I shot thousands of 44 special loads, in my .44 mag pistol. I've used both types of primers, and both cases, with good results. When loading in Special cases, and magnum primers, I'd start on the lower end, and work up [how many times does that need repeating]. If you are shooting a rifle, and it's chambered for 44 Mag, you have a good safety factor. You also don't have to worry about "complete burn", with the longer barrel of a rifle. Either primer will handle that. By my Hornady book, the Special runs at 15,500 PSI, while the Magnum runs at 36,000 PSI Max. Just don't try 44 mag loads in a 44 special case. I goofed, on that, years ago, and still remember the first shot. Luckily, I didn't blow the gun. Which rifle are you using? I have a couple old Ruger semi auto carbines, I'm very fond of, But they're a little persnickety and only function well with full magnum loads. If your shooting a newer Lever gun, you'll be OK with the reduced loads. As mentioned above, you will get a carbon ring with the shorter cases, which could give you trouble when shooting the longer Mag cases. Easy to clean out, though. I used Unique, Bullseye, and Titegroup. Never used 231, so I can't help ya with loads for for that. Good luck.
