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I have an old Hopkins & Allen 44 cal falling block shotgun. Of course the original ammunition is long obsolete. I note in my reloading manual that 44 Magnum pistol cases can be used to load shot shells. I tried an empty 44 case and it fits the chamber of the H&A well.
In looking in a loading manual a load of 4 grs of Unique topped with a gas check ,then 6 or 7 1/2shot and that topped with another gas check is listed for revolvers.
Do any of you have an idea of the pressure such a load would generate and if it would be safe in this shotgun? The gun is in sound condition with only minor peppering to the bore.
I would appreciate your opinions.
Jim

I'm a forest biologist who occasionally has to control pests in built-up and environmentally sensitive areas.

This is a .410 shotgun using .45 Colt cases with 6 grains of whatever shotgun powder I'm loading my 12ga target loads with at the time, a fiber over-powder wad, the case filled with steel shot topped by a thin cardboard overshot wad sealed by wax. Just make sure you store them in a cool place, not your truck's glove compartment.

Quiet and works great within 15 yards on small pests. At greater distances providing I'm on dry ground, I use regular lead 410 loads. Even in an antique, provided the barrel is in good condition, pressure is the least of my worries with these. Not enough shot weight.

Jim,
My cousin uses shortened 7x57R cases I gave him and they work well.I had some in my "junk pile" made from 303 British cases that also worked ok,while a little smaller dia. I use 444 Marlin cases for carpenter bees in a 2 1/2" 410 pistol. I suggest you cut overpowder(use 2or3)and overshot wads from the bottom of the trays meat comes packed in.I seal mine off with Titebond II, and my cousin uses waterglass. It all works, but the longer cases have more capacity.
Mike

Thanks guys:
I've been on the lookout for 444 Marlin cases but they're scarce at the moment. Apparently everyone else want's them as well.
I'm going to have a go with 44 mag cases in the meantime since I have these.
Jim

Update:
I just ran some tests with the 44 Mag brass I have on hand. I loaded the cases with 3 gr of Win 231 since I didn't have any shotgun powder handy. I put in an overpowder cardboard wad, then no. 6 shot and a top cardboard wad. These fired after a fashion and the patterns at 10 yds. are actually pretty good. It usually took multiple tries to set off the primer and I guess the case fit isn't good enough so I'll continue looking for 444 Marlin brass.
Unfortunately the chamber on this shotgun is too tight for 45 Long Colt brass.

1906 Sears Catalog

Cartridges of the World says the .44CF XL used Win 44-40 (44WCF) cases and was listed as the 44 Game Getter, the 44-40 Marlin and the 44 Colt Lightning.

http://books.google.com/books?id=bjhy8uv...0XL&f=false

Update:
R.E. 44 magnum casing loads. I upped the powder charge to 6 gr of Winchester 231 and kept everything else the same. From what I can see it's a potent load for vermin and the like out to about 20 yards.
I will continue looking for 444 Marlin cases to try but so far these have been elusive.
Jim

There's a couple of batches of brass at Gunbrokers right now.

Thanks I'll take a look.
Jim