There is an exellent article in Handloader # 236 on loading the .44 special. It was written by Brian Pearce who is about as good as any writer has ever been. He backs up his statements/loads with pressure tested data. The 24-3 and several other revo's can take mid-range magnum loads without a hitch. Anyone who is really interested in this subject can/should buy a back issue from Wolfe publishing.

I know that it is no trick to safely load a 250 grain Lyman 429421 to 1200 fps in my 24-3, which is the original Elmer Keith load.

The .44 special in the right gun, makes a lighter/handier trail gun than the same gun in .44 magnum, and that includes the mountain gun since they still have a longer, heavier cylinder than the 24-3, while the 24-3 is still capable of taking the same range of game.