[Nightcrawler]

Okay, I've asked about the strength of my Model 25-5, and have gotten a pretty good idea. But what about my Model 57 .41 Magnum? (No dash number) It's the same, pre-enhancement N-Frame as the 25-5, but has a lot more metal between the chambers. Any factory ammo out there I should avoid? Don't shoot a lot of the super heavy stuff anyway; I can barely afford the regular stuff as is.

[Old Fuff]

The model 57 (no dash number) doesn't seem to have earned the reputation the model 29 did for shooting loose. I think it will stand up to any listed factory load. Clearly, the only way to economically shoot a .41 Magnum is to reload. Doing so also opens up the possibility of many lead-bullet loads, which are easier on the bore then jacketed ones.

Another option is to purchase commercial reloads, although ones in .41 Magnum aren’t the easiest thing to find. Bullets and brass are available by mail/internet order and at many gunshows if your local dealer doesn’t carry them

I notice you haven’t shown any interest in Ruger single actions. When it comes to nothing more then “go bang” shooting at a range or in the field I often prefer them. They are rock-solid, will handle the heaviest loads in any cartridge, can be purchased as convertibles (45 Colt plus an extra cylinder in .45 ACP for example) and the Ruger/Bisley grip is noted for handling heavy recoil.

[Standing Wolf]

I'm sure you'd have to shoot an awful lot of hot rod hand loads to cause that gun any grief. The N frame handles the .44 magnum just fine.

I'd like to find a model 57 myself.

[Tamara]

I've run loads up to and including Cor-Bon's discontinued 265gr LFN hunting load (1325fps/1033fpe) through my 57 (S/N N729xxx) with no sign of the gun loosening.

[Phil in Seattle]

I'll let you know if I start to wear these out

http://pic5.picturetrail.com/VOL77/858902/1551961/21753639.jpg

[Nightcrawler]

It's not that I wouldn't mind, say, a Blackhawk in .41 Mag or .45 Colt, it's just that getting a good "general purpose" revolver is a higher priority, as is figuring out which rounds are safe for the two that I have.

[M58]

Since 1968, I have not seen or heard of a M57 or M58 getting loose.
Could happen I guess.
My first M58 went back to Smith for refinish due to Kansas summers and 6-day weeks on the Turnpike.

We loaded H110 to 22grs. as per the manual Bruce put out in those days.
Did that for ten years. :what: Now I am a whimp and load around 20 grs.

[Gunhamr]

I have a four inch 57 that has withstood many years
of hot loads with no sign of trouble. Will not post
the load because I would not recommend it for
anyone else. Worked up to it gradually without
any problems and have stuck with it. I only use
cast bullets. Not only are they easier on the gun,
they are easier on the wallet and I even find them
to be more accurate.

I have always been of the opinion that if my gun
is a magnum, load it as such. Can't see downloading
a mag but on the other hand I can't see trying to
make a mag out of a 45 Colt. If I want mag velocities
and performance I will use my 41 or 44 mag gun.
Just my oldfashioned opinion. No flame intended.
I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk that has been used
for many years with loads surpassing the suggested
manual loads and have had no problems with it. It
is a three screw model and without going to the safe
to check I believe the serial number is in the 29XXX range.