Ammo Inc loads its Signature 240-grain jacketed hollow point at the top of the .44 Magnum power scale: 1,589 fps and 1,347 ft-lbs at the muzzle. The jacketed hollow point is a general-purpose hunting bullet. Power factor works out to 381, more than double the 165 USPSA major floor, and every load in this comparison clears that floor by a wide margin. From a 25-yard zero the bullet prints 0.5 inch low at 50 yards and 4.6 inches low at 100.

Atomic Bonded Match 240 is its closest rival. The Ammo Inc load is 89 fps faster, carries 148 ft-lbs more at the muzzle and produces about 11 percent more recoil energy in the same revolver. Below those two the group falls away quickly. Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 240, a semi-jacketed hollow point, runs 279 fps slower, Sierra Sports Master 240 is 339 fps slower, and CCI Blazer 240 gives up 389 fps. HSM Pro Pistol 240, the mildest load here, has 647 ft-lbs less energy and about 43 percent less recoil energy than the Ammo Inc.

Buy this for hunting or field carry in a heavy revolver when you want the most energy a 240-grain hollow point offers and you already handle full-power recoil well. It is a poor choice for relaxed practice or a lightweight frame; Sierra Sports Master 240, with a power factor of 300, is the easier load to shoot often. If you would rather carry a hard-cast bullet at the same level, Hornady Backcountry Defense 240 is rated at 1,620 fps with about 4 percent more recoil energy than this load.