Ruger New Model BlackHawk .41 Rem. Mag: Do I Dare?

[meanmrmustard]

I'm not a revolver guy. Never have been, but there's always a first. I'm going to be thinning out the herd a bit, but find its time for a wheelgun in the stable.

My purpose for this thread is to get opinions from owners of the NMBH. I've heard its a strong action, as well as a good buy for the money. Is this so?

Second, the .41 Rem Mag. I know, I know; its good if you reload. Well, I'm not going to reload for it. I can get it locally, online, and its not too expensive. How's it ballistics for a hunting cartridge on medium game inside 100 yards? What are some good factory loads for this purpose?

I have my eye on the 4.62" model, black/blued finish in this cartridge. Im going to handgun hunt this year, as here in MO you can now use centerfire pistols in place of muzzleloading rifles. I plan on using both for the regular deer season, muzzleloading, as well as our antlerless season.

Am i barking up the wrong tree, or am I on the correct path for a good, solid, and midsized hunting revolver?

 

[ECVMatt]

I love my Blackhawks and they are great for hunting. I mostly use the 5.5 inch version in .45 Colt. I have killed many hogs and a few deer with this combo out to 65 yards. A longer barrel will get you a longer sight radius and some gains in accuracy, but it becomes less portable to a certain degree. If you are shooting inside of 60 yards or so, I would say you will be good to go; with honest practice, you can shoot much further.

I think most folks would look for a 5.5 or longer if it is a dedicated hunting handgun, but if the 4 5/8 is what you like, then go for it. I did happen to notice that Ruger makes a 6.5 inch version (0406) and that in my mind is just about perfect.

I will leave the ammo question out there for the .41 Mag guys. I have almost no experience with this round. Since you haven't made up your mind yet, I would look at a .44 Mag or .45 Colt model. While I don't think the .41 is going away, it is much easier to find .44M and .45C. You can load .44 Specials in the .44M for practice or Cowboy loads in the Colt, but I think you are pretty much stuck with magnum loads for the .41. Just a thought...

You are on the right track, let us know what you end up with.

Matt

 

[meanmrmustard]

Thank you for the info, Matt.

I'm not entirely deadset on the 4 5/8", but I like the portability of a handgun that size. While accuracy and velocity will be humbled in comparison to the longer barreled models, that particular model is available to me.

I see your point, however, with practicing. I do not have an issue finding 41 Magnum, but the 45 colt is easier. However, its expensive. Not that 41 mag is a bunch cheaper, but if I'm practicing with it, it'll be with the hunting load. I imagine the revolver will see at or under 100 rounds a season.

I haven't considered 44 magnum. This is only because my larger bore shooting in handguns is limited to 45 super, hot 10mm, and 357 magnum. Its not the recoil I'm worried about, but more shooting something that powerful accurately.

Would I be better served with the 5.5"-6.5" 357 magnum? Deer in NE Missouri go anywhere from 100 lb does to bucks hitting 250 lbs in their third year.

 

[ECVMatt]

I think the .357 with a 6.5 inch bbl would work great for the does, but I am not too sure about the bucks.

Most of my handgun shooting comes from the hardwoods of North Texas and the oak forest of coastal California. Most of my shots would be at 50 yards or less and most deer don't go over 150 lbs. Under those circumstances I would not feel under-gunned using the .357 with quality loads. I am not sure how that would apply to the area you hunt.

I think it far more important to hit what you are aiming at with a quality bullet than having the latest super magnum. The last time I went handgun hunting some guy had a 500 S&W that he never really practiced with. He missed every shot and thankfully did not wound anything.

I think its great that you know your comfort limit and approach your situation from that angle. Too many folks simply try to buy the biggest and the baddest and hope for the best.

Here is an interesting site that show how the .357 improves with length:

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html

Lots of folks do very well with the .357 every year, so pick a good bullet and give it shot.

 

[meanmrmustard]

See, there's the kicker (pun intended): I'm not afraid to shoot the 44 mag but don't think i can be as accurate with it as the 357, but cannot honestly say the 357 magnum is enough gun either.

THats my compromise: I'm an adept pistol shooter, so I have faith in myself just outside bow range. I do not, however, want to have a 50-60 yard shot at a large bodied buck and be passing up meat or trophies due to feeling undergunned. Hence, my choice of .41 Magnum. I like what I'm reading about it. So far, I'm seeing that it's a good choice for deer.

But, after reading your first post, Matt, I'm now wondering about the Super BH, 44 magnum, 10.5" barrel!!!

$100 more than the NMBH in 41 mag though...

 

[Buck13]

Its not the recoil I'm worried about, but more shooting something that powerful accurately.

Seems to me those are two sides of the same coin.

I have a GP100 4" half-lug and a 7.5" Redhawk. I'm not a big or tough guy (slightly tall, but skinny) and I'd say I shoot those equally accurately, whether with starting loads or near-max. Admittedly, the Redhawk is on the heavy side for a revolver, but that's the light configuration for the GP100, so the recoil per pound may at least balance out.

The one time (long ago) that I shot a .44 Blackhawk, I didn't like it...

 

[Sam1911]

I imagine the revolver will see at or under 100 rounds a season.

First off, and respectfully, good heavens -- you're going to handgun hunt with a gun you've only put 100 rounds through?

That's kind of why the reloading issue/cost of ammo becomes a serious factor. 50+ yards is a long, very long, handgun shot for most accomplished shooters, and putting 100 rounds a week for several months before the season, wouldn't be excessive in learning how to connect with the vitals with a gun you're unfamiliar with. Especially with a short barrel which will require even more skill and discipline for you to shoot that well.

I'm not trying to be an alarmist or pick on you, and I do think that's a great gun for the task. But there's no way I'd step into the woods to take shots on living creatures with a gun I'd only put a couple boxes of ammo through and decided "good 'nuff."

 

[meanmrmustard]

First off, and respectfully, good heavens -- you're going to handgun hunt with a gun you've only put 100 rounds through?

That's kind of why the reloading issue/cost of ammo becomes a serious factor. 50+ yards is a long, very long, handgun shot for most accomplished shooters, and putting 100 rounds a week for several months before the season, wouldn't be excessive in learning how to connect with the vitals with a gun you're unfamiliar with. Especially with a short barrel which will require even more skill and discipline for you to shoot that well.

I'm not trying to be an alarmist or pick on you, and I do think that's a great gun for the task. But there's no way I'd step into the woods to take shots on living creatures with a gun I'd only put a couple boxes of ammo through and decided "good 'nuff."

I guess I should've explained more.

I meant with the hunting loads.

I shoot the arms I hunt with extensively, just not always with what I trip the trigger on a deer with. I relegate the high dollar ammo to the few months before the season openers.

I don't own any firearms that only see one hundred rounds a year in total. I don't have that kind of restraint.

 

[Sam1911]

Oh! Whew. That makes a whole lot of difference!

We do occasionally hear of that, from folks who have no idea how much harder it is to make an ethical hunting shot with a handgun.

Sounds like a plan, to me!

 

[ECVMatt]

I like the Bisley frame for my heaver shooting BH. I think it is one of the easiest frames on the hand. They can be kind of hard to find sometimes, but worth it for me. A Bisley Hunter would be nice, but starts to compromise portability.

Speaking of compromising portability... and this is total off the cuff, but around here in So Cal, folks by Super Redhawks, shoot them a few times and then sell them pretty cheap. Last week one was for sale for $580. That is a steal. These are large, but very easy on the hand, still portable, and very accurate. A 7.5 SRH would be a great gun for what you described. Just a thought...

 

[meanmrmustard]

Oh! Whew. That makes a whole lot of difference!

We do occasionally hear of that, from folks who have no idea how much harder it is to make an ethical hunting shot with a handgun.

Sounds like a plan, to me!

With all that confusion out of the way (apologies), what, in your experience, is a good factory load for the .41 Remington Magnum?

I know hottest isn't always the rule.

Edit to add: Oddly enough, I own 357 reloading dies, but own nothing in that chambering. Would 357 be a better choice, or is .41 Mag the ticket?

 

[meanmrmustard]

I like the Bisley frame for my heaver shooting BH. I think it is one of the easiest frames on the hand. They can be kind of hard to find sometimes, but worth it for me. A Bisley Hunter would be nice, but starts to compromise portability.

Speaking of compromising portability... and this is total off the cuff, but around here in So Cal, folks by Super Redhawks, shoot them a few times and then sell them pretty cheap. Last week one was for sale for $580. That is a steal. These are large, but very easy on the hand, still portable, and very accurate. A 7.5 SRH would be a great gun for what you described. Just a thought...

That is cheap. I'll look into that.

Only reason I've been looking at the New Model/Super BlackHawk is i can get one for $460 OTD.

 

[Sam1911]

With all that confusion out of the way (apologies), what, in your experience, is a good factory load for the .41 Remington Magnum?

I don't have an experience to share, there.

I can say I normally prefer a slow, heavy, soft lead penetrator like the old Keith SWCs for hunting with a big-bore handgun, if not an SWC, then a soft-point, but deer are think-skinned and not hard to kill. A fast-expanding jacketed HP will surely do well on a white-tail.

Maybe these? http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...3Bcat104691780&WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

Also, availability of factory ammo is a bit spotty right now, so you might have to take what you can find.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I don't have an experience to share, there.

I can say I normally prefer a slow, heavy, soft lead penetrator like the old Keith SWCs for hunting with a big-bore handgun, if not an SWC, then a soft-point, but deer are think-skinned and not hard to kill. A fast-expanding jacketed HP will surely do well on a white-tail.

Maybe these? http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...3Bcat104691780&WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

Also, availability of factory ammo is a bit spotty right now, so you might have to take what you can find.

I'd been looking at Buffalo Bore as well.

I'll have to check, but IIRC, they have a 250 gr. hard cast.
They have a 230 gr. Keith loading. That looks like money right there. Expensive, but it gets me brass should I decide to reload it, and I buy the best I can outta respect for the critters.

 

[ECVMatt]

I was actually $525...I should have bought it....

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=938143&highlight=redhawk

 

[meanmrmustard]

Wow. That's a great deal.

You fool!!!

 

[jmr40]

No deer, whitetail or mule deer, will ever know the difference between 357 , 41, 44 mag or warmish 45 colt loads. The 41, loaded to it's potential gives up nothing to a 44 magnum on even larger stuff. The only real advantage the others offer is easier to find, and generally cheaper ammo. If someone wants a 41 magnum, and is willing to deal with the ammo availability issue, it will do the job.

FWIW my 1st centerfire handgun, almost 40 years ago was a 6.5" Blackhawk in 41 mag. I was a starving college kid and couldn't afford ammo for it. The last box I bought cost me $35. In 1978, that was a lot of money. I've since moved up to 44 mag, but only because it is just easier to find ammo, and 44 Specials are an option I like. I'd have no doubts about a 41's abilities though.

As Harry Callahan said, "A mans got to know his limitations". That applies to handgun hunting too. Any of the above rounds will take deer, and some other large game at ranges of 100 yards or maybe a bit farther. Finding shooters that can do that is a lot harder, I can't. Find the range you are proficient, and limit yourself to shots at that range. Even if it is only 10-15 yards. Bow hunters get that close, it can be done with handguns too.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I do bow hunt, and am oddly more successful at it than firearm hunting. I think that maybe it lies in my attitude; I take great care in setup, camouflage, and patterning. When rifle season hits, I'm usually just out to fill the freezer.

I'll treat it no different than bow hunting. I'm going to use irons, and even though I'm 30 years old, I limit my bow shots to a 30 yard maximum range due to my odd inability to focus well at anything over 100 yards with irons (near sighted?). Sounds to me like that may be the ticket for a handgun as well. I have the opportunity to practice when I want, at different distances from point blank up to 500 yards. Perks of being a landowner, especially when stretching the legs on the 6.5 Swede! Believe it or not, the M38 is a laser for me with irons, but that's another thread...

That all said, I may revisit the ballistics charts, look at hard numbers, and see if maybe .41 Magnum is necessary, or me just dredging up nostalgia despite 357 magnum.

 

[NCsmitty]

Regardless of the caliber chosen, I would recommend a set of Pachmayr grips because they provide confidence and aid in reducing the felt recoil with the heavier calibers. For me, there's nothing like them in the wet or dry weather.


NCsmitty

 

[CraigC]

No deer, whitetail or mule deer, will ever know the difference between 357 , 41, 44 mag or warmish 45 colt loads. The 41, loaded to it's potential gives up nothing to a 44 magnum on even larger stuff.

Can't agree with any of that. Anything .41Mag or larger is infinitely better than the .357Mag, even on deer.

The .41Mag is a great cartridge but with all three loaded to their respective potentials, the .44Mag and .45Colt are also definitely bigger hammers. Both are better at handling heavier bullets and both have a vastly greater selection of bullets available.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Can't agree with any of that. Anything .41Mag or larger is infinitely better than the .357Mag, even on deer.

The .41Mag is a great cartridge but with all three loaded to their respective potentials, the .44Mag and .45Colt are also definitely bigger hammers. Both are better at handling heavier bullets and both have a vastly greater selection of bullets available.

Now, I'm only going by comparable barrel lengths, and popular bullet weights here, and keep in mind I'm only looking at other's datum, but I'm seeing the 41 Magnum being flatter shooting out farther.

As an aside, I've decided that I'm going to search out the .41, .44, or maybe, maybe the .45 Colt in a 6.5" barrel. That seems to be a sweet spot for woods carry and still enough barrel to wring out some impressive performance.

 

[ECVMatt]

Now, I'm only going by comparable barrel lengths, and popular bullet weights here, and keep in mind I'm only looking at other's datum, but I'm seeing the 41 Magnum being flatter shooting out farther.

As an aside, I've decided that I'm going to search out the .41, .44, or maybe, maybe the .45 Colt in a 6.5" barrel. That seems to be a sweet spot for woods carry and still enough barrel to wring out some impressive performance.

I think you're on the right path....

 

[meanmrmustard]

I appreciate your guidance.

 

[Jeff Holt/]

I recently picked up a NMBH .41Mag Bisley (7.5 inch barrel) in Excellent condition. Paid $650.00 for it and it was worth every penny. My company makes and sells a 295gn SSK cartridge for it. Don't know the velocity (just haven't chrono'd the load yet) but it's a handful and no signs of overpressure and easy extraction. I highly recommend the Bisley grip for a hunting pistol. I love this gun.

 

[meanmrmustard]

After careful consideration, due in no small part to several shortcomings I've discovered:

1. Cost of ammo. The three cartridges I'm interested in, in loadings that I opine
to be deer/hog-worthy based on bullet construction, numbers, and user
testimony, are quite costly. I'm not set up to reload them yet. So, initial
hunting will be done with factory cartridges.

2. Availability. .45 Colt and .44 Remington Magnum are available in variety. .41
Remington Magnum is limited to three loadings locally, and everything else
online. I have to practice. Alot.

3. Firearm. I'm set on a Black Hawk of some design. I'm impressed with the
strength of the action.

4. Cost. Total startup for bullets, brass, dies, factory loads, a proper chest
holster, AND the firearm.

Taking these subjects into careful consideration, I've decided on a Ruger Super Black Hawk, in stainless, with a 7.5" barrel. The weight is positive, and the longer sight radius is a huge advantage. As for chambering, that was a tough choice: I like the flat trajectory of the .41, and the trade off in m least recoil. But...that doesn't give me a huge array of loads to choose from locally, and stuff online accrues shipping charges out the wahzoo. So, while it was an exciting concept, I think, for me, its impractical. I'm not shooting over 50 yards, so flat trajectory is an answer without a question.

I've decided on 44 Rem Mag.