Bush Pilot
Member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,397
Nice snag on the 58. One of my favorite 41s is a 58 marked "SFPD", it's my daily shooter.
.41 Mag Association
- Thread starter 336A
- Start date
Frank V
Member
Wow I really like those 58s. Wish I hadn't traded that 3" 657 several years ago.
Thanks for sharing everyone.
Thanks for sharing everyone.
Crisisbill
Member
I'm in, I have 3 41 Magnums plus I have a Contender barrel as well.
It's a great caliber.
It's a great caliber.
CajunBass
Member
Shameless showing off. Got a set of Aherns Retro Target grips for the 58.
Also got dies, case trimmer, brass and such. Got 100 rounds loaded up yesterday. Now to get time to take it to the range. I won't go over the weekend, but hope to the first of the week.
Also got dies, case trimmer, brass and such. Got 100 rounds loaded up yesterday. Now to get time to take it to the range. I won't go over the weekend, but hope to the first of the week.
Bush Pilot
Member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,397
If it gets better than a 58 I haven't seen it. Mine is in the range bag for a trip today.
Has anyone here loaded a .41 265 grains SWC such as that from Beartooth Bullets or Cast Performance for a S&W 57 6" bbl.?? I have a box of Beartooth bullets in this weight and would like a loading for around 1,000 FPS using either 2400, H110, Unique, or Blue Dot.
Any experience would be appreciated.
Thank you.
L.W.
Any experience would be appreciated.
Thank you.
L.W.
TfflHndn
Member
Well, I joined the club yesterday! Saw a Model 57-6 at a gun store I had never visited, and it spoke to me. It said "Take me with you when you leave." Unfortunately, the shopkeeper did not listen to the gun's pitiful wails, and made me pay to release it from its prison under the glass. But we are both glad I did. Bought a couple boxes of shells, cowboy loads (probably the only factory ammo I will buy for it) and I let her show me what she could do. What a sweetie! This gun is a shooter for sure. Gotta buy some bullets to make up some loads to feed her with now. I'm thinking the 215 grain coated SWC from SNS. Any other favorites out there?
Frank V
Member
Yeeeouw
The .41 is a great cartridge......
Lot's of fun & a very good hunting cartridge too!
The .41 is a great cartridge......
Lot's of fun & a very good hunting cartridge too!
41 Mag
Member
Casting for the 41...
Well I don't know how many of you are casting your own, other than the few that mentioned it. Me personally I have purchased a few molds in the last couple of years and several more in the last year.
I have to say that I am simply blown away by the MP molds in this caliber. I picked up one of his first which was designed as close to the original Keith SWC as the folks could get it. The same mold will cast both solids and HP versions. The solid drops around 220grs from COWW and the HP runs around 215'ish depending on the alloy.
This past year there were a couple of other group buys that came to pass on MP molds as well. One was the 412-640, which is the smaller caliber almost duplicate of the Lyman 429-640 HP. There have been several calibers of this 640 type mold made and they have all been awesome. The other one is the 413-640 which drops around a 200gr solid, a 185gr HP with one pin and a 175'ish grain HP with another pin.
To be honest I didn't have a clue as to how any of the "lite" ones were going to shoot. I had tried the heavy 220gr version once tumbled in 45-45-10, and it was a dismal failure leading the barrel up completely after only 4 shots. The next testing was done with a range of loads using AA-9, and half were powder coated and the other half were lubed with Carnuba Red. The same alloy was used as was initially, but this time everything went right. I shot each set of loads from 14grs up to 16grs, of both powder coated and traditional lubed with not even a hint of leading.
Two weekends ago, I loaded up another batch, only this time I had some of the heavies loaded over 18grs of 296, and some of the "lite" ones loaded over several charges of different powders. One was 23.5grs of 296 under both the 175 and 185gr HP's. I did the same as before with half powder coated and half using Carnuba Red. I also loaded up some over some incremental charges of 2400 and AA-7. As before, after running them all through, nothing but a shiny barrel and a big hole in my bucket lid.
I guess what I am getting at here is, if your looking for a great versatile mold to save up for, or if you have the cash and one might still be available, pick a weight and check with MP molds or watch for a group buy on either of these over on Castboolits. Might as well go all out and get the 4 cavity with all pins while your at it. This will give you the option of pouring up to 3 different bullets from the same mold.
The alloy I am using is running in the 9.5-12 BHN range depending on how things come out, but the expansion is usually wonderful. It might take a little playing with the mix but something of a 60-40 blend of COWW and pure with a little tin thrown in for good measure should come out pretty close. This would give rapid expansion without being overly brittle.
Anyway, just thought I would post a little update on my progress. I haven't completely replaced the old discontinued Remington 170gr SJHP I loved so much, but to be honest, I think the ones I am casting will probably do as good a job and maybe even better. I will however fully admit up front, the top end loaded 175 and 185'ish grain ones, did pretty much turn fully inside out and loose the outer ring when I shot them into my sand bucket trap. I'm still not sure as to how well they will do on a feral hog or coyote, but I am VERY anxious to find out. Nothing like on the hoof ballistic testing, with the side benefit of being able to BBQ the good parts.
Well I don't know how many of you are casting your own, other than the few that mentioned it. Me personally I have purchased a few molds in the last couple of years and several more in the last year.
I have to say that I am simply blown away by the MP molds in this caliber. I picked up one of his first which was designed as close to the original Keith SWC as the folks could get it. The same mold will cast both solids and HP versions. The solid drops around 220grs from COWW and the HP runs around 215'ish depending on the alloy.
This past year there were a couple of other group buys that came to pass on MP molds as well. One was the 412-640, which is the smaller caliber almost duplicate of the Lyman 429-640 HP. There have been several calibers of this 640 type mold made and they have all been awesome. The other one is the 413-640 which drops around a 200gr solid, a 185gr HP with one pin and a 175'ish grain HP with another pin.
To be honest I didn't have a clue as to how any of the "lite" ones were going to shoot. I had tried the heavy 220gr version once tumbled in 45-45-10, and it was a dismal failure leading the barrel up completely after only 4 shots. The next testing was done with a range of loads using AA-9, and half were powder coated and the other half were lubed with Carnuba Red. The same alloy was used as was initially, but this time everything went right. I shot each set of loads from 14grs up to 16grs, of both powder coated and traditional lubed with not even a hint of leading.
Two weekends ago, I loaded up another batch, only this time I had some of the heavies loaded over 18grs of 296, and some of the "lite" ones loaded over several charges of different powders. One was 23.5grs of 296 under both the 175 and 185gr HP's. I did the same as before with half powder coated and half using Carnuba Red. I also loaded up some over some incremental charges of 2400 and AA-7. As before, after running them all through, nothing but a shiny barrel and a big hole in my bucket lid.
I guess what I am getting at here is, if your looking for a great versatile mold to save up for, or if you have the cash and one might still be available, pick a weight and check with MP molds or watch for a group buy on either of these over on Castboolits. Might as well go all out and get the 4 cavity with all pins while your at it. This will give you the option of pouring up to 3 different bullets from the same mold.
The alloy I am using is running in the 9.5-12 BHN range depending on how things come out, but the expansion is usually wonderful. It might take a little playing with the mix but something of a 60-40 blend of COWW and pure with a little tin thrown in for good measure should come out pretty close. This would give rapid expansion without being overly brittle.
Anyway, just thought I would post a little update on my progress. I haven't completely replaced the old discontinued Remington 170gr SJHP I loved so much, but to be honest, I think the ones I am casting will probably do as good a job and maybe even better. I will however fully admit up front, the top end loaded 175 and 185'ish grain ones, did pretty much turn fully inside out and loose the outer ring when I shot them into my sand bucket trap. I'm still not sure as to how well they will do on a feral hog or coyote, but I am VERY anxious to find out. Nothing like on the hoof ballistic testing, with the side benefit of being able to BBQ the good parts.
Frank V
Member
I am in the process of researching what mould I want.
I'm looking at different moulds & trying to decide. I am pretty sure I want one in the 195 to 230gr range & either a WFP or SWC.
Looking is half the fun.
I'm looking at different moulds & trying to decide. I am pretty sure I want one in the 195 to 230gr range & either a WFP or SWC.
Looking is half the fun.
RealGun
Member
I don't use uncoated lead for magnum loads, but do have a 41 Special in the works at Clements. When I shoot my 41s, I shoot real-deal 41 ammo.
Hondo 60
Member
New member here.
Been hangin out in the reloading section for a few years, but just bought a new friend.
It's a S&W 58-1. I think it's gorgeous.
Will post pics when it arrives.
Been hangin out in the reloading section for a few years, but just bought a new friend.
It's a S&W 58-1. I think it's gorgeous.
Will post pics when it arrives.
Frank V
Member
Hondo 60
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of folks here who like the 58, you are in good company!
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of folks here who like the 58, you are in good company!
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Methinks if I ever run across such a nice OM .41 at a decent price, I'll bring it home and swap an XR3 grip frame onto it. Or maybe someday convert an OM .357 to .41Spl.
Hondo 60
Member
horsemen61
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 6,758
Very nice hondo
RealGun
Member
Ordered more bullets today. This time I went with gas check 230 gr Keith style SWC from Rimrock. I intend to shoot as hot as I want to without being bound to lead, plated, or XTP, about all that is available (for 41 Magnum) that I could find. I ordered that same type for 327 Federal Magnum.
41 Mag
Member
I have been working on my cast loads or the 41 for close to a yer now off and on. After getting the 357 dialed in I got a little more serious about it and it came together pretty quickly.
I'm not sure where you were headed with the top statement, but rest assured I generally run full magnum ammo in mine. I hunt with it and I want all I can get, but I also want accuracy and just like with a rifle sometimes hitting where you want trumps missing at a hundred FPS faster.
That 230gr is a great design and similar to one that Lynn over at Dry Creek Bullet Works used to pour. It was also the inspiration for one of the first MP brass Cramer style molds for the 41. I have it and it throws beautiful bullets. HEre is a little write up you may have seen on the bullet Lynn was pouring, Dry Creek Bullets Works 230gr 41 Keith
The loads I am working with right now are hitting 1300+FPS for a 220gr, and 1600+FPS for the 180gr. Both of these are plain based bullets with the alloy only being around a 12BHN. I have run both traditional lubed and powder coated with the same loads. I don't know how much more real deal one can get.
Post up some results when you get those SWC's shooting...
CajunBass
Member
I took my 58 to the range the other day for the second time. The first time I had those Aherns target gips and I thought the gun kicked pretty good in spite of what I thought was a fairly light load.
This time I switched it back to the Pachmayr's and there was a world of difference. My wife, who is handicapped and uses a cane/walker to get around, asked to shoot it. I was a little worried, but figured she'd stay sitting on her walker like she usually does. I warned her that it would "kick more than the 38 you're used to. Make sure you hold onto it."
To my surprise, she stood, braced herself against the bench, and squeeze off the first shot. Then the rest of the cylinder. Then reloaded...again...and again.
Then she turned to me, handed the gun back and said
"MY gun. Load more ammo."
Well darn. What just happened here?
This time I switched it back to the Pachmayr's and there was a world of difference. My wife, who is handicapped and uses a cane/walker to get around, asked to shoot it. I was a little worried, but figured she'd stay sitting on her walker like she usually does. I warned her that it would "kick more than the 38 you're used to. Make sure you hold onto it."
To my surprise, she stood, braced herself against the bench, and squeeze off the first shot. Then the rest of the cylinder. Then reloaded...again...and again.
Then she turned to me, handed the gun back and said
"MY gun. Load more ammo."
Well darn. What just happened here?
RealGun
Member
"Real deal" to me is not reloading just to tame the caliber, meaning to imply nothing about bullets. I am equipped to cast if I have to, but commercial lead bullets cause too much fouling and cleaning time with its wear on the rifling. I don't find coated bullets in 41 and believe the gas checks are pretty much the ultimate for what's available.
41 Mag
Member
WHoops...
Last edited:
Luckily
I have at this time a 6 in pimp gun(nickel) and a 4 in S serial blue 57(my bear backup) and a new in box Ruger Blackhawk in 4 5/8 in... May actually shoot it some time. The 41 IS my favorite handgun caliber..well hunting type handgun. I carry the ol 57 4 in gun anytime I am in the mountains. Grizz here don't ya know. In point of fact This 41 was involved in a grizz attack in Alaska many years ago. It performed as it should have. Not absolutely perfect condition but perfect for my needs. I have some factory ammo but mostly use handloaded ammo. Pretty easy to load for
I have at this time a 6 in pimp gun(nickel) and a 4 in S serial blue 57(my bear backup) and a new in box Ruger Blackhawk in 4 5/8 in... May actually shoot it some time. The 41 IS my favorite handgun caliber..well hunting type handgun. I carry the ol 57 4 in gun anytime I am in the mountains. Grizz here don't ya know. In point of fact This 41 was involved in a grizz attack in Alaska many years ago. It performed as it should have. Not absolutely perfect condition but perfect for my needs. I have some factory ammo but mostly use handloaded ammo. Pretty easy to load for
Similar threads
- Locked
