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Posted: 8/1/2025 1:29:06 PM EDT
| I have a Miroku Winchester 1892 in 44 mag. I bought it new 10-15 years ago. I have shot only 44 mag through it because the barrel is stamped with “44 mag ONLY.” I know a lot of 44 mag or 357 mag can shoot 44 spcl or 38 spcl respectively but usually the barrels are marked with both 44mag and spcl or 357 and 38 spcl. The manual says to use what is marked on the barrel. Any reason why they say 44 mag only? I injured my shoulder a while back and while I can still shoot 44 mag it is not as enjoyable as it use to be. I would like to know if it is safe to shoot 44spcl through it or if I should just stay with 44 mag. If that’s the case, anyone know of some light factory loads for 44 mag? |
| The issue is that winchesters both 357 and 44spl will not cycle specials and even when hand chambered there us a large headspace.gap.that can cause erosion and according to the tech I spoke with "the bullet can enter the rifling at an off angle causing it to lock.up or shear pieces off". The work around is to use magnum brass with special loads. I have about 5000 rounds of specials.loads through my 1892s in 357 and 44 mag |
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Originally Posted By wvfarrier: The issue is that winchesters both 357 and 44spl will not cycle specials and even when hand chambered there us a large headspace.gap.that can cause erosion and according to the tech I spoke with "the bullet can enter the rifling at an off angle causing it to lock.up or shear pieces off". The work around is to use magnum brass with special loads. I have about 5000 rounds of specials.loads through my 1892s in 357 and 44 mag That was my concern. I was thinking it may have to do with chamber depth and bullet jump. I will use mag cowboy loads until I get some 44 mag loading equipment. Then just make my own. |
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Originally Posted By wvfarrier: The issue is that winchesters both 357 and 44spl will not cycle specials Originally Posted By wvfarrier: The issue is that winchesters both 357 and 44spl will not cycle specials Miroku 1892s in .357 cycle (most) .38 sp just fine; I speak from thousands of rounds across 2 different guns. I have a USRAC 94AE in .357 that is likewise fine w/ .38sps. I hear the .44 mag Miroku 1892s versions are the same. and even when hand chambered there us a large headspace.gap.that can cause erosion and according to the tech I spoke with "the bullet can enter the rifling at an off angle causing it to lock.up or shear pieces off". The work around is to use magnum brass with special loads. I have about 5000 rounds of specials.loads through my 1892s in 357 and 44 mag You'd think revolver and single shot manufacturers might label their guns likewise if this were so. The cartridges headspace off the rim, so it's not correct to refer to a headspace gap. The difference in case length is 0.135", hardly enough distance to let the bullet enter the rifling at an angle; the bullet will not have have come remotely close to completely exiting the case before it travels that distance. (also consider that even with a magnum cartridge, there is still freebore, throat, and lede.) Likely they say .44 mag only so you can't complain/sue them when a short bullet .44 sp load doesn't cycle or jams up the action. |
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