.44-40 Loads with .44 Special brass?

[Shotgun12]

I’m interested in knowing if anyone out there is using .44 special/mag brass for hand loading .44-40 ammo? I was told by some gun shop “expert” that it cannot/should not be done, but I would think that there shouldn’t be that much to it.

As .44–40 ammo is stupid expensive, there has to be a less costly alternative for hand loaders out here, otherwise I’ll just be limited to using cap & ball.

 

[35 Whelen]

I own both calibers, and I suppose it could be done, but why not pony up $36 and get 100 new 44-40 cases? Or better yet, for a little over $30, you can get the same thing at MidwayUSA.

35W

 

[CraigC]

No. While it doesn't look like it, the .44-40 is bottlenecked and about the size of the .45Colt at the base. No reason not to use Starline .44-40 brass.