Hooda Thunkit
Member
Mostly because the ammo is ridiculously expensive, and not on the shelf everywhere. It's a reloaders cartridge.
.41 Mag Association
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Mostly because the ammo is ridiculously expensive, and not on the shelf everywhere. It's a reloaders cartridge.
NeroM
Member
Loading 41 Mag for some 30 years, never shot a factory load in any of my 41s. Nothing against factory cartridges, just don't use them. Handloading allows development of an optimal load. For me in 41 Mag this has been the 255 gr cast performance (CPC) .410 bullet over enough Lil-Gun to yield 1225 fps. Powder weight is just a grain or so below Hodgdon manual load for this bullet. Pressure is reasonable, load had been consistent and field/game performance great!
Sadly, CPC stopped making this bullet. Been working since last summer to find a new optimum load. Want a fairly heavy bullet. For some reason, my guns don't like the CPC 250 gr bullet. The 265 gr bullet has a long nose. Reasonable results with 240 gr LFN from Montana Bullet. Came on to some 295 gr bullets from Pennbullet. Some on this forum indicate the 295 gr penn with 18-19 gr w296/h110 loading generate around 1250-1300 fps. Nice, but a little spicier load than I am looking for.
Any one have any experience with the 295 bullet with 2400 or Lil-Gun- want to develop a consistent load around 1050 fps?
Thanks in advance for any actual info ? NeroM.
Sadly, CPC stopped making this bullet. Been working since last summer to find a new optimum load. Want a fairly heavy bullet. For some reason, my guns don't like the CPC 250 gr bullet. The 265 gr bullet has a long nose. Reasonable results with 240 gr LFN from Montana Bullet. Came on to some 295 gr bullets from Pennbullet. Some on this forum indicate the 295 gr penn with 18-19 gr w296/h110 loading generate around 1250-1300 fps. Nice, but a little spicier load than I am looking for.
Any one have any experience with the 295 bullet with 2400 or Lil-Gun- want to develop a consistent load around 1050 fps?
Thanks in advance for any actual info ? NeroM.
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RJM52
Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2006
- Messages
- 225
Nero...sad to hear that CP isn't making that 255 any more...that is one of my favorite bullets. I use it with 22.0 grains of H110 for mid-1300s out of a 5.5" Reeder custom and a 6" FA 654.
That bullet was made in a LBT mold that Kelly had Verl Smith make him. One of these days soon I need to send Verl one of those bullets and have a mold made...
I have shot the Penn/SSK bullet with 19.0 grains of H110 but if I was to ever use that bullet again I would back it down to 18.0 grains. Not sure if I ever chronoed that load. I also have a 300 grain Mountain Mold that throws a great bullet. 19.0 grains of H110 runs mid-1200s.
GT Bullets has a 240 Keith. I've been using a 250 Keith and have had excellent results with Unique and 2400...
http://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6
As to Lil-Gun, after reading the warnings from Freedom Arms I have never tried any and don't plan to... H110 has been working fine for me in top end loads and the fewer powders in the house the better..
Bob
That bullet was made in a LBT mold that Kelly had Verl Smith make him. One of these days soon I need to send Verl one of those bullets and have a mold made...
I have shot the Penn/SSK bullet with 19.0 grains of H110 but if I was to ever use that bullet again I would back it down to 18.0 grains. Not sure if I ever chronoed that load. I also have a 300 grain Mountain Mold that throws a great bullet. 19.0 grains of H110 runs mid-1200s.
GT Bullets has a 240 Keith. I've been using a 250 Keith and have had excellent results with Unique and 2400...
http://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6
As to Lil-Gun, after reading the warnings from Freedom Arms I have never tried any and don't plan to... H110 has been working fine for me in top end loads and the fewer powders in the house the better..
Bob
RealGun
Member
I shoot 41 Magnum in a Blackhawk Flat Top 6", currently favoring Rimrock 230 grain, gas check, SWC; which I believe is already heavy for caliber. The 16.6 grain of IMR 4227 is reasonable to shoot while leaving room for a hotter load. Even better is a 210 XTP with 19.0 gr IMR 4227. I don't understand the need for cannonball bullet weights in this caliber, even heavier than typical 44 Magnum. Seems like it would beat up the gun and the shooter when pursuing higher velocities. If I wanted drama, I would shoot my 44 Magnum or 45 Colt Redhawk. I like my 41 because I can handle it with a serious load.
Charlie98
Member
Well... crap. I didn't realize they stopped making that... it was an excellent, dependable bullet. I still have some left upstairs... but I think I just loaded them up a few months ago.
NeroM
Member
Approx a year ago, around the time CPC rolled out their new crappier web site,
They also discontinued two of my favorite bullets.
The 255 gr /.41and 325 PB/.452 bullets.
Loaded the .41 to slightly above 1200 fps as noted in a previous post.
325 gr/.452 in 45 Colt single shot encore to 1200 fps - max for me.
This was my moose load- awesome penetration and wound channel.
Have a hundred 325s to load.
Out of the .41s and still looking for an optimal replacement.
Have had best success when handgun hunting to use bullets with a SD
Greater than .200 - which is approx 240 gr in the 41 Mag.
PS- if anyone from CPC is reading this - please bring these two bullets back?
They also discontinued two of my favorite bullets.
The 255 gr /.41and 325 PB/.452 bullets.
Loaded the .41 to slightly above 1200 fps as noted in a previous post.
325 gr/.452 in 45 Colt single shot encore to 1200 fps - max for me.
This was my moose load- awesome penetration and wound channel.
Have a hundred 325s to load.
Out of the .41s and still looking for an optimal replacement.
Have had best success when handgun hunting to use bullets with a SD
Greater than .200 - which is approx 240 gr in the 41 Mag.
PS- if anyone from CPC is reading this - please bring these two bullets back?
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Charlie98
Member
I see that is still listed as available... had me worried for a moment. I've used that bullet in both my Dan Wesson and my Marlin 1894... it's gas checked so higher velocities don't bother it.
NeroM
Member
Yes, I know the 250 gr bullet is still available.
The 255 gr has been discontinued.
255 bullet was especially good as the crimp was mid bullet, gave more powder space than the 250 gr, with a small amount of added length.
17.5 gr w296 with 250 gr bullet gave around 1290 fps out of my FA83 (6") at approx 29k cup pressure.
The 255 gr with 18. 1 gr w296 generated approx 1290 fps in the same revolver at about 22k cup. Pressure data from Hodgdon web site. For me, 255 bullet with LilGun gave a more consistent load at a lower pressure ( I know the concerns about LilGun)- an optimal load for my needs.
The 255 probably does not cycle in lever guns, where the 250 likely will.
My 657 gets 210 xtp ,20gr 4227 ,wlp primer,seated to crimp in the middle of the canalure ,not quite half turn on the lee crimp die . if there,s any bullets more accurate than the xtp in the s&w revolvers I have owned ,I,ve never shot them.
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Charlie98
Member
You are likely correct. The 250grn cycles flawlessly in my Marlin. I had some true Keith-style SWC bullets, 220grn that seated out just a wee bit further than a typical RCBS- or Lyman-type 215grn SWC... and they constantly hung up. You had to muzzle-up the rifle to get the cartridge all the way back on the carrier for successful cycling. I have a video of me shooting it on the dueling tree and I looked like a monkey hugging a football cycling the Marlin...
NeroM
Member
A couple weeks ago, I asked about loading for the Penn 295 gr bullet.
Received a couple of good suggestions.
Have been working on finding consistent mid level load data for this bullet.
So far, approx 12.0 gr A2400 in Starline cases with WLP primer and 0.03 over powder wad has worked well.
Chrony'd four of these, measured 1055 to 1060 fps from a 6.5" RBH - temp was 19 F. Comfortable to shoot without the ear ringing blast of some loads. Nicely penetrated some 8" live but frozen pine trees at 30 yds, very clear exit "wounds".
Have to load up a bigger batch for accuracy testing.
Received a couple of good suggestions.
Have been working on finding consistent mid level load data for this bullet.
So far, approx 12.0 gr A2400 in Starline cases with WLP primer and 0.03 over powder wad has worked well.
Chrony'd four of these, measured 1055 to 1060 fps from a 6.5" RBH - temp was 19 F. Comfortable to shoot without the ear ringing blast of some loads. Nicely penetrated some 8" live but frozen pine trees at 30 yds, very clear exit "wounds".
Have to load up a bigger batch for accuracy testing.
Charlie98
Member
You are putting a wad in?
Hokkmike
Member
As one who is currently in the market for a SAA "cowboy" gun that could double as a deer gun in a pinch this caliber intrigues me. Is ammo available at most gun stores? How would you compare its efficacy for deer versus the .44 or .45 long colt?
RealGun
Member
Definitely a reloader's proposition. I have Trailboss ammo (and lead bullets) in 41 Magnum cases for when I was using a Blackhawk for starting in SASS and later as part of a backup set of guns. Hodgdon's starting load is way lighter and would probably be fine. The deal is that to also be a hunting gun I think you should go with Blackhawks for cowboy. Check the rules for where a gun with adjustable sights might be restricted.
NeroM
Member
Yes, when loading plain base bullets to a higher pressure/velocity, I put a thin (0.03) fiber wad over powder. Under 1000 fps or 20k pressure, I don't bother unless loading black powder.
Hokkmike
Member
Thanks for your reply. The reloading nixes the deal for me. I used to do that but now stock up on what I need.
RJM52
Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2006
- Messages
- 225
That is interesting....I have never used anything under a plain base cast bullet and have never had a problem with leading...
As to the 255s in lever guns, yes they do cycle. Not as smooth as some but they do cycle. I have only used them in a Marlin 1894 CCL but they were very accurate.
As to the 255s in lever guns, yes they do cycle. Not as smooth as some but they do cycle. I have only used them in a Marlin 1894 CCL but they were very accurate.
RealGun
Member
A SASS match with 6 stages will require 120 rounds plus a box of shot shells, so we quickly find that reloading is part of the game. It is also not very practical to source loaded ammo (lead required) that is mild enough to allow very fast follow up shots and which will cycle in your rifle. If you settle on a single load for both rifle and pistol, you can have a dedicated set up without the headaches and variables of changeovers for other purposes.
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yankee7809
Member
Well, I just bought a Blackhawk .41 Magnum and purchased dies, bullets and brass. much more expensive affair than the .44's and 45's I reload for. But I can't wait to shoot it .
Welcome, what bullet are you going to load?
yankee7809
Member
Bought some 200 grain flat point lead Hunters supply and some 210 grain Hornady XTP 's to start with. Want to get to know the caliber with some typical weight / load combinations before experimenting too much.
NeroM
Member
Recently wrote in frustration of CPC discontinuing the 255/41 bullet that made an optimum load for my needs.
Plus looking to work up a new load. Have tried a couple dozen combinations, asked about data for 295 gr Penn bullet. Found a fair loading with 2400 and 295 Penn. Have shot it now a few weeks, penetrates well, but I think the wound channel and exit hole left by a 250 gr CPC is better. Loading the 250 over approx 13.5 gr 2400 for approx 1150 fps from an RBH - it is consistent and comfortable for me to shoot. While I initially said I didn't favor this 250 - it is working ok. Going to use it.......for now.
Plus looking to work up a new load. Have tried a couple dozen combinations, asked about data for 295 gr Penn bullet. Found a fair loading with 2400 and 295 Penn. Have shot it now a few weeks, penetrates well, but I think the wound channel and exit hole left by a 250 gr CPC is better. Loading the 250 over approx 13.5 gr 2400 for approx 1150 fps from an RBH - it is consistent and comfortable for me to shoot. While I initially said I didn't favor this 250 - it is working ok. Going to use it.......for now.
Charlie98
Member
I've had good luck with the 250's... I load them over W296. I do have a curiosity loading them over either 2400 or IMR4227, for the Marlin, of course. That would eliminate another powder off the bench.
Charlie98
Member
The generic cast bullet for the .41MAG is the 215grn SWC... plentiful and easy to find. I don't think I've ever loaded 200grn cast in the .41.
The 210grn XTP is a sure bet, however... I've had nothing but excellence from that bullet out of about 5 different firearms, loaded over 3 different powders.
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