Need help identifying the caliber of a S&W revolver

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Well, actually it’s a Belgian copy. The seller thought it was in 44 Russian, but it clearly isn’t. I need some help identifying what it is exactly that I’ve got. Any input will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Here is the link to some photos: http://sdrv.ms/1846gKk

1. Chambers.
The 44 Russian only fits about 25% of the way into the chamber. The chambers are not stepped and have a bit of a taper that goes from about .462 to about .439 (measured with a caliper). I’d do a cast, but I don’t know what materials to use for it.

2. Bore.
8 inch barrel. Very dense rifling of a type sometimes seen on Galand/Perrin guns. The bore slugs at .425 across lands and .445 across grooves (+/-.002)

3. Markings.
Pre-1893 Liege stamp and letter T with a star above it. The serial number is 3 and it is the only number on the gun. I can only guess that very few of these were produced. The barrel address says Smith&Wesson, but it clearly is a Belgian gun.

4. Overall fit and finish.
It was made to look like a S&W 3rd model Russian, but parts wouldn’t be interchangeable. The overall fit and finish are very good. Lock-up and mechanics are superb. It clearly is a copy, but it is of very good quality and wasn’t a cheap one.
 
Does 44-40 fit the chambers? It tapers down like you described.

https ://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?MetallicID=2876&caliber=.44&caliberid=25&header=.44%20Caliber%20Reloading%20Data
 
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A Belgian copy could be anything, including really odd metric cartridges(11mm, 11.5mm, et al). There were thousands of small shops working in and around Liege, etc.
A chamber cast on a revolver won't tell you a whole lot. However, it's done with a material called Cerrosafe. Brownell's sells it, I think. Not sure if there are border restrictions. Rocket science it ain't though.
 
Thanks guys! I've looked up the 442 Webley dimensions and it seems to be the closest fit. Anyone has experience handloading this round? I don't like to have guns I can't shoot, so I end up with all sorts of odd-ball reloading projects. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
COTW-6 gives MV for the .442 as 715 with a 200-grain bullet, 700 with a 220.

I believe JETHUNTER (on this forum) makes a bullet for this number.

Original charge ran from 15 to 19 grains of Black. Late ammunition was loaded with smokeless, but no charges given.

I think if I were loading this one, likely I would start with about 2.5 grains of Bullseye, NO higher. Chrono that, check your brass and adjust from there.

Just maundering. Hope this helps.
 
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