Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Grizzly Cartridge Bear Load in 44 Special brings deep-woods stopping power to short-barreled revolvers. Built around a 260 grain Cast Performance flat nose bullet, this load clocks 950 feet per second and 521 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle — enough force to punch through hide, muscle, and bone on black bear, hogs, and similar-sized game. Grizzly Cartridge Company loads each round under strict personal inspection, pairing virgin-alloy hardcast bullets with new brass cases and non-corrosive Boxer primers. The wide flat nose profile delivers full-diameter wound channels and maximizes energy transfer on impact, while heat-treating prevents bullet fragmentation even when striking heavy bone. If you hunt with a 44 Special Charter Arms Bulldog, Taurus 445, or similar short-barrel platform, this ammunition extends your effective range beyond traditional defensive loads.
Performance at a Glance
Grizzly Cartridge sources Cast Performance bullets — precision-molded in LBT-style tooling and cast from virgin alloy for consistent weight and hardness batch to batch. The 260 grain projectile exits short barrels at 950 fps, generating 521 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — comparable to many 45 Colt hunting loads but in the milder 44 Special platform. Heat-treatment brings alloy hardness to a point where the bullet resists upset on shoulder bones and skull plates, maintaining penetration depth in situations where softer lead would mushroom prematurely. The flat nose cuts tissue cleanly and creates hydraulic shock in the wound channel, improving terminal performance on medium game compared to round-nose or wadcutter profiles. Brass cases accept standard large pistol primers and remain dimensionally stable through multiple reloading cycles. Grizzly Cartridge includes a gas check on each bullet base to protect the projectile from flame cutting and preserve accuracy at higher velocities.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 44 Special |
| Bullet weight | 260 Grains |
| Bullet type | Flat Nose (Cast Performance Wide Flat Nose Gas Check) |
| Muzzle velocity | 950 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 521 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Grizzly Cartridge Company |
Hunters carrying snub-nose or short-barrel 44 Special revolvers gain a purpose-built hunting option that pairs moderate recoil with straight-line penetration. For more options in this chambering, see our full 44 Special ammo catalog.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify current state and local laws governing ammunition purchase, possession, and transport in your jurisdiction.
- This ammunition contains lead. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid exposure to lead dust at indoor ranges without ventilation.
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