I've only been on the .41 Magnum bandwagon for a little over a year after being on the .44 Magnum wagon for over 30 years. As much as I admire the .41 Magnum cartridge, and being thrilled to be a newer owner of one, I'm simply not seeing its superior ballistic performance over the chronograph screens to that of the .44 Magnum. It's too easy to run 240 grain .429 bullets faster than 210-220 grain .410 bullets. Superior ballistics can't be claimed by the .41 Magnum.

Going back to the days when published manuals offered real full-powered maximum loads, a peek in the 1978 Sierra manual shows loads for the .41 Magnum and their 170 grain bullet into the 1500 fps range, and loads for their 210 grain bullet into the 1300 fps range. Data for Sierra's .44 Magnum using their maximum loads show their 180 grain bullet reaching into the 1700 fps range and their 240 grain bullet into the 1500 fps range.

I've thoroughly run the .44 Magnum through the wringer and found that these velocities are easily accomplished with several powders. I've only started investigating the .41 Magnum, having tested both 210 and 220 grain bullets, but am finding that the .41 Magnum velocities published in the 1978 Sierra manual are also easily managed by the cartridge.

I used the .44 Magnum for hunter pistol silhouette, shooting for several seasons years ago, and it was used on the 100 yd. rams. I've only shot the .41 Magnum for effect at 100 yards to see if the bullet would get down there. It did. It did not shoot perceptibly flatter nor has it displayed any flatter shooting characteristics in impromptu shooting at targets of opportunity on the 200 yard range at our old home place.

If Sierra's ballistics tables in the back of their 1978 manual are to be taken at face value then the following may be found.

.41 Magnum
Sierra 170 grain JHC: 1500 fps, 100 yard drop: 9.62 inches
Sierra 210 grain JHC: 1300 fps, 100 yard drop: 11.49 inches

44 Magnum
Sierra 180 grain JHC: 1700 fps, 100 yard drop: 7.41 inches
Sierra 240 grain JHC: 1500 fps, 100 yard drop: 8.89 inches

It ain't much difference but it is in favor of the .44 magnum over the .41 Magnum. There's 4 inches or less difference in drop at 100 yards for all of the above so it's not important.

At 100 yards and longer distances the .44 Magnum shows higher retained velocities and more ft./lbs of energy than the .41 Magnum "according to the charts."

Now one can mix-'n-match different brands of bullets, different bullet weights, or bullet weights not listed and obtain different results but the .44 Magnum would still likely best the .41 Magnum by a bit no matter what combination was chosen. If the .44 Magnum is treated with the right handloaded components it should equal the .41 Magnum in penetration as well.

And yes, higher velocities may be attained than Sierra's quotes. With a grain less than the maximum listed load for their 220 grain .41 Magnum Silhouette bullet using H110, 1362 fps was achieved in the Model 57. This past season a small Texas whitetail doe was taken with this load and it was highly effective.

The highest velocities I've seen in the Model 29 .44 Magnum have been 1812 fps with the Sierra 180 grain bullet and 1550 fps with the Sierra 240 grain bullet.

In years gone by I've taken a couple of deer with the .44 Magnum and it was also highly effective.

Sierra says they used a 6-inch Smith & Wesson Model 57 for their .41 Magnum testing and a 7 1/2-inch Ruger Super Blackhawk for their .44 Magnum testing.

I used a 6-inch Model 57 and an 8 3/8-inch Model 29. Even if the barrel lengths were equal I suspect the nod would still go to the .44 Magnum.

30-something years ago when I had the money burning a hole in my pocket I intended to purchase a .41 Magnum rather than a .44 Magnum. They had no .41 Magnums in stock so I went down the .44 Magnum road and wouldn't take for the ride it's given. I still like the .41 Magnum. I enjoy shooting it a bit more and could live with it rather than a .44 Magnum.