I would also like to join ˝exclusive˝ .41 Mag Association. Shooting blue Bisley, hoping to get S&W 657. It always amazes me how some folks look down on this cartridge and badmouthing it, without ever firing a single shot. Contrary to that, I do not know any 41 shooter that did not start shooting something else, before became ˝converted˝. What I like about 41 is that I can shoot 220 grain bullet at about 1100-1200 fps all day long. Not so shooting 44-250 at the same velocity, after less than 100 rounds I fell tingling in my hands. And if someone wants top loads, see what’s possible
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/41magnum.htm ,
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/41heavy.htm
Since I just found this thread, my apology for lengthy post, trying to catch up.
Be aware that Alliant 2400 isn't exactly the same as the old Hercules 2400. It seems to be a bit faster...so any old data should be reduced 10% and reapproached with caution.
It is very wise to reduce loading data whenever getting new batch of powder. That is the reason why more knowledgeable reloaders buy larger quantity at once and work their loads again. However, regarding ˝faster/hotter˝ Alliant than Hercules, I found somewhere that Alliant stated that nothing changed in formula for 2400, but primers became generally hotter, and that is the reason why same old loads using 2400 became hotter. FYI, I do not use 2400, but had the same opinion for number of years that 2400 Allient is faster than Hercules. The bottom line is; ALWAYS USE LATEST RELOADING MANUALS, keep the old ones just as nice memorabilia.
Here is the test that basically supports Alliants claim
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=72355 ;
From the above data, with the exception of the 21 gr data, we see that the Alliant 2400 appears to be “hotter”. However, the difference is less than 2% which is probably well within acceptable lot to lot variation. The 21 gr load where the Hercules 2400 is “hotter” is even less that 2% variation. Note that the 21.5 gr load of Hercules 2400 has 2,400 less psi than the 21 gr load of Alliant 2400 but still has a slightly higher velocity….such are the variances and why there is an acceptable variance. It is also why the “fudge factor” is built in. Were all the loads of Alliant 2400 “hotter” than the Hercules 2400 we could safely say, at least from this test, that this lot of Alliant 2400 is “hotter” than this lot of Hercules 2400. However that is not the case. With this test it appears both powders fall within lot to variation of a specific powder...
... Conclusion; Alliant says they didn’t change the formula for 2400 and you can’t prove by me otherwise. With cast bullets I shall to use 22 gr of Alliant 2400 under the 250 gr "Keith" style cast bullet in the 44 magnum as that load shoots very nicely in my Ruger 50th Anniversary BHFT at 1350 fps.
It is the thinking man's cartridge. I will never sell any of mine. I have a Bisley that totally amazes people at the range for long range work and with the heaviest loads I can shoot it all day if I'm in the mood.
Couldn't agree more, just optimum balance of revolver's weight, power, flat trajectory and reasonable recoil.
... If word really got out, we'd have a glut of used .44s on the shelves and nary a .41 in sight.
From what I found, this is not ˝we'd have a glut˝, this a fact. I am trying to locate up here (pristine) 657 for few years, nobody wants to sell it, even well used one. Opposite, I found at my local dealers a lot of used 44s. Many times shooters from USA posted that there are a tons of 44 Magnum revolvers on used gun racks, a good chunk of them in pristine condition, basically NIB, with just cylinder or two fired. As for used 41s, it's hard to find one that is not WELL used.
Alright 38 members and growing
1. 336A
2. 1911Tuner
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36. osteodoc08
37. mgregg85
38.llwsgn
I would suggest move this list on your first post, it's easier to update it. Also, I suggest keep the list open, there are more 41 shooters out there that didn't discover this thread yet.
Cheers, Onty.
