Just got in from the Portland gun show up at the expo center. Found a 14" SST 445 rechamber of a 44 mag with 'Bellm' stamped on the lug, and 445 stamped over the original '44 mag' cal designation on the side.

The best part - I got it for $165.... that was the price tagged and I was so excited I didn't even try to haggle.

Also it has a 5 port (2 ea side, one on top where the front site should be) brake and a shortened front ramp. Is this one of your brakes?

Can't wait to see how it shoots.

Congratulations! Excellent price. I wouldn't haggle either so long as everything looked right about it.

I did do some experimenting with alternative styles of brakes in the mid-90s, but I do not recall doing a configuration like you describe. Are the ports cut directly into the barrel or is there an expansion chamber inside where the ports come through? All of my machined in brakes have an expansion chamber.

If you have any problems that might be related to the ports, let me know. Always interested in how the barrels shoot anyway, so keep us posted.

Mike

There doesn't appear to be any expansion chamber in the muzzle - the rifling continues all the way to the crown.

I went back to the show today to scrounge brass - none in the place. I will be ordering some from midway or starline asap so that I can get started on some load development.

Will check back in and let everyone know how it works.

Thanks,

Please do keep us posted.

Note that an expansion chamber can be machined into the barrel if need be.

Enjoy.

Mike