Looks like my 44 has been messed with and the chamber opened up for WCF. What's the consensus for forming these from 3220 brass?

I am using reformed Startline 32-20 in 4 different 25-20WCF rifles with no issues. The cases will be slightly shorter than factory 25-20 WCF. There several published ways to convert the cases. I start out by annealing the cases. First step is the Redding 25-20 FL die and run the cases just over the expander  ball to be sure the neck is round. Next is a Redding 25-20 file trim die using Imperial sizing wax. You will less cases of you  run them about half way and withdraw it before inserting it fully. Next the cases go in a Redding FL sizing die using the same half insertion, withdraw and insert fully routine. You can then load them normally. Expect to loose a few and you will have some with dents that iron out upon first firing. I have seen little accuracy difference in fire forming new cases and forced cases but I'm not shooting tuned up target rifles.  Others report they just run 32-20 cases in a 25-20 FL die, they didn't work for me at all. Keep your loads moderate for that 44. There's lots of 25-20 WCF data out there that will loose up a 44 very quickly.  I own a converted 44 also and I'm using 6.5-7 grains of imr 4227 with bullets from 60 to 86 grains. I've also used 4 G of Unique.

oneatatime wrote yesterday at 11:46am:


Correct, I didn't think about somebody just running a WCF reamer in a SS chamber and calling it good!  Attached is a side by side and beside the freebore there is a section ahead of the neck down where the SS case is actually larger than the WCF. Probably not dangerous to shoot but the fires brass sure would look odd.