Need a reliable, budget-friendly shotshell load for your .44 Special revolver?
You’re looking at the right box. As someone who’s spent over a decade helping folks from Grand Forks to the backwoods find the right ammo for their needs, I see a lot of snake shot come through our warehouse. The CCI Shotshell 44 Special delivers 200 rounds of 140-grain lead shot, engineered for range practice and close-quarters pest control. It’s a workhorse load that combines CCI’s trademark reliability with a price point that makes sense for the practical shooter. At $190 for the 200-round case, it’s in stock and ready to ship from our North Dakota facility today.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Imbertsmithersarms. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: April 2026
Why This CCI Shotshell 44 Special Ammo Belongs in Your Kit
Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t buying snake shot for daily concealed carry. This is a specialized tool. Where this CCI load shines is in its specific application and its value. For the hunter walking to a deer stand through tall grass, the farmer dealing with a barn rat problem, or the homesteader keeping the garden clear, having a cylinder full of these can save your hunt—or your hide—from an unwanted encounter. It’s about having the right tool without breaking the bank. The 200-round case means you can verify your point of impact, practice, and still have plenty left for when you actually need it. In my experience, that’s the kind of practical, no-frills reliability that defines a smart purchase for the outdoorsman.
CCI Shotshell 44 Special Ammo 140 Grain Lead Shot 200 Rou… Specifications
| Product Type | Shotshell / Snake Shot Ammunition |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead Shot, Brass Casing, Plastic Capsule |
| Manufacturing | CCI / Speer (Vista Outdoor) |
| Finish | Standard Brass Case, Nickel-Plated Primer |
| Hardness/Quality | #9 Lead Shot, Non-Magnum Propellant Load |
| Compatibility | .44 Special Revolvers (Not for .44 Magnum rifles) |
| Installation/Usage | Standard Revolver Loading & Firing |
| Weight (per round) | Approx. 140 Grains (Shot Charge) |
| Dimensions (Cartridge) | .44 Special SAAMI Spec (1.160″ OAL) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU / Configuration | 200-Round Case |
How Does It Stack Up? CCI vs. The Competition
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 44 Special (This Product) | Budget Import Brand (e.g., Generic) | Premium Brand (e.g., Speer / Federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, #9 lead shot, plastic capsule. Standard CCI quality. | Often mixed brass/steel cases, questionable shot consistency. | High-grade components, sometimes specialized shot (copper-plated). |
| Quality & Reliability | Proven CCI primer and powder consistency. Good for its purpose. | Higher chance of duds or inconsistent patterns. A gamble. | Top-tier reliability and pattern consistency. Benchmarked performance. |
| Compatibility | Designed for .44 Special revolvers. Follows SAAMI specs. | May have dimensional variances. Use with caution. | Precision-engineered for specific firearms. Optimal fit. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from Grand Forks, ND. | Often drop-shipped with long lead times. | Frequently on backorder due to low production volume. |
| Lifespan / Shelf Life | Excellent. Properly stored, will last for decades. | Unknown. Corrosion can be an issue with poor storage. | Excellent. Packaged for long-term storage. |
| Price (Approx.) | $190 for 200 rounds (~$0.95/rd) | $60-$80 for 50 rounds (~$1.20-$1.60/rd) | $250+ for 50 rounds (~$5.00+/rd) |
The table tells the story. The cheap import looks good on paper until you need it to work. The premium stuff is fantastic, but you’re paying a huge premium for a niche round. This CCI load sits squarely in the sweet spot: American-made reliability at a cost-per-round that lets you actually use it.
The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons
What you’re getting:
- ✅ Cost-Effective Volume: 200 rounds for $190 is a solid deal for factory-loaded shotshells. It’s priced for practice, not just for show.
- ✅ Proven Manufacturer: CCI primers and components have a long track record of going bang when you pull the trigger. That matters.
- ✅ Practical Application: Perfect for snakes, rats, and small pests at very close range (think 10 feet or less). Does the job it’s designed for.
- ✅ Revolver-Ready: Loads and extracts just like a standard round. No special tools or modifications needed for your .44 Special.
- ✅ Case Quantity Logic: Buy once, be set for years. This isn’t ammo you burn through quickly, so a 200-round case is smart.
What to keep in mind:
- ❌ Limited Range & Power: This is NOT a self-defense round against human threats. The effective range is measured in feet, not yards, and it lacks penetration. For personal protection, see our selection of .44 Special defensive ammo.
- ❌ Pattern Spreads Quickly: The shot column is short. It produces a wide pattern that loses energy fast. Great for hitting a snake, terrible for anything beyond spitting distance.
- ❌ Specific Firearm Use: For .44 Special revolvers only. Do not attempt to fire in a .44 Magnum rifle or a non-revolver. Always verify your firearm’s caliber.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo
Buy it if: You own a .44 Special revolver for woods walking, farming, or homesteading. You want an affordable, reliable solution for pest control without carrying a separate shotgun. You understand its limitations and need a case that will last through sight-in and years of occasional use.
Skip it if: You are looking for a primary self-defense load (look at hollow points). You need to engage targets beyond 10-15 feet. You own a .44 Magnum firearm and hope it will work (it’s not designed for that). You only need a handful of rounds for a single trip.
Common Concerns & Practical Answers
“Will this damage my revolver’s barrel?” No. The plastic capsule seals the shot and protects the rifling. It’s a standard design used for decades.
“How far is it effective?” For dispatching a snake or small rodent, keep it under 10 feet. The pattern is very wide and energy drops off rapidly after that.
“Can I use it in my .44 Magnum?” Only if your firearm is chambered for .44 Special. You can fire .44 Special in a .44 Magnum revolver, but performance may vary and cylinder fouling can occur. Never use it in a .44 Magnum rifle (like a lever-action).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range of this .44 Special shotshell?
Keep it close. For reliably taking small pests like snakes or rats, 10 feet or less is your effective range. The pattern opens up quickly, making it useless for anything at typical handgun distances.
Is this ammo suitable for self-defense?
No, it is not recommended for self-defense against human threats. It lacks the necessary penetration. This is a pest control round. For personal protection with a .44 Special, you should use a quality jacketed hollow point.
Can I fire this in a rifle chambered in .44 Magnum?
Absolutely not. This ammunition is designed for revolvers chambered in .44 Special. Firing it in a rifle, even one chambered for .44 Magnum, is unsafe and should never be attempted.
How does the plastic shot capsule work?
The capsule sits atop the powder charge and contains the lead shot. Upon firing, the capsule travels down the barrel and opens up, releasing the shot pattern. It protects the barrel’s rifling from being damaged by the loose shot.
What size is the lead shot (#9)?
It’s #9 shot, which is a small diameter (approximately 0.08″). This size offers a dense pattern ideal for small, fast-moving pests like snakes at very close range.
Where can I buy .44 Special shotshell ammo online?
You’re already in the right place. Imbertsmithersarms (imbertsmithersarms.com) carries this CCI Shotshell 44 Special ammo and ships directly from our facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Do you ship ammunition discreetly?
Yes. All ammunition orders are shipped in plain, unmarked boxes. We understand and respect the desire for discretion in shipping.
Ready to Add to Cart?
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Grand Forks, ND
✅ Discreet packaging on all orders
✅ 30-day returns on unopened merchandise
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
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About this review: This assessment is based on my 11 years of experience in the firearms e-commerce industry, handling thousands of products and customer inquiries. It’s written to give you, the practical shooter, the clear information needed to make a good purchase. Last updated: April 2026




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