What are the dimensions fo the modern 44 Colt?

[Roscoe Coles]

I am looking into a conversion for my 1858 and a barrel cylinder switch for my 45 Schofield 1872s.  I know that the original 44 Colt was a healed bullet with a very small rim to fit in the conversions.  What are the modern dimensions of the 44 Colt?  Are they just a 44 special or russian with a small rim?  Can I shoot russians in one?  Do they use a 427 or 429 bullet or do I need to start casting healed bullets?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Fox Creek Kid]

The cases are the same. The case head is a nominal 0.483" and case length is 1.10" I believe. The ONLY real difference was the ORIGINAL .44 Colt was a heel based bullet so as to be shot in a larger .45 cal. groove diam. barrel.  

[Roscoe Coles]

So why does Uberti offer two separate cylinders (and guns) for the 44 spl. and the 44 Colt/44 Russian for the open tops?  And more interesting, why do they have the 44 Russian and the 44 Colt in the same cylinder when the Russian is normally considered to be a short 44Spl? What's the difference between the guns?

[Montana Slim]

So why does Uberti offer two separate cylinders (and guns) for the 44 spl. and the 44 Colt/44 Russian for the open tops?  And more interesting, why do they have the 44 Russian and the 44 Colt in the same cylinder when the Russian is normally considered to be a short 44Spl? What's the difference between the guns?

As I'm sure you know, the 44 Spl cartridge case is a shade longer than a .44 Colt.
Can't answer the "why they do it" for sure...my guess is some may prefer the gun marked "44 Colt".
If the gun were chambered to .44 Spl, of course you could fire any of the 3 cartridges in it.

Regards,
Slim

[Pettifogger]

Starline is the only maker and here is what they say about the case:

"44 COLT (Large Pistol primer) 1.095"-1.105" O.A.L.     

Essentially a 44 SPL. but .050" shorter with a smaller diameter rim (Same as 41 Mag). Originally used in Colt 1860 cartridge conversion revolvers. Use RCBS #30 or #21 shell holder, or Lee #3."

So, bottom line is that if you have a .44 Special it will also chamber the .44 Russian and .44 Colt.  Modern ".44 Colt" Uberti revolvers use inside lubed bullets the same as the .44 Special.