How many s&w were converted to 44 Bain and Davis?

Maybe ask them. They are still in business.

Bain and Davis Gun Shop - Gun Shop California

Assume you are talking about the .357/44 Bain & Davis? If so, there's no way to know. I have dual-cylinder Model 27 that has never been anywhere near Bain & Davis' shop. Any gunsmith (or machinist) with reasonable machining and S&W skills can make one for the cost of reamer and a little time.

I believe quite a pile of Contender barrels may have been chambered for it too, but of course you didn't ask that.

Back in the 80's I converted a bunch of 9mm cylindered, Ruger Blackhawks, to .357-.44 Bain & Davis. Probably only did 5 or 6 S&W's. You could get N frame cylinders for $35 from Numrich Arms back then. They were model 28 cylinders, but if you were using it in the Model 27, the flatter finish wasn't all that big of a deal.

Loved the cartridge. Still do. Sure wish I had the 6 1/2" M-27 back, that would group 125 gr. rds., into 2 1/2" from the bench, at 100 yds. with a 2X Bushnell Phantom scope on it. That thing would powder prairie dogs, out to about 150 yds.

A 125 gr. bullet, driven just under 600 fps. faster than it was designed to go, made mince meat out of anything it hit. Thompson Contenders were the easiest, fastest, most economical way to go. It would get a bunch more velocity, with 10+ inches of barrel.

After I perfect my highway patrolmans ammo it's off to an old school S&W gunsmith to be customized to be my new long range revolver.

Wouldn't it have the same issues in a revolver as the .357 maximum? After looking at the ballistics, seems like it would be way worse.

Nope, never had a flame cutting problem. Never had the problem with cases backing out and tying up the gun, like the .22 Jet, either. Lots of .44 mag. cases got squished down to .357-.44 B&D. But, with one great big disclaimer: this is one gun plugs, and muffs are NOT a bad idea!!! The report of that thing was like the earth cracked open, and Hell crawled out.

The flame cutting thing with the .357 Maximum, if left alone, would surface cut the top strap, and it would stop. Just like it does on the M-19/66, shooting a steady dose of magnums through it. Ruger freaked, and Dan Wesson offered an extra barrel. So, that was pretty much the demise of the .357 Maximum. Good concept, bad publicity, real bad marketing.

Tried my rounds and they backed out and lock up the cylinder. Trying to figure it out.

What do the primers look like? Are they flattened? This is an easy cartridge to overload, in a revolver. Do not use Hornady loads for the Thompson Contender. Remember, they have a standing breach. Just keep the chambers clean, and you shouldn't have any trouble. Unless brass has changed that much, in 27 years.

Gun Scrubber, acetone, alcohol, the chambers, and leave dry. Brake or Carb cleaner for that matter. Good luck. Will try to help you with any problems with it, if my memory holds up.

Yes flatted

Well, I think I answered your question in another post. But, from what I am seeing, wrong powder. Your pressures are way too high. That is a huge case for a .357 bullet. 2400 is about as fast as you can go with that case. H-110/Win 296, H-4227, and some of the fast rifle powders work. You have to fill that case. If you have much room in there, your asking for a blowup, and case setback.

Working with wildcats cartridges is a bit different than the conventional. But, once you figure out what you are doing. Its extremely fun. And you have something that no one else has.

Oh, extreme no-no on lead bullets. I gave you a recipe for a form of lead in the other post. But, I don't really recommend it. Its major work. Its not worth the time and trouble.

If dumb ol me can figure this out. Anyone with a 2nd grade education should be way ahead of me. Hang in there. You will get it.

A buddy had one, the comment about muzzel blast is dead on, but it was accurate out to 125 yards+, had a chance to buy it when he passed away and didn't, a missed opertunity for sure. 20-20 hind sight again.

Dan Wesson had already been producing .357 Super Mags when the Max came and went.

I guess they went back to making Super Mags for silhouette shooters who knew better.