EXCELLENT POINT!!

I just checked:

Lee manual
OAL 44 spcl: 1.615
OAL 44 mag: 1.610

...no, I did not transpose the dimensions, the special is longer than the mag.

Hornady manual:
44 spcl: 1.500
44 mag: 1.610 only .11 longer.

Speer manual:
44 spcl: 1.615
44 mag: 1.610, again, the special is longer than the mag!

There you have it.

I'm not a gunsmith...but logic tells me the difference between calibers in a 44mag/spcl is the thickness of stressed parts and the ability to absorb higher pressures for the mag guns.

BE CAREFUL