44mag to 445 super mag

[gypsyman]

Looking into converting a lever action from 44mag to 445sm. Since the only difference is brass lenght,1.285 to 1.600, I don't think there would have to be much modification. Maybe just lenghtening the chamber?? I'm leaning on getting a Marlin to do this, but have been reading some pretty good reports about the Puma. Marlin more because it's American made,(I think). I have a Dan Wesson in this caliber, which is why I'm thinking of doing this.Another consideration is that I'll be shooting cast bullets 99% of the time. Suggestions or comments. Thanks,  gypsyman

[Graybeard]

I tend to think you are mistaken. I believe it would be a major undertaking. Don't forget that the geometry of the action is such that it just can't take a round that long and to alter it to fit might be do able or might not but if so it would be extremely expensive I think.

Now if you really wanted such I think starting with a .444 Marlin or even a .30-30 would be easier since they are made long enough to fit. But that 1894 I just dunno.

[gypsyman]

Graybeard, believe your right about the Marlin. Couple month's ago another poster, PrebanPaul asked the same thing about the 357max cartridge. Basic lenght change of 1.285 to 1.600. Somebody came up with the answer, in a Marlin it would be quite expensive to change a 1895 to the longer cartridge. Not wanting to spend the next 2 months house payment, that option is probably out. But I did notice that the Puma has one chambered in the .454. So, with the .445 according to the reloading books, having the same pressure as the .44, the Puma action should be plenty strong enough. Guess I had better do some research at the next gun show to see if the action is alittle easier for the change!!  gypsyman

[Lloyd Smale]

Rob applegate just finished my 475 linebaugh conversion on a 94. Opened up as much as it can be it still wont allow seating of most bullets to the crimp grove. I have one wfn and one lfngc that have short enough noses to use the crimp grove all my other molds have to be crimped on the nose. He also said it was a royal pain to open up and to get running right and hed never tackle another one. What i would look for if i were you is a 94 trapper in 44 mag to open up that woud probably be the easiest route. Like the 94 marlin though your looking at about 40000 psi max for load pressures. the 92s would take a tad more but 35000 is plenty anyway as i push 360s to 1600 and 400s to about 1450 at those levels safely and there plenty stout for anything that walks.

[gypsyman]

Received a reply from Muzzleblasts today, said the '94 action would be long enough to make the conversion. Now try and locate one, where the owner doesn't think the frame is made of gold, and personally engraved by John Wayne.  gypsyman