.41 Mag Association

[Lerk]

It's not so much about being dirty or anything. I just haven't found a caliber yet that I shoot where it outperforms all the other powders. It is a very versatile powder, but I have found better ones for each caliber.

All of my autos pretty much run Universal & W231, shotguns get Longshot and Red Dot, my rifles get an assortment, and my magnums will probably all use 2400 and Trailboss now.

My loads were 25 of 8.0gr and 25 of 8.5gr of Unique. Both loads were very good, but I felt that the 2400's were far superior.

 

[Domino300]

Brian Pearce did write up on this powder in one of the handloader mags, 23gr was the MAX load for a 220gr keith bullet. Let us know how it works for you as I've been interested in it myself.

336A, fyi
I worked up a load with Alliant MP300 started with 21.2 gn up to 22.9 gn, settled on 22.5 gn under the Seirra 210 JHC, OAL of 1.600 with Win WLP primers. Velocities from my 7.5 Redhawk avg was 1394 fps, brought down by one shot of 9 at 1311fps with a high of 1444fps. Throughout the work up I seemed to consistently get one or two shots considerably lower than the rest, don't know whether to blame it on the chrono or powder or me as every charge was weighed. Mostly sunny day, windy and temp. in mid 60's.

 

[ko41]

Back to the top with a couple new .41s.

1 of 135 in this configuration made for Lew Horton Distributing Co. in 1998.

The compensator can be removed and replaced with a short muzzle extension.




Here is sweet little one from Freedom Arms.


For size comparison the Freedom Arms 97 five shooter and a Ruger New Model Blackhawk six shooter.



KO

My .41 Magnum Collection Slideshow

 

[KingMedicine]

I'm game. I fell into a ruger blackhawk with 200 reloads, 800 bullets, 800 more cases, primers and dies for 400... And then yesterday I found a 76 s&w model 57 6 inch, the 3Ts with Goncolo Alves grips, pinned and recessed, and picked it up for a straight trade for a m&p 45 that I had 400 bucks in...

 

[ko41]

You got yourself a couple of fine .41s for bargain prices. Congratulations and welcome to the .41 Magnum fold.

KO

 

[Bush Pilot]

Ko41, you've hit another home run with those two, congrats.

 

[USMAGator]

I forgot to post after I finally got the Blackhawk out to the range. I loaded some 210gr JHP's with H110 (20.5, 21.0, 21.5gr) and some with Longshot (10-10.5gr). The hotter H110 loads were all that I'd ever want to handle out of that gun! Cut one of my knuckles on the trigger guard, but it was plenty accurate! The Longshot loads were much more pleasant to shoot and were plenty accurate for anything I'll ever be doing. I don't have a chrono so I'm in the blind on velocity. Picked up a few pounds of Trail Boss a few weeks ago, and am looking forward to giving that a try at some point.

 

[ko41]

21.0 grains of H110 behind a Rem. 210gr JSP makes the Freedom Arms 97 rap my knuckle and rotate to vertical under recoil. I think its standard diet will be 8.0gr Unique and 220 gr cast.
The S&W 657 with the compensator on the other hand was very manageable with the bonus of big flames shooting out the comp slots

KO

 

[USMAGator]

Those full magnum loads will sure wake up the neighborhood! For spitting flames, it's tough to beat .30 carbine out of a revolver

I need to try some 2400 based on the recommendations here, I'll see if I can find some locally.

 

[336A]

Domino thanks for the review, that sucks you keep getting a low reading. Gator I really think you will like 2400 if you give it a try, after all it is the classic magnum powder.

 

[S.B.]

Yep, just bought another. An old model Ruger Blackhawk unconverted. Shows some wear but, all honest stuff.

Steve

 

[Domino300]

Domino thanks for the review, that sucks you keep getting a low reading. Gator I really think you will like 2400 if you give it a try, after all it is the classic magnum powder.

The current issue (August) of Handloader magazine has a nice article and load data for the 41 Mag. including Power Pro 300-MP, by Brian Pearce.

 

[Iggy]

Deemed to be extraneous information and deleted.

 

[336A]

Of course they would. I didn't renew my subscription due to moving I kind of figured that something like that would happen who wrote the article and how much load data is supplied?

 

[Domino300]

Bryan Pearce wrote it, and has a lot of good info. I'm subscribed, but I've seen it at Walmart.
Why the move, get transferred?

 

[336A]

Yup sure did, I'll have to see if I can locate that issue. I was really hoping to see a article on the .41 magnum by Mr. Pearce, as his article are usually very informative with lots of good data.

 

[Irtys]

.41 Mag

If you can order back issues of Handloader, try to get the Feb-Mar of 2003. It has a good article by Brian Pearce on the .41 Mag.

 

[336A]

Domino I miss spoke, I actually recieved that issue yesterday and it was the last issue of my subscription

Irtys I posted a link to that article on page 19 post #460. It to is a good article. I noticed that all of the data from the 2003 issue is also used in the new article of the current issue. However there is some updated data in the new article. I just wish there was more load data using Unique powder than what was shown in the current issue.

 

[Rodfac]

Ah, hell, sign me up. I've had three .41's over the years, two Rugers and a Smith 57. The Smith was my first big bore S&W. In the late 70's, when I bought it, .44's were all the rage with the Dirty Harry syndrome still running wild, but the .41 offered a different look at Magnum velocities in a slightly different bullet. I bought it with the 8-3/8" bbl. but had the factory R&R it with a 6 incher a few months later.

All of my .41's turned out more accurate than my .44's, but not by much...say a 1/4" at 25 yds in group average. The .41 is truly a handloader's proposition, though but I still do love 'em. Here's a pic of the two Rugers...one's a Flat Top, the other isn't!

Loads: I like Win 231 or it's identical twin, HP38 for light to medium loads with any quality LSWC. Charges from 5.7 to 6.5 gr of either have produced sub-1" gps at 25 yds from rest for me...for deer, I like newly (last 5 years) manuf'd. 2400, (w/CCI 350 caps), 18.0 gr gave me 1144 fps with Remington's 210 gr JHP bought in bulk from Midway, back when we could still find revolver bullets. That's a chrono'd velocity BTW, and the average of three groups shot from a sitting position ran to 1.25" for six shots, (Keith's old 'Long Range' position sitting up against a fence rail or rock, knees raised, with the gun extended between the knees). BTW, that's my standard testing position, tells me all I need to know about the load and how I will shoot it in the field...With Hornady's 210 gr XTP, I got 1.5" gps at 25 yds, with 17.0 gr of AAC#9. I used Winchester Lg Pistol primers with this load, and shot it looking into the sun at 4 pm so it may be better than I could hold that day. Too, CCI Magnum caps might help igniting #9 as well. This load chrono's at 1258 fps from my 6-1/2" bbl'd Rugers.

Best Regards, Rod


NM with a good target...love that load...and shot at 25 yds too.



Flat Top with a pair of my grips on her.

 

[41 Mag]

I haven't been in this for a while now, but figured I would just toss this out there for those just starting to work with this caliber.

There are several great cast bullets and molds now being offered from several places. My friend and I have both been working with the MP molds using the .411-258, which is about as close to what Mr. Keith drew up as any. It's based off the HG #258 and also comes with several options of HP pins or simply as a straight SWC version. Well we got both, and have had a ball working with them.

As for how they shoot, well I haven't shot any groups at 25yds that weren't good, and some were downright awesome. We have been mostly playing with the Accurate powders in #5,7, and 9, with the first two getting the most use. (Don't rule these powder out for other loads as well they are great in this caliber) I have also burned up plenty of 2400 and Unique as well with both turning in great groups.

If you have the chance to purchase some, there are two places that come to mind who offer the Keith type SWC's in about as original form as they come. One is Dry Creek Bullet Works and the other is Montana Bullet Works.
Last I heard however either of them are only taking limited orders due to the overwhelming crunch. However, if the chance arises to get some you won't be disappointed with them. You don't need anything harder than a 12-15 BHN to run full tilt either. Most of the ones my friend and I are pouring run int he 9-12 range and we're putting them up to the mid 1300fps range with no issues.

Oh one last mention here, I saw posted above mention of the Remington 200gr SJHP, if you can get your grubbies on this one, you will find it a great bullet for this caliber. I have used it almost exclusively for nearly 20yrs loaded over 20.5grs of 296 and lit with a Win-WLP primer. It groups tighter than I can hold most days and will easily dispatch a deer or hog further than most need to be shooting. The above load is easily controlled and putting 50 - 100 or more rounds downrange doesn't leave you feeling beat up.

Anyway just thought I would throw out some info for those who are getting their feet wet with this fine round.

 

[336A]

.41 Mag, your spot on about both Dry Creek and Montana bullet works products. Unfortunately I've only tried the Montana H&G 258 bullet but it is awesome. After working up the test loads I think I have about 90 or so left. I decided to save those for full up hunting loads. When Dry Creek Bullets did his special run on the 230gr Keith SWC I was quick to place a order with him. I've yet to do any load testing with that bullet however. The majority of the time I just use a 215gr SWC over 8.5gr of Unique.

Even the recoil from that one is a pretty good attention gitter. I've been thinking lately about dropping down to 7.5gr of Unique. But I'm afraid that since the bullets are a little on the hard side (16BHN as most commercial cast are) that I might get leading.

 

[41 Mag]

336A,

Well sorry to get back so late, but life has a way of getting in the way, not to mention how fast a post goes from one page to the next on here.

Your loads sound good to me. I have had pure gosh danged fun with my own cast versions, well right up until I tried to go a bit soft a bit too fast. Yep a lead plated the barrel from one end to the other for good and sure. Took me a while to get her scrubbed out but what the heck lesson learned.

As for the 41 though, there are two group buys going on now over on Castboolits. One for a 41 Lite MiHec-4-cavity-brass-411640-Cramer-HP, which should be close to the old Remington 170gr HP, and another one for a 412-640 412640-Mihec-4-Cavity-Brass-Cramer which will throw a 215'ish HP or a 225'ish Solid. I haven't got a clue as to when they will hit the production line, but at least if you get in line now, you won't have to wait a year or more like some have. They were supposed to hit production this month, but who knows.

Also there is a nice write up in Handloader magazine on the 41 as well. I had the wife pick me up a copy, probably the first new gun rag I have gotten since last time I had jury duty 7or 8 years ago. Anyway it has some decent loads for cast as well as some for jacketed. Nothing special but at least someone threw something together. It's worth a look if you find yourself at the store waiting on your better half anyway.

 

[space_cowboy]

Count me in. I'm a new owner of a Ruger Blackhawk in .41 magnum.

My Missouri bullets just came in the mail today (much to the dislike of my mail carrier ;-) ) so ready to load for the weekend.

I'm going to use 215 swc with AA9. Do you all have a favorite load with this powder that isn't a max load?

 

[ko41]

Blackhawks have been multiplying lately.

1975 vintage 6 1/2" New Model Blackhawk with a Super Blackhawk grip frame.


Pair of Flat Tops from Williams Shooters Supply.


I ended up with a spare 4 5/8" Flat Top and 7 1/2" Bisley so I now have one of these...


The 7 1/2" barrel frame is getting a Super Blackhawk grip frame, fluted cylinder and Power Custom Bisley hammer with Vaquero trigger kit.

KO

 

[jameskelliott]

I want in also.nmbh 41. Love it