444/44 interchange

[twoshooter]

I hed asked about this elsewhere and not gotten a satisfactory response so I am doing some research. I recently acquired a new 444 Handi/ sb2. I handload for both the 444 and the 44. The 444 tapers from .469 @ the base to .453 @ casemouth over a length of 2.16nches. The 44 is a straight case @ .456 over a length of 1.285 inches. At that point the chamber is only about .003 larger than the case mouth. I cast bullets that run about .431 from #2 alloy, slightly larger than the nominal .429 jacketed size. I proceded to go out and shoot some of my light 44 special  loads in my 444. There was detectable swelling just ahead of the web, there was no gas leakage, the seal was good, the case was streatched to a maximum diameter of .462, or .006 expansion. I have successfully stretched 30-06 cases the .050 necessary to become 35 Whelan for decades without problems, I cannot see how this should be a problem. I intend to fireform a set of light to midrange loads in 44 mag cases, and then not full length resize , just decap and run them in the 444 die, and just "neck size" them enough to hold the bullet. I am looking for a plinking/ small game load here, not full power stuff, with my cast bullets. I will let you know how it turns out. PS. Has anyone tried a 410 2 1/2 shotshell load out of a regular 444 case?? The wad seems to fit quite well.

[BCall]

I use 444 case to load light plinking loads for my 410. Not great shooters, but much cheaper than factory ammo to play with. I don't use a plastic wad though, just fiber wads and cardboard for the overshot. FWIW, Billy

[skifastchad]

Is it really worth the risk?   Why not just load the 444 to plinking levels?

Just my opinion, but the two eyes and two hands I have are not worth losing to save a few cents on brass.

[Smokin Joe]

I have successfully stretched 30-06 cases the .050 necessary to become 35 Whelan for decades without problems,

What's up with stretching the '06?   
Do you mean expand the case mouth? If so, that's not what you're suggesting here. The base diameters of the .444 and .44 mag/spl are different enough to cause a safety problem.

the two eyes and two hands I have are not worth losing to save a few cents on brass.

+1 on that!

 If you want a lighter load, use a 200gr lead bullet in the 444 case with 10 grains of 700x.

[Spanky]

Why can't you just cut down 444 cases to 44 case length if that's what you want??
You'd have the proper dimensions and wouldn't have to "stretch" anything.
Keep in mind... I am not an expert reloader and this is more of a question than a criticism.


Spanky

[PHATINJUN]

I've used the 444 in my 410's no problem also use fiber wad instead of plastic. Kurt

[mcwoodduck]

Why not just light load the 444 shell to the power you want and stick some wadding or flash paper over the powder to make sure the shell goes bang.  Cutting down a shell will give you a ring in the chamber.  Ever shoot 22 shorts in a single shot or revolver for a while and then try to force a long Rifle in?  There is a ring od crud at the end of the case.  Same thing happens with 38's in a 357, 44 Specials in the Mag. 
As for a 410.  It seems to fit OK but I would not shoot it.  I did see a guy load shot shell capsules into a 444 marlin rifle and had a T/C choke tube cut into the rifling.  It still would not pattern.  If you want a 410 go buy a 410.  They are cheap at 50 to 200 bucks depending on used and condition.
Heck if your goning to buy a new BB gun get a 20 ga.  Lots more bang and half the bucks.

[cwlongshot]

 Personally I would MUCH rather err to the side of common sense. Loading 44's weather Sp's, mags or Russians in a 444 marlin, has been an age old question, or at least since '64 when the 444 debuted.  Its simply FOOL HARDY! The caliber is 444 marlin. Its NOT made from a lengthened 44mag case and many surmise. A better description is a rimmed 30-06 case. Its NOT the same as shooting a 44Sp in a 44mag, as you have found out with your measurements and bulged cases.
 IMHO, Want a lighter caliber, BUY ONE. Just want some lite loads, there are some in most manuals. Lyman has some good ones in the cast bullet manual.
   
Some people like to fool with this nonsense, personally I have grown used to my facial features and the full use of my two hands and ten fingers....

CW

[LaOtto222]

CW said it all I 100% agree. Get a 44 Mag barrel for your plinking needs. I have a 357, a 44 Mag and 444 Marlin barrels. As far as shooting 410 shells in the 444 Marlin - they may fit (3" will not fit), but they will not pattern worth a poop. The rifling will spin the shot charge and by the time it gets to 15 feet, there will be a hole right in the middle and growing the further it gets away from the barrel. - no choke either so the pattern will be big (with a hole). The 444 Marlin is a fine big game round, do not make it some thing it is not Good Shooting and Good Luck.