44 mag/44-40 in a .444 ?
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44 mag/44-40 in a .444 ?
I'm curious, can one shoot .44 mag or .44-40 through a .444 Marlin rifle, much like one would use .38 in a .357? I have a .444 Big bore that I like to take intot the mountains with me for bear protection and elk hunting, but some mild .44-40 cowboy loads might work nice for grouse and general plinking. I thought I'ds heard this had been done, maybe even by someone here. Any idea's?
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Are ya sure about that, the 44-40 case rim is larger than a 45LC ?Terry Murbach wrote:THE 44-40 WORKS PRETTY WELL IN SUCH AN APPLICATION.
My thinking is you might have some issues here.
Not to mention a tremendous amount of free bore.
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- horsesoldier03
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I dont know about that, but if your .444 is a marlin with micro groove you can shoot remington 2 1/2 inch .410 shells in it. The federal and winchester have a different crimp so they hang up but the remingtons work. I knew an old timer that killed deer and bear with the 444 and quail, tree rats, and rabbits with the .410.
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If a 44-40 is shot in a 444, it is no longer a 44-40. Then what is it ?
A short 444 ?
Why not shoot a 44 mag. ?
44 Mag. would be approx. same length as 44-40.
Mag. is a stronger case.
Some shooter's are using 44 Russians in 44-40's.
A short 444 ?
Why not shoot a 44 mag. ?
44 Mag. would be approx. same length as 44-40.
Mag. is a stronger case.
Some shooter's are using 44 Russians in 44-40's.
SASS# 51223
Arizona Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Cowtown Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Uberti 73/44-40 carbine, Rossi 92/44-40,
Marlin 94CB/44 24" Limited, Winchester 94/30-30
Arizona Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Cowtown Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Uberti 73/44-40 carbine, Rossi 92/44-40,
Marlin 94CB/44 24" Limited, Winchester 94/30-30
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If you look at the cartridge dimensions, the .44-40 is VERY close to the diameter of the .444 at the base, whereas the .44 Mag is significantly smaller diameter. I think the .44-40 would be supported well and the .44 Mag not, so the Mag would bulge or blow and the .44-40 wouldn't.Lefty Dude wrote: Why not shoot a 44 mag. ?
44 Mag. would be approx. same length as 44-40.
Mag. is a stronger case.
It would be nice if there were a .44 Mag stretched for long guns, like the .45 Colt/.454 Casull/.460 S&W series - but since nobody yet makes the .460 in a levergun, the .440 or whatever you'd call it would just be a wildcat anyway.
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While I wouldn't have thunk it would work but Terry and Paco have done this and it works. Of course the cases aren't necessarily usable afterwards. Some of this usability is due to the combination of lower pressures and thnner brass of the .44-40 (as well as the closer case base dimensions). I dang sure wouldn't do it with a .44 Mag. It has a smaller case head and runs at much higher pressures. I've had some .44 Mag cases split in .44 Mag chambers. I would not want that in my .444...Terry Murbach wrote:THE 44-40 WORKS PRETTY WELL IN SUCH AN APPLICATION.
My question is WHY? As an experiment it might be interesting but as a practical matter? You might get usable accuracy but you can also handload the .444 to give the same usable velocity and put the bullet MUCH closer to the correct throat/bore relationship.
One thing for certain the .444 Marlin is NOT a lengthened .44 Mag like the .357 Max and Mag are lengthened .38 Specials, that would be the .445 Super Mag.
This was once a big topic on the old forum and I bet you saw it there. I think Paco has written an article (or portion thereof) regarding this.
Sincerely,
Hobie
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Here is the article from paco. Still just a personal opinion, but aside from a .38 in a .357 or .44 spc in a .44 mag, I personally would not exchange ammo. I know it can be done so safely, however, you have to ask yourself what your gaining from it. Murphys Law always seems to get the best of me, if something can go wrong, it will! Good Luck with your venture. Be sure to show pics of the hunt.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/444.htm
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/444.htm
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One thing not explored here greatly is cost of ammo. The 44-40
ammo I have seen for cowboy shooting is nearly expensive
as the 444. So what is the point? I agree if you dont handload
and must use storebought ammo and you want a weak load
I guess you may be justified.
I might go get the images of both cases with dimensions to post
here so everyone can see how similar in size the cases are.
ammo I have seen for cowboy shooting is nearly expensive
as the 444. So what is the point? I agree if you dont handload
and must use storebought ammo and you want a weak load
I guess you may be justified.
I might go get the images of both cases with dimensions to post
here so everyone can see how similar in size the cases are.
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