.44 magnum - factory mid power loading

Yeah, I'm interested enough that I fired off a email to one of the manufacturers of the 460 Rowland kit to ask about whether one will work with my specific 1911 model.

You're more than likely golden.
It's kinda like an AR upper swap. As long as the frame is spec, it should be a near drop in.
 
You're more than likely golden.
It's kinda like an AR upper swap. As long as the frame is spec, it should be a near drop in.

I'm hoping so, but on their website they specifically say
"Not recommended for Filipino manufactured 1911’s, other soft metal 1911’s, or aluminum manufactured frames or slides."

And since the gun in question is a Turkish manufacturer I wanted to verify it wouldn't be one that they considered a "soft metal 1911".
 
I have a good bit of experience converting guns to 460 Rowland. And while it does add a good bit of performance, the guns can be finicky as far as reliability goes.

Added recoil and slide velocity sometimes requires some creative choreography between mag and slide spring rates. And maximum reliability always requires an iron grip.

Even when you do get all the kinks worked out it still doesn’t offer the potential of the 44 with anything outside of 200-250gr bullets and cannot come close if you’re hand loading the 44 to full potential.
 
I have a good bit of experience converting guns to 460 Rowland. And while it does add a good bit of performance, the guns can be finicky as far as reliability goes.

Added recoil and slide velocity sometimes requires some creative choreography between mag and slide spring rates. And maximum reliability always requires an iron grip.

Even when you do get all the kinks worked out it still doesn’t offer the potential of the 44 with anything outside of 200-250gr bullets and cannot come close if you’re hand loading the 44 to full potential.
Thanks for the info about mag springs. That is one item that isn't included in the kit I was looking at online.
I'm guessing it may require a heavier mag spring to "pop" the next round up quicker due to the increased slide velocity of the heavier recoil spring?

The kit I was looking at is less than the cost of even the least expensive 1911, and being able to boost a 1911 to that level of ballistic performance for such a reasonable cost is very intriguing.

I already have a 22LR conversion kit, and this sounds equally cool - just extending the versatility of the platform towards the opposite end of the spectrum.
 
Last edited:
well for certain there isn't going to be much factory ammo for you in 460 Rowland...which is what you were looking for in mid level loads in the 44 mag. Keep the 44 and handload for it...and keep the 45 too. You can even spend the money to make it a Rowland but the 44 will still be more versatile for most uses...IMO. And I had a top level semi auto years ago. There is a reason the 44 auto mag never made it big time...and why the Rowland is not a major player now...also in my opinion
 
well for certain there isn't going to be much factory ammo for you in 460 Rowland...which is what you were looking for in mid level loads in the 44 mag. Keep the 44 and handload for it...and keep the 45 too. You can even spend the money to make it a Rowland but the 44 will still be more versatile for most uses...IMO. And I had a top level semi auto years ago. There is a reason the 44 auto mag never made it big time...and why the Rowland is not a major player now...also in my opinion
I have at least five 44 mag revolvers, plus at least four 44 specials (maybe more - I may not be recalling all of them off the top of my head), and I reload for them. So I am definitely a fan of the caliber. I also have seven 45's (3 revolvers and 4 autos) that I reload for. I'm a fan of that caliber too.
Yeah, I wouldn't be worried about the factory 460 Rowland ammo availability. I already have everything I need to reload for it except some brass.
There are a couple of "cool factor" things about this conversion that intrigue me. Like having 8+1 rounds on tap with 44 mag power. And that a 1911 is a lot easier to carry than a 44 mag revolver. Especially if you want to conceal it.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top