.41 magnum starting point

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Stimovsky

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Good evening,
I am about to start handloading for a .41 Magnum Redhawk .
The intended use is to be loud and have fun paper punching, while not putting an excessive stress on my wrist (a little is ok though).

As of tonight, I plan to use HiTek coated 215gr lead SWC and Winchester Large Pistol primers.
I have not chosen a powder yet. Maybe CFE Pistol? I never used it but it looks like it would also be a good choice to feed my 357 and 45 with.

Does that make sense?
 
I highly recommend Trail Boss. You can safely fill the case, leaving room for the bullet, or you can reduce it by 30%.
 
Stimovsky said:
Maybe CFE Pistol? I never used it but it looks like it would also be a good choice to feed my 357 and 45 with.
Click to expand...
If you mean .45 ACP it uses fast to medium fast pistol powders, while the .41 Mag needs slow powders for full power, or medium speed for mid-range loads, or fast/medium fast for light plinkers.

What power level do you want to make noise at? I use AA # 9 for full power and True Blue for mid-range stuff. I imagine lots of powders would work for what you want. What powders do you have and what power level do you want would be my question first though.

Those bullets will work just great.
 
I use AA#9 for full power stuff (though still not matching everything that can be wrung out of the cartridge with 2-2 other, even slower powders) and Unique for fun rounds that offer similar power levels to the old LEO loads.
 
FWIW, I use #9 for full power 41 Mag, and for reduced loads where it still fills enough of the case. Below that, TiteGroup, Unique, and Universal.
 
Oh man am I jealous. I'd love a Redhawk in any caliber! If I had a Redhawk 41 magnum, I sure would treat it to a magnum powder! I'd reach for the 2400 and then maybe the 300 MP.
 
You didn't give the barrel-length of you Redhawk, but any can be a LOT of fun!
I haven't tried CFE Pistol, but have some loaded for tests over the chronograph.
I use Unique, Herco, and 800X at from 1050-1150fps from my 6" M57 S&W.
Have fun,
Gene
 
When I want mid-magnum performance in a magnum pistol round, I reach for HS-6 or Unique. I use mostly Unique in the .41 as I get better accuracy and it's more versatile. It generally produces good accuracy at starting charges. It will go well with your .357 and .45 also.

If you want to go a little warmer and louder, IMR 4227 will get you near full power for the cartridge. This one is about ideal for hard cast bullets.

For full power shock and awe, H110/W296 can't be beaten, but I'd recommend jacketed bullets here.
 
My Redhawk is a 7-1/2. It is so massive and beautiful it should also be loud.

A lot of powders have been cited, but CFE was not so I was right to ask. Looks like I am gonna learn something with this thread.
I won't try to find a multipurpose powder anymore, thanks Walkalong.

2400, Unique and AA#9 came out most often. I wonder why 2400 and Unique are not listed in Lee's "Modern reloading, 2017" book ?

Edit: Unique is listed for some .41RemMag loads, but only for jacketed or XTP bullets, and very low in the listing, which means it is a less-than-ideal load.
 
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Stimovsky said:
Edit: Unique is listed for some .41RemMag loads, but only for jacketed or XTP bullets, and very low in the listing, which means it is a less-than-ideal load.
Click to expand...

I don't have a Lee book, but loads are usually arranged by velocity. Unique is an excellent mid-range powder, about 90% of my .41 handgun loads are with Unique. It works well with any bullet, and comes about as close to a 'multipurpose powder' as anything on the shelf.

With that 7.5" barrel of yours, and your desire for loud, and using cast bullets... 2400 and IMR4227 are probably right up your alley. Neither require Magnum primers. The ultimate would be W296 or H110, as someone already mentioned... but you might encounter barrel leading driving those bullets too fast.
 
Stimovsky said:
My Redhawk is a 7-1/2. It is so massive and beautiful it should also be loud.

A lot of powders have been cited, but CFE was not so I was right to ask. Looks like I am gonna learn something with this thread.
I won't try to find a multipurpose powder anymore, thanks Walkalong.

2400, Unique and AA#9 came out most often. I wonder why 2400 and Unique are not listed in Lee's "Modern reloading, 2017" book ?

Edit: Unique is listed for some .41RemMag loads, but only for jacketed or XTP bullets, and very low in the listing, which means it is a less-than-ideal load.
Click to expand...
I’ve loaded a .30 caliber ammo can full of Missouri Bullet Co 215 gr coated SWC and 9.5 gr Unique, and I will respectfully disagree with any book or author who may state that it’s a less than ideal load. You can spend an entire afternoon knowing you sent some substantial bullets downrange through your 7.5” Redhawk without killing your hand/wrist in the process.

Lyman’s 47th shows unique at 7.8 gr. min at 979 fps and 10.4 gr. max at 1213 fps with a 215 gr bullet, 1.575 OAL. (4” vented barrel)

Lots of load data out there, I’ll say look at several books to get the feel for what you’re looking for :thumbup:

If you want “loud”, try a 210 gr Sierra JHP over 20.1 gr H110. That’s not max and it’s plenty loud with an impressive fireball to boot!
ADD59510-3169-4196-A5E6-7A01C68D6168.jpeg
Stay safe.
 
I use AA#7 for midrange magnums. It is a serious load but not the wildness of full on magnum powders loaded approaching max. I stopped using Unique in any heavy load, because at its burn speed the recoil is worse than a slower burner meant for magnums. IMR4227 is my friend when I get serious, but H110 is a great shooter too with a bit more drama.
 
I have a Hodgdon reference that shows the same loads for 200 and 215 lead, with only the velocity and pressure ratings different. For Alliant 2400 applied to 41 Magnum, I didn't find anything for lead, only jacketed. I stopped shooting bought lead bullets myself and am using Rimrock gas checks at about 32 cents a shot. I might try some coated lead. An exception is a light load using Trailboss with the last of my lead bullets.
 
I use TB for light loads (lead). Other than that I use Western powders for most all 41 mag. loads as have had good results with their pretty comprehensive coverage and useful load data: #5 with Sierra 170 gr., #7 for most mid loads, #9 for rifle loads, True shot 265 gr, and Hornady FTX loads. Have tried others, but happy with these. Love my 2 3/4” Redhawk, how could I not?

Mark
 
I would have chosen to go with 2400 if there had been a little more data on Alliant's website. I don't know where to start and stop, and where it'll get me with the bullets I chose.
So I'll buy 1lb AA#9, load in the 1200-1400fps range and see how I like it.

Thanks for your help gentlemen !
 
1300 fps +\- with a 215 gr bullet will be a pretty powerful load, recoil will naturally be pretty stout as well.

I’ll suggest you also load a batch in the 1000 fps range. I think you’ll find them a real pleasure to shoot through your big ‘Hawk.

Stay safe.
 
Stimovsky said:
I would have chosen to go with 2400 if there had been a little more data on Alliant's website. I don't know where to start and stop, and where it'll get me with the bullets I chose.
So I'll buy 1lb AA#9, load in the 1200-1400fps range and see how I like it.

Thanks for your help gentlemen !
Click to expand...

For reference, Alliant data listed is maximum, you reduce by 10% as your starting load and work up. I don't care for that method, but that's how they chose to do it.
 
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