Magnum cartridge is attributed to:
Answer: Commercial handloading experiments by enthusiasts.
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge originated from extensive commercial handloading experiments conducted by enthusiasts seeking enhanced ballistic performance, notably championed by Elmer Keith.
The unofficial metric designation for the .44 Magnum cartridge is 10.9x33mmR.
Answer: True
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge's unofficial metric designation is indeed 10.9x33mmR.
Firearms chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge use bullets with a diameter of exactly .44 inches.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the designation, firearms chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge utilize bullets with a diameter of approximately .429 inches (10.9 mm), not exactly .44 inches.
The primary functional reason for lengthening the .44 Special case was to increase its powder capacity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary functional reason for lengthening the .44 Special case to create the .44 Magnum case was to prevent the higher-pressure Magnum round from being accidentally chambered in older, weaker .44 Special firearms, thereby enhancing shooter safety, rather than solely to increase powder capacity.
The .44 Magnum cartridge uses bullets with a diameter of .440 inches, which is why it is designated as '.44 caliber'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge uses bullets with a diameter of approximately .429 inches (10.9 mm). The '.44' designation is a historical carryover and does not precisely reflect the modern bullet diameter.
The .44 Magnum was designed from the outset as a high-pressure revolver cartridge, eliminating safety concerns associated with older dual-purpose rounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: The .44 Magnum was intentionally designed as a high-pressure revolver cartridge, which inherently addresses safety concerns that arose with older dual-purpose cartridges where high-pressure rifle loadings could be dangerous if chambered in weaker handguns.
The .44 Magnum cartridge is a rimless cartridge designed primarily for semi-automatic pistols.
Answer: False
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge is a rimmed cartridge, designed primarily for revolvers, although it is also used in carbines and rifles. It is not a rimless cartridge intended for semi-automatic pistols.
The .44 Magnum case was made longer than the .44 Special case mainly to accommodate more gunpowder.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary reason for lengthening the .44 Special case to create the .44 Magnum case was to prevent accidental chambering in older, weaker .44 Special firearms, thereby enhancing safety, rather than primarily to increase powder capacity.
The CIP maximum pressure standard for the .44 Magnum is lower than the SAAMI standard.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CIP maximum pressure standard for the .44 Magnum is 40,600 psi (280 MPa), which is higher than the SAAMI standard of 36,000 psi (250 MPa).
A 240-grain Cor-Bon JHP bullet fired from a .44 Magnum generates approximately 1160 ft-lbf of energy.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 240-grain JHP Cor-Bon bullet fired from a .44 Magnum cartridge achieves a velocity of 1,475 ft/s and generates approximately 1,160 ft-lbf of energy.
What is the unofficial metric designation for the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: 10.9x33mmR
Explanation: The unofficial metric designation for the .44 Magnum cartridge is 10.9x33mmR.
Despite the '.44' designation, what is the actual bullet diameter used in .44 Magnum cartridges?
Answer: 0.429 inches (10.9 mm)
Explanation: Despite the '.44' designation, firearms chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge actually use bullets with a diameter of approximately .429 inches (10.9 mm). This designation is a historical convention.
What was the primary purpose of making the .44 Magnum case longer than the .44 Special case?
Answer: To prevent accidental chambering in older, weaker .44 Special firearms.
Explanation: The primary purpose of lengthening the .44 Magnum case was to ensure safety by preventing its accidental chambering in older firearms designed for the lower-pressure .44 Special cartridge.
What is the historical reason behind the '.44' designation for cartridges that use .429-inch bullets?
Answer: It's a historical carryover from earlier measurements of heeled bullets.
Explanation: The '.44' designation for cartridges like the .44 Magnum is a historical convention stemming from earlier measurements of heeled bullets, rather than a precise reflection of the modern bullet or bore diameter.
According to SAAMI standards, what is the maximum pressure rating for the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: 36,000 psi (250 MPa)
Explanation: According to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) standards, the maximum pressure rating for the .44 Magnum cartridge is 36,000 psi (250 MPa).
Compare the energy output of a 240-grain Remington SJHP bullet versus a 240-grain Cor-Bon JHP bullet in .44 Magnum.
Answer: The Cor-Bon load has higher energy (1160 ft-lbf vs 741 ft-lbf).
Explanation: The Cor-Bon 240-grain JHP load generates approximately 1,160 ft-lbf of energy, which is significantly higher than the Remington 240-grain SJHP load's output of approximately 741 ft-lbf.
What is the purpose of the rimmed, straight case design in the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: To ensure proper headspacing and extraction in revolvers.
Explanation: The rimmed, straight case design of the .44 Magnum is a standard feature for many revolver cartridges, facilitating reliable headspacing and extraction from the cylinder.
The Ruger Model 44, introduced in 1959, was the first lever-action rifle chambered for the .44 Magnum.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ruger Model 44, introduced in 1959, was the first semi-automatic carbine chambered for the .44 Magnum, not a lever-action rifle.
Double-action revolver grip shapes are generally considered more comfortable for handling the recoil of .44 Magnum firearms than rounded single-action grips.
Answer: False
Explanation: Many shooters find that rounded single-action grips, particularly the longer 'Bisley' style, are more comfortable for managing the heavy recoil of .44 Magnum firearms compared to typical double-action revolver grip shapes.
When fired from a carbine, the .44 Magnum cartridge achieves lower velocities than when fired from a revolver.
Answer: False
Explanation: When fired from a carbine, the .44 Magnum cartridge achieves significantly higher velocities than when fired from a revolver due to the longer barrel and more efficient powder burn.
The .44 Magnum cartridge is known for having very manageable recoil, even in lightweight handguns.
Answer: False
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge is known for its substantial recoil, which is not considered very manageable, particularly in lightweight handguns. It is significantly more powerful than cartridges like the .44 Special.
Which firearm was the *first* long gun chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: Ruger Model 44 carbine
Explanation: The Ruger Model 44 carbine, introduced in 1959, holds the distinction of being the first long gun chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge.
Which grip shape does the source suggest is often ideal for handling heavy recoil from .44 Magnum firearms?
Answer: The longer 'Bisley' style single-action grip
Explanation: The source suggests that the longer 'Bisley' style single-action grip is often considered ideal for managing the heavy recoil characteristic of .44 Magnum firearms.
How does the velocity of a .44 Magnum cartridge compare when fired from a carbine versus a revolver?
Answer: Velocities are significantly higher from the carbine.
Explanation: When fired from a carbine, the .44 Magnum cartridge achieves significantly higher velocities compared to when fired from a revolver, owing to the longer barrel and more efficient powder burn.
What is the typical accuracy expected from firearms chambered in .44 Magnum at 50 yards?
Answer: Groups of 3-4 inches
Explanation: Firearms chambered in .44 Magnum are generally capable of producing groups of approximately 3 to 4 inches at 50 yards with most types of ammunition, indicating good typical accuracy.
The full-powered .44 Magnum is considered highly suitable for routine police work due to its stopping power.
Answer: False
Explanation: The full-powered .44 Magnum is generally considered unsuitable for routine police work primarily because its significant recoil and muzzle blast make rapid fire difficult and strenuous for the user.
The .44 Magnum is considered well-suited for hunting animals up to the size of elk.
Answer: True
Explanation: The .44 Magnum cartridge is indeed considered well-suited for hunting medium-sized game, including animals up to the size of elk, and has even been used on larger game with appropriate shot placement.
Heavy, flat-point bullets used in .44 Magnum loads are more prone to deflection when passing through light brush than lighter, pointed bullets.
Answer: False
Explanation: Heavy, flat-point bullets used in .44 Magnum loads are generally less prone to deflection when passing through light brush compared to lighter, pointed bullets, making them more reliable for accurate shot placement in wooded environments.
The primary limiting factor for the .44 Magnum in hunting beyond close range is its terminal ballistics.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary limiting factor for the .44 Magnum in hunting beyond close range is not its terminal ballistics, but rather the bullet's trajectory (drop) at longer distances.
Experts generally recommend using the .44 Magnum for hunting at ranges exceeding 150 yards.
Answer: False
Explanation: Experts typically recommend limiting hunting ranges for the .44 Magnum to approximately 100 yards (91 meters) due to the bullet's trajectory, not exceeding 150 yards.
Why is the full-powered .44 Magnum generally considered unsuitable for police work?
Answer: Rapid fire is difficult due to significant recoil and muzzle blast.
Explanation: The substantial recoil and muzzle blast associated with full-powered .44 Magnum loads make rapid fire challenging, rendering it generally unsuitable for routine police duties where quick follow-up shots may be necessary.
What is the main factor limiting the effective hunting range of the .44 Magnum cartridge?
Answer: The bullet's trajectory (drop) at longer distances.
Explanation: The primary limitation on the effective hunting range of the .44 Magnum cartridge is the significant drop of its heavy bullets at longer distances, rather than issues with terminal ballistics or accuracy at moderate ranges.
For what size game is the .44 Magnum considered well-suited, and what larger animals has it been used on?
Answer: Medium game up to elk; also used on Cape Buffalo and elephants.
Explanation: The .44 Magnum is considered well-suited for hunting medium game up to elk size. It has also been documented for use on larger animals such as Cape Buffalo and elephants, provided precise shot placement and appropriate ammunition are employed.
What advantage do heavy, flat-point .44 Magnum bullets offer for hunting in brush?
Answer: They are less likely to be deflected by twigs and brush.
Explanation: Heavy, flat-point bullets used in .44 Magnum loads offer an advantage in brushy terrain as they are less susceptible to deflection by twigs and brush compared to lighter, pointed bullets, thus improving the likelihood of accurate shot placement.
The film *Dirty Harry* significantly boosted the public awareness and demand for the .44 Magnum cartridge and the Smith & Wesson Model 29.
Answer: True
Explanation: The prominent use of the Smith & Wesson Model 29 in the film *Dirty Harry* led to a substantial increase in public awareness and market demand for both the .44 Magnum cartridge and the firearm itself.
The practice of offering firearms in the same caliber for both handguns and rifles is a recent development.
Answer: False
Explanation: The practice of offering firearms in the same caliber for both handguns and rifles is not a recent development; it has historical precedents dating back to the American Old West, such as the .44-40 Winchester.
Demand for the Smith & Wesson Model 29 decreased significantly after the release of the film *Dirty Harry*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Demand for the Smith & Wesson Model 29 surged significantly after the release of the film *Dirty Harry*, leading to shortages and increased prices.
What famous movie line is associated with the .44 Magnum cartridge, describing it as 'the most powerful handgun in the world'?
Answer: From *Dirty Harry*
Explanation: The iconic movie line 'the most powerful handgun in the world' is famously associated with the .44 Magnum cartridge as spoken by the protagonist in the film *Dirty Harry*.
Which of the following cartridges has NOT surpassed the .44 Magnum in power, according to the source?
Answer: .44 Special
Explanation: While cartridges like the .454 Casull, .460 S&W Magnum, and .500 S&W Magnum have surpassed the .44 Magnum in power, the .44 Special, its parent cartridge, is significantly less powerful.
Despite being surpassed in power by newer cartridges, why does the .44 Magnum remain popular?
Answer: It offers a good balance of power and shootability with more manageable recoil.
Explanation: The .44 Magnum maintains its popularity because it strikes a favorable balance between significant power and shootability, offering more manageable recoil compared to some of the ultra-powerful cartridges that have since been developed.
The practice of offering cartridges in both handguns and rifles, like the .44 Magnum, is exemplified historically by which cartridge?
Answer: .44-40 Winchester
Explanation: The .44-40 Winchester cartridge serves as a historical example of a cartridge offered in both handguns and rifles, a practice continued by cartridges like the .44 Magnum.
How did the film *Dirty Harry* impact the market for the Smith & Wesson Model 29?
Answer: It led to shortages and significantly increased prices.
Explanation: The film *Dirty Harry* generated immense popularity for the Smith & Wesson Model 29, resulting in severe shortages and a dramatic increase in its market price.
When the Smith & Wesson Model 29 became scarce, what alternative .44 Magnum handgun did customers seek?
Answer: Ruger Redhawk
Explanation: During periods when the Smith & Wesson Model 29 was difficult to obtain, customers often sought alternative .44 Magnum handguns, such as the Ruger Redhawk.