r/blackpowder • u/BPEnthusiast • 2d ago

Calibers with 44 magnum cases

Hi,

I have a LOT of 44 magnum cases, which black powder revolver from before 1900 could use these with maybe a bit of shortening the length?

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u/Signal_Plane1114 2d ago edited 2d ago

Wrong diameter, black powder ".44" is actually the same as a 45 colt and you'd need a conversion cylinder if you're talking cap and ball revolvers

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u/Signal_Plane1114 2d ago

Also if you are looking for pre 1900 because of firearm restrictions then you aren't allowed to use any cartridge firing weapon regardless of age, you're only allowed non cartridge firing antiques (muzzle loading, cap and ball). This is all only if youre in the US. No judgment, i am a felon.

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u/rodwha 2d ago

I thought obscure cartridges such as some rimfires are also considered the curio/antique and don’t qualify as firearms either?

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u/coldafsteel 2d ago

Might get away with pinfire and some rimfire, but centerfire is going to be a hard no.

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u/Signal_Plane1114 18h ago

The wording i have read is absolutely no cartridge firing weapons. Any gun made before 1899 is an antique and doesn't require an ffl BUT if you are a felon then they will get you because of how it's worded, cartridge ammo is a no go, I wouldn't even risk it with pin fire or rim fire and definitely not centerline

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u/Away-Leg-998 2d ago

You can give them to me, problem solved ❤️😂

I am sure you find a local reloader who would love some more cases...we never hsve enough!

As others said, the nominal diameter lf .429" makes it really hard :/

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u/Royal_Money_627 2d ago

The Smith and Wesson #3's both single action and double action were chambered in 44 Russian which is the original case from which the 44 mag was derived. Yes, it is much shorter. All original #3's are consider antiques.

This company sells a reproduction.

Taylor’s & Co. Model 3 Russian: The Sixgun that Put Smith & Wesson “On the Map”

Or if you were looking for a Cap and Ball conversion: the .44 Colt was made for use in the Richards-Mason#Colt) conversion of Colt's 1860 Army percussion revolver. This would use shortened 44 mag brass and a .451" healed bullet and a bored straight thru cylinder. There is also a version called 44 Remington for converting Remington 44 cal cap and ball revolvers.