Thanks! That was some learning experience indeed! That SAA sure became a forever gun to me. The .38-40 really kicks nicely. I actually recently measured my powder charge (3F) and it turned out to be 34gr under the Big-Lube 190gr bullet, slight compression, Starline cases. Unfortunately it was too dark for my Chrony that day. I shot it 25 times and now it's in the reserve. Meaning I'll only shoot it if given no other choice, if you get my drift. That's why I wanted another single action, not to risk blowing up a piece of history. At least my SAA works now and I am content with it. So, somehow I ended up with two .401/.41 SAs... Without intending to... The universe is trying to tell me something...
The Blackhawk, I am still worried about not getting it somehow, will get nice grips and good leather as soon as I recover financially, LOL.
What I really wanted was a Freedom Arms 97, but that would probably be $5K here... I would only invest in something like that if I was 100% sure that I would never have to turn it in to imagine it melted into rebar... I suspect 41 Mag would be the best bang for your buck in that platform...
My 1897 SAA is classified as an antique, and they'll never get it
Gil.
Another source of molds is MP-Molds https://www.mp-molds.com/ , https://www.mp-molds.com/product-category/molds/ , .411", .412" and 413" dia. They are made in brass, usually 4 cavities. Quality of those molds is second to none! Also, some are made hollow point and hollow base. BTW, MP-Molds is located in Slovenia, now in EU, so shipping cost should be low and no other fees.
In addition to those listed under .411", .412" and 413" dia, they made well known SWC H&G #258, E. Keith designed:
Although, not listed any more, send them email and ask if the could make one mold for you.
Thank you Onty!
I just ordered their 41 Hammer mold, 228gr WFN.
That sits nicely between what I wanted, 210 and 250gr.
Less fumbling with elevation with only one bullet.
I'll get a Keith shape mold later. Four cavities will be faster too.
And I saved around 100 Euros!
Gil.
I just ordered their 41 Hammer mold, 228gr WFN.
That sits nicely between what I wanted, 210 and 250gr.
Less fumbling with elevation with only one bullet.
I'll get a Keith shape mold later. Four cavities will be faster too.
And I saved around 100 Euros!
Gil.
Which one you ordered, solid, or hollow point? Be aware that hollow point mold is more complex and more expensive, for about 50% more than plain solid.
I you ordered HP, you can flip pins and get solid point. However, be aware that points will protrude beyond mold's bottom and could be easily damaged.
Here is how it looks like on mold for hollow base .455 Webley, but you've got idea how it will work on hollow point.
To avoid this problem, you can also order blank pins. The are flat on both ends and no problem with protrusion.
I you ordered HP, you can flip pins and get solid point. However, be aware that points will protrude beyond mold's bottom and could be easily damaged.
Here is how it looks like on mold for hollow base .455 Webley, but you've got idea how it will work on hollow point.
To avoid this problem, you can also order blank pins. The are flat on both ends and no problem with protrusion.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
I have two 1858 Remington revolvers. Both have the six chamber R&D 45 Colt cylinder. This is my blued one, which I originally bought in 1975. I bought the conversion cylinder for it about 20 years ago.
The 1858 Remington frame is not large enough for the cylinder to accommodate six 45 Colt rims without the rims overlapping. For that reason Ken Howell developed and patented a cylinder with the chambers angled ever so slightly out at the rear.
As you can see, there is ample room for six 45 Colt rims, or the slightly larger 45 Schofield rim.
Here is part of the paperwork that came with the cylinder. The illustration of the chamber is exaggerated. The angle is much less than it appears in this illustration. These cylinders are made of 4150 arsenal grade steel. As you can see, they are safe for smokeless "Cowboy Ammunition", although I only ever fire mine with cartridges loaded with Black Powder.
Regarding accuracy, I can tell you that this revolver is more accurate than any of my other 45 Colt revolvers, including my Colts, Rugers, and Uberti Cattleman. The reason is the chambers are more precisely machined than the chambers of any of those other revolvers. In fact, I use one of these cylinders as a cartridge gauge whenever I load 45 Colt ammunition. If the round will drop into the chambers of this cylinder, it will drop into the more 'generous' chambers of the other brands, including the Colts. The slight angle of the chambers has no effect at all on accuracy.
As I said, the frame of the 1858 model is too small to accommodate six 45 Colt rims without angling the chambers. The only 45 Colt 1858 with six "straight" chambers is one made by Uberti. This one ships as a cartridge gun with six chambers. The frame is slightly larger than the original 1858 Remington, so it can accommodate a cylinder with six straight bored 45 Colt chambers.
The reason I went with the cylinders with the six angled chambers is because reloading is so simple. I simply lower the loading lever, pull the cylinder pin forward, and pop out the cylinder to dump out the empties and load five (yes I never load more than five) fresh cartridges. If I want I can pop the original Cap & Ball cylinder back in and the revolver reverts to being a Cap & Ball revolver. There is no machining or cutting a loading gate, or anything else necessary to the frame.
Just like Clint did in Pale RIder.
Onty, it's the HP. They did not have the regular one in stock. I probably will flip two pins and cast two different bullets per pour, as you show on your HB mold. I hope the pins come with the mold, that wasn't so clear on their web site..
I am thinking of getting into powder coating, but not just yet, I'm broke now.
So I'll start with light loads, not to lead the barrel. I need to research the subject, as I remember reading that you can go pretty high with the right alloy.
Driftwood, I love my 1858. Mine is a 5" barrel version. I shoot .454 balls out of it now. I wish I could have kept that conversion cylinder... Thanks for the info!
I sent my documents for the Blackhawk and expect it to be shipped at the end of the week
I have a stock of 30yo primers, I hope they still work... ??
Gil.
I am thinking of getting into powder coating, but not just yet, I'm broke now.
So I'll start with light loads, not to lead the barrel. I need to research the subject, as I remember reading that you can go pretty high with the right alloy.
Driftwood, I love my 1858. Mine is a 5" barrel version. I shoot .454 balls out of it now. I wish I could have kept that conversion cylinder... Thanks for the info!
I sent my documents for the Blackhawk and expect it to be shipped at the end of the week
I have a stock of 30yo primers, I hope they still work... ??
Gil.
Gil, pins for HP are supplied with mold. However, if you want blank pins for solid point, you have to order them separately.
Interesting thing is that by purchasing even more expensive HP mold, you've got 4 cavity mold, not 2 cavity, and saved 100 euros. It pays off to do same search before making purchase.
Good shooting!
Interesting thing is that by purchasing even more expensive HP mold, you've got 4 cavity mold, not 2 cavity, and saved 100 euros. It pays off to do same search before making purchase.
Good shooting!
.45Coltguy
Member
Yeah, I'd say so. Look good.
IMO, if a single revolver, 41 Magnum is better choice than any other round. If you like to shoot a lot a bit peppier loads than 38 Special, like 210-20 grains at 1100 fps, 41 Magnum is just right. And all that at moderate pressure, muzzle blast and recoil. Even 100+ rounds in a single day, especially from Bisley will not wear you out. And when things get serious, 41-265 LBT at 1100-1200 fps will do it, see more here down https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/revolver-for-handgun-hunting-another-view.903836/ .
Thanks .45Coltguy..
Onty, great thread thanks. That's what i figured... Though I first wanted a .45 Colt... My first metallic cartridge revolver was a Pietta 1873 in .45 Colt, and I loaded the RCBS 45-270-SAA bullet. I first shot a .40 bullet in my .38-40 Colt SAA, the Big Lube 190gr over 34gr of 3F. That is a very potent load. I still have the 45-270-SAA and Big Lube molds.
When that Blackhawk listing showed up, the fact that it was in .41 Magnum didn't bother me at all, on the contrary. If only it used the same .401 diameter, that would have been great, but oh well.. I understand the need to prevent people from loading a .41 Mag cartridge in the wrong gun. The bullet I wanted is still the Accurate 41-250F, based, I assume, on the LBT WFN:
I sent an email to MP asking if they could make me one. Shipping a mold from the U.S. apparently costs $60 these days... This bullet will fit shorter 41 cylinders like the Freedom Arms 97. While I don't own one, it remains my dream gun, so you never know...
I had enough lead/tin to cast 257 bullets yesterday, enough to get me started. Unfortunately the range reopens on September 2nd. Shooting outside in the boonies here is prohibited. I also ordered coating powder, BBs, and plastic containers. I just need to get a cheap oven to dedicate to powder coating. Pan lubing has always worked fine for me but powder coating allows for a wider range of velocities without changing alloy content.
I'll post photos of the Blackhawk when it arrives
Gil.
Onty, great thread thanks. That's what i figured... Though I first wanted a .45 Colt... My first metallic cartridge revolver was a Pietta 1873 in .45 Colt, and I loaded the RCBS 45-270-SAA bullet. I first shot a .40 bullet in my .38-40 Colt SAA, the Big Lube 190gr over 34gr of 3F. That is a very potent load. I still have the 45-270-SAA and Big Lube molds.
When that Blackhawk listing showed up, the fact that it was in .41 Magnum didn't bother me at all, on the contrary. If only it used the same .401 diameter, that would have been great, but oh well.. I understand the need to prevent people from loading a .41 Mag cartridge in the wrong gun. The bullet I wanted is still the Accurate 41-250F, based, I assume, on the LBT WFN:
I sent an email to MP asking if they could make me one. Shipping a mold from the U.S. apparently costs $60 these days... This bullet will fit shorter 41 cylinders like the Freedom Arms 97. While I don't own one, it remains my dream gun, so you never know...
I had enough lead/tin to cast 257 bullets yesterday, enough to get me started. Unfortunately the range reopens on September 2nd. Shooting outside in the boonies here is prohibited. I also ordered coating powder, BBs, and plastic containers. I just need to get a cheap oven to dedicate to powder coating. Pan lubing has always worked fine for me but powder coating allows for a wider range of velocities without changing alloy content.
I'll post photos of the Blackhawk when it arrives
Gil.
I like my S&W Model 25-5's. I have a 4", 6" and 8-3/8" versions. Great 45 Colt revolvers.
But I also have Blackhawks with a 4-5/8:" and 7-3/8" barrels and a 4" Redhawk that are great revolvers.
SA revolvers and i generally do not get along. Not the fault of the revolver but I've decided to put my SA revolver "wants" on hold for a while.
I do like my DA 45 Colt revolvers.
But I also have Blackhawks with a 4-5/8:" and 7-3/8" barrels and a 4" Redhawk that are great revolvers.
SA revolvers and i generally do not get along. Not the fault of the revolver but I've decided to put my SA revolver "wants" on hold for a while.
I do like my DA 45 Colt revolvers.
I received the frame today, basically everything but the cylinder, which has been shipped separately and should arrive tomorrow. The revolver looks brand new and unfired even though it was sold as used. It was made in 1990. I think it just must have sat on a shelf for years with no takers. Nobody wants to buy a .41 Mag here... Fools! 
To be fair, I wouldn't have bought it if they didn't have 200 cases for it...
Who knows when I might find more...
I was worried that the frame would seem much larger than my SAA, but it just isn't so. The grips are just a little bit thicker. I'll post a photo tomorrow. Pretty happy with my purchase!
Onty, that 45-325-SWC is a monster!
BTW, aside from two Pietta BP revolvers (1858 1851) and my 1873/1897 SAA, that Blackhawk makes my 4th revolver at the present time. I don't have any pistols at the moment.
Gil.
To be fair, I wouldn't have bought it if they didn't have 200 cases for it...
Who knows when I might find more...
I was worried that the frame would seem much larger than my SAA, but it just isn't so. The grips are just a little bit thicker. I'll post a photo tomorrow. Pretty happy with my purchase!
Onty, that 45-325-SWC is a monster!
BTW, aside from two Pietta BP revolvers (1858 1851) and my 1873/1897 SAA, that Blackhawk makes my 4th revolver at the present time. I don't have any pistols at the moment.
Gil.
NeroM
Member
A number of times, I have been asked why I went with "only a 41". Turning the clock back about 30 years, I had been shooting primarily 45 Colt, for some reason decided I needed a magnum. At the same time, was enamored by the gun writer ink from early 1930s about the effectiveness of a 250 gr 43 caliber bullet launched at 1200 fps. I realized how nicely a 250 gr [LBT] 41 caliber bullet could be launched at 1200 fps and went for the 41, Very happy with my choice, doubt anything I've harvested with the 41, knew it was only a 41. A 215 gr swc at 900-1000 fps is a very nice 45 Colt level load for plinking and similar targets. Suggest choosing this bullet to start, also suggest Herco powder [as it fills more of the case than some similar powders]. With this loading, your 200 cases will last a long time. Good Luck!
Thanks Nero, I'll sure buy anything that pops up, just to be on the safe side..
Chuck, that is what I wanted first... The 41 will do just fine though, no regrets here.
I have never seen a S&W model 57/58 or 25 here. They must not be imported for lack of demand.. Too bad. A special order is probably possible, but new S&Ws are very expensive here.
I think lots of people make the mistake of comparing calibers when looking at the numbers is the right thing to do. If it's big enough and hits hard enough, what's left is where you put it. Aside from case availability, the 41 Mag will be more economical in lead and powder for the caster/reloader, for the same result, and with a tad less recoil. The difference I believe is eliminated by the slightly better sectional density of the 41, assuming the same bullet weight. Only for the 300+ grainers might it come a little behind.
Gil.
Here is my Blackhawk! So it turns out that the gun is actually brand new. It was stored, forgotten about, and when the store went bankrupt, the entire stock was sold to a new dealer who put it up online. Big score for me as I paid $600 instead of the $1500 new price tag. I just reloaded those six .41 Mag rounds, 210gr HP and 8gr of Ba9 (eq Unique).
Gil.
Gil.
.45Coltguy
Member
I'd say you did great. What a find! Who makes Ba9?
Thanks, Ba9 is made by Vectan, French powder.
Gil.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,304
gilgsn
Wow...you got a very nice SA for not a whole lot of money!
At that price and the gun being NOS I would also say you did great!
Wow...you got a very nice SA for not a whole lot of money!
At that price and the gun being NOS I would also say you did great!
