.41 mag load requests

[critter]

I'm just beginning to reload for my 'new' OLD S&W .41 magnum. I have a LOT of 170 gr JHP bullets that I'd like to use. I'm having trouble finding more than a couple of sources for a load for them.

Any of you have some 'favorite' loads for the 170 gr in the .41? I'd prefer some using H110, Blue Dot, W231 or maybe 2400. I'd welcome others though. I'm looking for good, solid deer/hog hunting loads but not the 'burn, blind and deafen' kind.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Any of those 3 powders will work, but more details would help.

H110 is most likely out since you said you don't want monsters.

Blue dot would be my choice, should work very well and burn clean when loaded correctly. I have found accuracy to be exellent in 41 mag with blue dot.
UNLESS:
you are going to be hunting in an area that has wide temperature extremes 2400 would be your best bet, though slightly dirtier than blue dot.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

One other thing:

If it's availble in your area, even though it's expensive, you may want to investigate Vit N110. Works very well, clean(if not THE cleanest) powder, not affected by temperature very much. Accuracy is very good.

 

[TN Shooter]

All of the powders you mentioned are fine- your best bet would be to experiment with different powders to find out which type your little friend likes the best. One of my all-time favorite powders is 2400. In this case, I would go with 2400 or H110/W296 because they both meter better than Blue Dot.

You can find plenty o' reloading data for the 170 gr. bullet at: stevespages.com.

Have fun and be safe!

TN Shooter

 

[Ben Shepherd]

41 mag specific:
I have found blue dot to be the most accurate powder in my 41 mag redhawks. With PLENTY of speed as well. It has the accuracy advantage by a wide enough margin(in my guns) that I put up with a little temp. sensitivity, and the fact is is a little tough to get the powder measure to settle in at first.

I don't load a lot of slugs under 200 grains though. And it's very possible that your smith will prefer one of the other powders. I hope it's 2400. That'd make things just simple as pie.

If I was limited to only one powder for all my magnum handguns it'd be 2400.

 

[CZ57]

Blue Dot, you already have and it is a very good powder for the .41 Magnum. But, there is one that's even better: AA#9. Specifically, 19.0 grains with the 170 gr. Sierra JHP. This is not a maximum load, it is a load that will produce very small groups with very good velocity; with tolerable recoil. Data can be found at http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm One thing I have found over the years reloading magnum revolver rounds, is that the different case capacities of the various rounds require a specific burn rate for best performance. What works best for the .44 Magnum may not necessarily be the best choice for the .357 and .41 Magnums. Blue Dot was once one of the very best for .357 and .41 Magnum and I've used a lot of it in both. #9 is better imo. It is very dense and fine grained so metering is exceptional. Muzzle blast is better than what you will get from 2400/296/H110. AA#9 has a good load range. Another very good but overlooked powder that will take you from "medium velocity" to near top-end performance, is AA#7. When I get a chance, I intend to try Ramshot Enforcer which is very similar to AA#9 in all of the characteristics I mentioned before. Load data is the weak link at the moment. That will change in time. What is available now can be found at http://www.ramshot.com/powders/;)

 

[Steve C]

I have a LOT of 170 gr JHP bullets that I'd like to use. I'm having trouble finding more than a couple of sources for a load for them.

Sierra is the only company that still makes 170 JHP's in .41 caliber and is pretty much the source of published data. Remington used to make 170gr JHP's that you could buy in bulk but have since dropped them both as a component and as loaded ammo. If you'll drop me an e-mail (check my profile), I'll scan in the data for the Sierra bullets and e-mail it back to you.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I use H-110 for full bore magnum loads, bullseye for plinkers.

 

[45crittergitter]

I also use H110 for 170 loads; full house is the only way I go with those bullets, but it's like getting struck by lightning when you touch one off. Y'all let me know if you see any more of those Remington 170 SJHPs for sale.