Alcan AL-5 and the .41 Magnum

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

This is a doozy!

I believe Alcan AL-5 powder are long discontinued.

If they aren't, what is a good source to get some?

If they are, is there a comparable powder that can be directly substituted grain for grain for it in loading data for the .41 Magnum?

If yes, does this powder have the same burn characteristics as the Alcan AL-5 powder?

Thanks for the help.

- Anthony

 

[Odessa]

Anthony,

I looked in some old reloading manuals vintage to Alcan powders (Lyman #44, 1967 & Speer #7, 1966). Neither listed any .41 Mag loads using Alcan AL-5. The only loads listed where for AL-8, which I believe was a slower powder than AL-5. I subscribe to Handloader Magazines reloading website (loaddata) and I ran your request through their data - only AL-7 loads where in their database. Sorry, I think you have drawn a blank. Those Alcan powders where imported by Smith & Wesson and where common in the 1960's and 1970's, I have not seen any for sale in years (except an occasional can at a gunshow where someone was selling off old stock).
Good Luck, Odessa

PS For a great modern powder try Alliant 2400, I have used it in 4 different .41 Mag sixguns (2 Rugers and 2 S&W's) with great success.

PPS Dude, you are in luck - I took one more look and in my Speer #8 Manual (1970) I found a load for you. 210 LSWC, REM Case, CCI350 primer, ALCAN AL-5 9.0 grains START / 10.0 grains MAX for 1059 fps from a 6" S&W Model 57. Using Speer's 200 grain half-jacketed HP and the same components 10.5 grains START / 12.5 grains MAX for 1236 fps. THIS IS OLD DATA SO BE CAREFUL. The AL-5 seems similar to HERCO in velocity obtained per charge; HOWEVER the data is NOT interchangeable.

 

[Anthony]

Thanks so much for all your hard work, Odessa.

It is greatly appreciated.

- Anthony

 

[oscar]

The 41 mag requires 2 powders. Unique for light to medium loads and 2400 for serious business.