Can any other ammo be shot out of a 44 magnum?

[Joe Mamma]

Can cartridges other than 44 magnum be shot out of a 44 magnum gun? I know you can shoot 38 specials out of a 357 magnum. So, I'm wondering if you can shoot something out of a 44 magnum that is possibly cheaper and/or has less recoil than a 44 magnum cartridge. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Joe Mamma

 

[Steve F]

Yes you can Joe,you can shoot .44 specials in the same firearm.

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Joe,
A 44magnum will also shoot 44 specials, just like a 357 magnum will shoot 38 specials.

Pick up a copy of this book:
http://www.nrastore.com/nra/product.aspx?productid=PB 01560

It is very helpful for the beginning shooter. It contains a list of what caliber handguns will also accept other ammunition, ie 44 special can go into a 44magnum, etc etc.

You shouldn't have any problem with a revolver. Make sure you clean the cylinders thoroughly after shooting 44 specials and before shooting 44magnums. Since the 44special case is shorter than the 44mag case, a little bit of powder residue will form in the cylinder when you shoot 44specials. The 44mag casing might get stuck in the cylinder if the residue from the 44specials is left to accumulate. I had that problem with shooting 38s through my 357 mag. A couple extra minutes with solvent and a couple extra patches took care of the problem.

If you are using a lever action rifle, you might get feed problems because the Over All Length of the 44special is shorter than the 44magnum cartridge.

Good luck.

-Jim

 

[prisoner6]

And .44 Russian if you want an even shorter case.

 

[rbernie]

Just be prepared to pay the same amount for anything you shoot - it's not as if the 44Special rounds will save you any money.

 

[Josey]

Most all 44 ammunitin except 44-40 will chamber safely. 44 Magnum, 44 Special, 44 Russian, 44 Colt and 44 Bulldog. They are all expensive. For lesser recoil but, more cleaning try black powder 44 Russian.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Reloading

If you try reloading, it can cost quite a bit less than just using factory rounds. My last batch of .357's cost about 7 cents a round, and I think my last .44 Specials ran about 9 or 10 cents each. Keep things clean and the ammo looks like new factory loaded rounds.

 

[Oracle]

I agree, if you shoot any of the larger cartridges (especially the larger revolver cartridges) reloading saves you a ton of money.