I carried a .44 mag as bear protection in AK.
I brought it with me when I retired and moved here.
I have not had much need for it since.
I have many of the 1500fps 300gr cartridges I loaded for bear protection,
and a box of factory 165gr I picked up, just for something lighter around.

Past history in out area has me a bit concerned about home and personal security around here,
especially when COVID-19 causes out local government to begin turning prisoners loose,
as has been done in other areas on the mainland.

Nothing on our island requires a .44 mag except pig hunting.
For my intended use I'd like to drop down to .44 Special for being adequate and for better control.
I think it would be more than adequate for personal protection around here.

I want to pick up a box of .44 Special ammo in Hilo.
Who has some available?

A quick check has me wondering if there is a .44Special lighter than my .44mag 165gr.
Thoughts on comparisons?
 

I carried a .44 mag as bear protection in AK.
I brought it with me when I retired and moved here.
I have not had much need for it since.
I have many of the 1500fps 300gr cartridges I loaded for bear protection,
and a box of factory 165gr I picked up, just for something lighter around.

Past history in out area has me a bit concerned about home and personal security around here,
especially when COVID-19 causes out local government to begin turning prisoners loose,
as has been done in other areas on the mainland.

Nothing on our island requires a .44 mag except pig hunting.
For my intended use I'd like to drop down to .44 Special for being adequate and for better control.
I think it would be more than adequate for personal protection around here.

I want to pick up a box of .44 Special ammo in Hilo.
Who has some available?

A quick check has me wondering if there is a .44Special lighter than my .44mag 165gr.
Thoughts on comparisons?
 

Welcome to the Big island.
Check Zsports he may have some.
Personally I'd stay with the Mag round
we do have Bears here.

time to reload   

my guess is that a 44sp will be less felt recoil than a 165 grain 44mag, although ive never shot a 165 grain 44mag.  but I imagine its still going well over 1250fps, probably over 1400fps.  would help more if you got specs on the ammo in question
I've shot 185 grain 44mag that was going 1600fps.  that was pretty hefty recoil
200 or 210 grain 44 sp feels to me like 45 acp bc its going only 800-900fps at best

My .44 Mag ammo is 240 gr JHP or JSP. The .44 SPL is 210 gr. The .44 SPL was very soft shooting, but I was also shooting a heavy 7.5” revolver. Made even the .44 Mag seem soft.

Too bad you not on Oahu.
I would make some for you.

Too bad you not on Oahu.
I would make some for you.

Would you really be willing to take on that liability in the event of a SD shooting?

44sp is harder to find than 44mag
Idk what's available on BI
Oahu 44sp is defensive ammo or cowboy loads
Blazer 44mag is most mild 44magnum ammo IMO. that might be easier to find than 44sp

Would you really be willing to take on that liability in the event of a SD shooting?

...
Under normal circumstances, no.

Thanks folks, guess I'll just have to check around to see what's around the next time I go to town.
Might find something, might not.

Do you feel special today? Well do ya, punk?