Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Underwood’s Xtreme Defender 44 Special pushes a 125-grain Lehigh fluted solid copper projectile to 1250 feet per second, delivering 434 foot-pounds of muzzle energy in a cartridge historically known for moderate recoil and controllability. The fluted nose geometry channels tissue and hydraulic pressure radially inward, building force at the point of contact while the sharp cutting edges slice through barriers — wallboard, automotive glass, sheet metal — without the deformation or clogging that stops conventional hollow points. Permanent wound cavity diameter exceeds that of any expanding bullet in this caliber class, and penetration reaches 18 inches in calibrated gelatin. For revolver carriers who need barrier-blind performance without lead exposure or over-penetration risk in close quarters, this load delivers repeatable terminal mechanics across a range of intermediate obstacles.
Load Profile
Lehigh’s Xtreme Defense projectile is CNC-machined from solid copper bar stock, eliminating the lead core and jacket separation failure modes inherent in bonded or cup-and-core designs. The flutes run longitudinally along the nose, creating channels that force fluid radially outward from the wound track — then inward again by hydraulic pressure differential — producing tissue disruption far exceeding the bullet’s .429-inch diameter. Nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion in leather holsters and humid environments, and the Boxer primer pocket supports reloading for shooters who process their own brass. Flash-suppressed powder keeps muzzle signature low in reduced-light engagements, preserving night vision if you’re forced to fire indoors or after dark.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 44 Special |
| Bullet weight | 125 Grains |
| Bullet type | Lehigh Xtreme Defense Fluted Solid Copper |
| Muzzle velocity | 1250 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 434 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel Plated Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
The 125-grain weight keeps recoil manageable in snub-nose and service-length revolvers, while velocity stays supersonic past 25 yards — useful for shooters who need to engage through vehicle doors or structural cover in urban or rural defensive scenarios. For more defensive revolver loads, browse our full 44 Special ammo selection.
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.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearm safety: treat every gun as loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction permit possession and use of lead-free solid copper defensive ammunition before ordering.
- This ammunition is loaded to standard 44 Special pressures and is safe in all revolvers chambered for 44 Special or 44 Magnum; do not attempt to fire in firearms not rated for this cartridge.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.