Very good advice, Hobie. Even Elmer Keith launched a few 44 special parts into orbit while trying to turn it into a 44 magnum. I think if sonny uses the above measurements to calculate the total force per sq. in. he will find the forcing cone, being of equal thickness but subjected to a much larger total force because of the larger bore diameter, will come up as the weak link in the 357 to 44 comparison....Roughly 20% higher total force in the 44 over the 357 with both at equal pressures. The extra .006 in. cylinder wall thickness doesn't make one feel too warm and fuzzy about moving on to higher pressures, either. My 696 likes the Winchester Silvertips I feed it and the wear and tear stays at a minimum.