44 Short Magnum ?

[heliace]

It seems that 44 magnum cases are becoming as rare as hens teeth and those that will part with some want an arm and a leg. I have quite a few old cases that have small 2 to 3 mm. cracks at the case mouth. Could these be trimmed out and the cases be used? Maybe for lighter loads? Sort of like home made 44 special cases?

 

[propliner]

Yes, that can be done. I have a few .44 special cases made from shortened magnum cases.

 

[B]

If you have the time and will to do it that will work fine.

 

[heliace]

Thanks for the replies. How short could one go? Safely.

 

[Ganderite]

Would not matter how short, so long as you are not max loads.

 

[B]

Thanks for the replies. How short could one go? Safely.

Pick a length that covers all your brass to be cut. Then develop a load accordingly. There is no limit to how short you can go but having a bunch at wildly different lengths won't be much good to you.

 

[Snider shooter]

Any cases that have minor mouth splits I cut down to 44 Special length and use 44 Special data.

 

[heliace]

Sounds good. Thanks to all.

 

[hatman1793]

At one point due to the scarcity of 357 Sig cases, some industrious individuals necked down 40S&W cases to 9mm diameter.
Of course 44 mag cases can be trimmed to 44 Special length, just don't mistake them for 44mag. Sequester them.

 

[DiMP]

Budget Shooter Supply had both once fired and new manufacture Starline brass in bags of 100 for sale for a decent price last I looked if you wanted to restock your supplies. I bought a bag of each 44 mag and 44 special at the beginning of December

 

[wallz]

Lots of new 44 mag brass around. Just bought 300 a week or so ago for my nephews new 44 lever. Not even that hard to find it.

 

[B]

I'm sure the OP is glad you guys didn't have the trouble he did.

 

[vagrantviking]

Any cases that have minor mouth splits I cut down to 44 Special length and use 44 Special data.

This is what I would do too. Keep it simple.