44 special in a 44 mag revolver

[Comax]

Does anyone know if using the shorteer 44 special rounds in a revolver chambered for 44 mag will cause any damage to the barrel or cylinder?

[driftrider]

It shouldn't. The .44 Special is identical in outside dimensions to the .44 Mag with the exception of being a bit shorter. Since revolver cartridges headspace on the rim, case length is non-critical. Also, the pressure levels of the .44 Special are well below the .44 Mag, so there is no danger of pressure related problems for the revolver itself.

The only problem I have found is that if you shoot the shorter cartridge first and then try to load the longer version, you may have problems getting them into and out of the chambers, due to fouling from the shorter cartridges. I found this to be a small problem with my .454 Casull when I'd shoot .45 Colt first. The .454 Casull rounds wouldn't just drop in freely or slide out after firing. The solution is to use a powder solvent and bore brush to clean the chambers out before loading the larger cartridges. The other alternative is to shoot the larger cartridges first then switch to the smaller version.

Mike

[johnch]

Not until you shoot several hundred thousand will there be enough erosian to even see . The 44 spec is loaded so lite that it will never happen in several lifetimes of shooting.
Just clean out the build up of burnt powder in the chamber so 44 mag will chamber easly.

[James B]

I shoot them all the time. I do clean the gun often as to avoid build up for chambering the longer 44 Mag rounds. I also shoot them in my 44 mag rifles.

Like shooting the 45LC in a 454Casull, you got to get out all the carbon on the end of the cylinder or loading the 44mags can be difficult or cause high pressures. You just have to pay more attention to it. But other than that, I do it all the time. But recently decided to quit. I get great low powered loads using 44mag brass and Unique.