Can a 44 special cartridge be used in a Ruger .44 magnum revolver?

Yes, like a .38 Spl can be shot in a .357 Mag. Just the same, but only after (unrealistic ?) heavy use, the shorter case may develop some erosion in the chambers, due to its shorter length. OTOH, regular shooting of lead bullets will in time leave a lead ring right at the (shorter) case mouth. It needs to be brushed out for it may hamper the chambering of longer .44 Mag cases.

quote:

but only after (unrealistic ?) heavy use

I don't know what unrealistic use is I put more then 50000 rounds of 38spl thru a 357 and haven't see wear

I can't tell, but I've seen an old S&W 19 6", used for years of target work with .38 Spl. 148WC only (how much ?), that had a like flame cutting ring in some chambers. I've been assured, but not witnessed, that the same has happened with lots of (?).22 shorts fired in a .22 LR chamber.

The 22 normally is powder and lead build up and a good brushing should remove it.

I have seen the same in a 357 never flame cutting

The ring in the cylinder is not 'flame cutting'. Flame cutting occurs above the end of the barrel in the topstrap area. The ring in the cylinder is undoubtedly lead build up. Buy a stainless steel bore brush (made for use in revolver cylinders only) and watch the lead ring disappear.

Some of you need to add the term "crud ring" to your personal phrase list

Maybe not the same caliber, but when I shoot a certain batch of 38 Spl wadcutters in my GP-100, they leave a severe 'crud ring' in the chamber. After cleaning it out I switched to loading them in 357 cases and have no problems.

It only happens with this bullet. I fire various 38 Spl handloads of other brand cast SWC and jacketed bullets in my S&W Model 13 and have no problems like the WC's do in the GP-100.

I have had a lead build up when using 38spc in a .357 and 44spc in a 44mag even some in a 454 after shooting 45colt loads.
The lead will brush out and has not caused any noticeable wear.

I like the term "crud ring".