.41 Mag 2400 Max. Published Dilemma

Status
Not open for further replies.

gbw

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
836
Location
Deep South
Digging through some old stuff recently I ran across a batch of 300 .41 Magnum cartridges I did a year or so back.

These are loaded with Hornady 210gr. XTP and 18.5gr of Aliant 2400, Winchester primers, medium crimp, new brass. Not sure why I wanted full-bore, but that's what they are. Also not sure why I didn't look at the Aliant site then, as I should have.

By my manuals I'm well under published max. and perfectly ok - Lyman #47 (2000 printing) shows 20.0 gr. 2400 max for this bullet. Older Speer manuals (#9 and #10) also put them in the ballpark.

But, I looked on Aliant's site and they show now 16.8 gr. 2400 max. Hmmmmm.....I'll break them down if I need to, but I'd rather not. I am going to chrono a few although that really doesn't prove much.

So my question: For those of you who have loaded and fired significant numbers of .41s with 2400 - would you use them?

Guns are older Smith 57s.


P.S. Looking through old posts, I see rumors that the 'new' 2400 is faster than the 'old' (Hercules?) 2400. Nobody ever seems to know when the change occurred, nor how much of a change was made.

This doesn't make sense to me - if the powder has changed in any way from older versions I'd think Aliant would just re-name it, to avoid liability if for not other reason. Any decent lawyer would make mince pie of them if they didn't and the powder really has changed.

I also note the trend by all manufacturers to reduce max. listed loads over the past many years. I assume this is another byproduct of too many lawyers with too little to do. (I'm no lawyer basher, btw - a good one when needed is truly priceless.)

UPDATE: Looked at Aliant' site again, they show the 16.8 load for the Speer Half Jacket SWC. For the GDHP 210 gr. they show 19 gr. So I think I'm good to go.

Still, I'd like to hear your max 2400 loads for your .41 mag.
 
Last edited:
2400 powder hasn't changed in burn rate. The older Alliant data showed 17.5grs as maximum for a 210gr bullet at 1,425 fps, the current data shows 19.0grs as maximum with Speers 210gr bullet and 16.8 with the older style 200gr Speer. The older Hornady manual data I have from my load book shows a maximum load of 2400 at 20.0grs with the XTP.

You should be OK regardless I would note that seeing the disparity in max load data I used a 17.5 gr load behind the 210gr XTP in factory primed new Winchester cases and they chrono'd at an average velocity of 1,413 fps from my 6" S&W 57 with no signs of over pressure, pretty much right where the old Alliant data said it would, faster than what one would predict from the manuals data.
 
I remember in loading the 44mag in days of old 22 grains or above were in vogue, now 22 is a +P round, high:what: But in my DE it is ok...

Things to do:scrutiny: Many will say, don't shoot...Others might suggest shoot a few look for signs of pressure:uhoh: If you shot them before and all went well, give it a go IMHO...

Good luck...
:)
 
I'm thinking they changed their team of lawyers. I've been using 2400 since the 1980s and I can't see much difference using the old data.
 
Hornady #8 shows 41 Mag with 210 XTP with a max of 20.0 gr @ 1350.
Two steps below max, 18.4 gr pushes them out at 1250.

Your loads should be fine if you took normal precautions buildiing them.

-steve
 
Thanks, guys. I think they're fine as well, if hotter than I need

I'm curious to chronograph them, S&W 57s, 6" and 8 3/8" (I think these are my favorite alltime revolvers), and I'll post the results if a few days.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top