I don’t know for sure. Some 44 Rem Mag levers can also fire 44 Special, but wouldn’t it be marked that way? Dunno. Maybe that’s a question for Winchester. An e-mail back to them with the model/serial no. would probably get an authoritative answer.
The case of the .44 mag is about 1/16th longer than .44 Spl. It should work fine, because, as with a shotgun, the round is pushed onto a carrier, which raises it to barrel level. The bolt then pushes it into the chamber, with the extractor hooking the rim at the last moment. Shotgun shells and revolver ammo both headspace on the case rim, so cartridge length, unless way off, should have no trouble feeding or ejecting.
Depending on the rifle weight, recoil should be easy. More than .223, but a lot less than the old 30-30.
Yup, the .44 Special is the basis for the .44 Magnum; only difference is a bit of case length, sixteen on an inch IIRC. I’m sure Winmag will know.
You may want to consider just reloading the .44Mag. You can make any power load you want. Lead or Jacketed etc.
Doesn’t have to be a full bore G’nad type reloading set up. Dillion makes a heck of a reloader though. You can do your .45, .40 and 9mm with only a change of dies.
A LeeLoader will do the job, one round at a time. I have loaded lots of ammo that way.
Safe to shoot yet the question is IF your lever gun will feed em properly. I use 44 specials in a Marlin 44 mag but do not own a 44 Mag flavored Winchester . Shouldn’t be an issue at all DJ !
They make a slip on recoil pad available at Midway or Brownells as well !
That 44 mag should be a sweet little plinker ?!?!?
You ever pass thru the Panhandle of Texas I’ll buy you and your family a steak dinner and let ya plink with my 500 Linebaugh Bisley and our Ruger No 1 re-chambered in 460 Weatherby Mag.....:o)