44s into 44mag

[monge]

Is it possible to convert a 44sp blackhawk into a 44mag ? Just want to shoot light 44mag loads out of it. Thanks Joe

[PacMan]

Is it possible? Yes
Should you? most likely not. If you were going to live forever and be the only person to ever own the gun would be one thing. But we know that ant happening.
Having said all that i did somthing close.I reamed the cylinders of a 44sp stoping just short of letting a full length 44mag case fit.
Would i ever do it again? NO.

Flame away guys
PAC

[white eagle]

light 44 mag loads = heavy 44 sp loads
from the dreams of one mans 44 sp spawned the 44 mag

[Char-Gar]

Not a good idea.

[canyon-ghost]

The 44 Special Blackhawk is called a flattop, the frame is lighter that the usual Blackhawk frame used for the magnums, only by a small amount but, enough that you wouldn't want to use it for that.

It would be safer to use a 44 Magnum frame as opposed to the flattop. I like my 44 flattop, it's really nice. It has become one of my favorite pea shooters now!

Ron

[tek4260]

The frame isn't the problem, it is the diameter of the cylinder and the thickness of the cylinder at the bolt notches.

[PacMan]

The frame isn't the problem, it is the diameter of the cylinder and the thickness of the cylinder at the bolt notches.

You are correct!

[Ed K]

Interestingly Elmer Keith wanted a gun and load that was in the vicinity of the heavy 44 special/ light 44mag that you speak of. What was placed into his hands was more than he had bargained for.

Anyhow since you can do what you want with 44 special brass why would you want to permanently modify your gun?

[44man]

I agree, nothing wrong with the special. If you want a mag, just buy one. You gain nothing loading light loads in longer brass.

[big dale]

This looks like the perfect excuse to buy another gun.

Have fun with this stuff.

Big Dale

[monge]

Thanks for the help I think Ill pass on reaming cylinders . 44s is a pound lighter to carry eneyway!

[tek4260]

Thanks for the help I think Ill pass on reaming cylinders . 44s is a pound lighter to carry eneyway!

The weight in the 44 Special Ruger is in the grip frame. Chang it to an alloy one if you are wanting a light packing gun. If size isn't a concern, get a 45 Blackhawk, blued. It is about the lightest Ruger has.

[KYCaster]

You can call me a wimp, but 44 Special is all the fun I can stand in a single action frame.

When I want to shoot a magnum it's in a more recoil friendly package.


Jerry

[canyon-ghost]

You can call me a wimp,

No, sir, I shoot a 41 magnum, it can seriously dish it out!

[scattershot]

You can get within shouting distance of 1000 fps with the Special, so I'm not sure what you would gain by rechambering to a possibly dangerous cartridge. somewhere down the line, someone will stick a Garrett Abominable Snowman load in that pistol, with possible damage to the gun and the shooter. I wouldn't do it, and I'll bet a gunsmith wouldn't, either.

[MT Gianni]

You are better off trading for a Mag if that is what you want.

[Lloyd Smale]

in a ruger flattop you can get within shouting distance of 1200 fps with a 250 cast. Its a level i run most of my 44 mags at anyway. that said im a big 44mag fan and would love a 4 5/8s flattop bisley in 44 mag. My thoughts though go to making it a 5 shot so heavy bullets could be run a 1200 fps.

You can get within shouting distance of 1000 fps with the Special, so I'm not sure what you would gain by rechambering to a possibly dangerous cartridge. somewhere down the line, someone will stick a Garrett Abominable Snowman load in that pistol, with possible damage to the gun and the shooter. I wouldn't do it, and I'll bet a gunsmith wouldn't, either.

[scattershot]

in a ruger flattop you can get within shouting distance of 1200 fps with a 250 cast.

In a SPECIAL?? Holy cow!!!

[monge]

what are some of your favorite 44sp loads?

[Lloyd Smale]

ive shot a ton of 250s ahead of 18 grains of 2400 in my flattop. Ive even put quite a few of those loads through my 696 but anymore have backed that gun down to 1000 fps loads. It never gave me any troubles but ive allways been conserned about how thin the forcing cone is on it. Ive also got a 3 screw 357 that clements coverted to a 4 inch 44 spec and its digested MANY of those loads and has even taken a buffalo using them. The ruger mid frames are plenty strong for that load. Another good one is 20 grains of 110. Dont shoot these in a charter bulldog or a tarus though as they will certianly shoot the gun loose in short order.