Hooda Thunkit
Member
Now I understand why folks are so enthusiastic about the 41 magnum. I'm surprised it isn't more popular.
Jeff
Mostly because the ammo is ridiculously expensive, and not on the shelf everywhere. It's a reloaders cartridge.
Now I understand why folks are so enthusiastic about the 41 magnum. I'm surprised it isn't more popular.
Jeff
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.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.
Nero...their 250 grain WFN is the same bullet that Federal and CorBon use in their factory ammo...
Yes, I know the 250 gr bullet is still available.Nero...their 250 grain WFN is the same bullet that Federal and CorBon use in their factory ammo...
20.0 grains of H110 runs 1305 from a Freedom Arms 97 4.25" barrel...
Bob
The 255 probably does not cycle in lever guns, where the 250 likely will.
So far, approx 12.0 gr A2400 in Starline cases with WLP primer and 0.03 over powder wad has worked well.
Since the forgotten middle magnum don't get much press I figured why not start a .41 mag association. This would be the perfect place to share favorite loads guns and so on. So lets go .41 addicts lets get this ball rolling.
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.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?
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.You are putting a wad in?
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.
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.Since the forgotten middle magnum don't get much press I figured why not start a .41 mag association. This would be the perfect place to share favorite loads guns and so on. So lets go .41 addicts lets get this ball rolling.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 coltDefinitely 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.Thanks for your reply. The reloading nixes the deal for me. I used to do that but now stock up on what I need.
Welcome, what bullet are you going to load?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 .
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.