Rechambering 44mag handi-rifle barrel to 444 marlin

[tubaman]

Anyone have success doing this?  What particular source or brand of reamers did you use?  What tools/process do you recommend....I was looking to use a finish reamer to lengthen out the chamber to the 444 specs from a 44 mag.<a href="//" target="_blank" class="new_win">//</a>

[quickdtoo]

Just a note in case you aren't aware, the .444 Marlin is available as rifle and an accessory barrel from H&R, it has a 1:20" twist and isn't overbored like most 1:38" Handi barrels have been. The cost of a fitted .444 barrel is less than the cost of a reamer and you'll have the better twist rate. The .444 will require a frame made 1999 or later, that would be an NN or HN prefix on the serial number, I wouldn't recommend using the .444 on an older frame, that would be risky, H&R won't fit it to an older frame either for that reason.

Tim

http://hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

[gunnut69]

Well that sounds like really good advice. The 44 mag barrel would convert of course and a reamer could be rented but there may still be issues with the twist rate.. although I'm not familiar with the rate for either the mag or the 444..

[tubaman]

Sorry to get back to this thread late.  So, the 44 Mag barrel is typically overbored by a few thousands is what I am hearing.  What is the best mold for cast bullets, or maybe what are the best jacketed bullets to use with this overbore?

I would like a good cast mold recommend especially since my one nephew is a plumber, the other an auto mechanic, and I can get soft or wheel weight lead easily.  I think the plumber has over 100 pounds of old lead pipe traps already.

I will keep the 44 Mag untouched, since it was a good buy.  I would have liked a 35 Whelen but I hear that run is done already.

[gunnut69]

It's not that the 44 mag is overbored but it's twist rate is different, that is the rate of the rifling twist in the barrel. Faster twists(more turns per foot) are used to stabilize longer(usually heavier) bullets.

[Mikey]

Fellas:  this issue has come up before and it is not recommended to re-chamber a 44 Magnum to the 444 Marlin.

Quickdtoo has provided a very important point about frame strength.  In addition he notes the difference in twist rates but I'm surprised nobody has yet mentioned the pressure differences:  The 44 mag pressures run in the 30K psi range, the 444 runs in the 45-47K psi range, I believe. 

This particular conversion is one of those better re-barrelled than re-chambered, I believe.  HTH.  Mikey.