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Old 04-18-2017, 04:41 PM
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Default Some .41 Magnum options to choose from...

I'm a big fan of the .41 magnum. I don't handload, so I buy 'off the shelf'.

I've owned model 58's in the past, a model 657, and now I have a Ruger Redhawk 41 mag with 4.2 inch barrel.

I'm considering a 'do it all' sort of load. I live in a rural area. I have:
1) Remington 210 gr. JSP (loud, fast, and bright)
2) Speer 210 gr. Gold Dot (deep curl)
3) Winchester 240 gr. Platinum Tips (does about 1080 from a 4 inch).
4) Winchester 175 gr. Silver Tips (mild load, identical to 10mm)
5) Corbon 250 gr. hardcast
6) Underwood 210 gr. JHP (as hot as the Remington 210's)

Right now I carry the Speer 210 gr. Gold Dot. It's full power, but I figure the deep and wide hollow cavity will expand well.

I'm considering going to the Winchester Platinum tip.

Which one of these would be an ideal 'do it all' round for rural carry (two and four legged goblins)?

Thanks.

Last edited by American1776; 04-18-2017 at 04:42 PM.
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Old 04-18-2017, 05:10 PM
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I have found the Remington 210 JSP to be a full power load that should cover pretty much all of your bases (except maybe a big coastal brown Alaskan).

The Silvertip load was very pleasant to shoot. That and the Gold Dot should have the 2 legged problems solved easily.
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Old 04-18-2017, 05:22 PM
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I do not know if this helps, but my 57, is my big bore , and I reload only. My go too load is a 215 gr. Swc, over 15.5 grs. AA9, I would venture to think, it is a full house load. It is my go to load. It really depends on your comfort level, and intended target. If I had to choose from your list, the 210 rd gold dot
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Old 04-19-2017, 08:31 AM
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When I carried a M-58 for a service revolver, I used W-W Silvertips (210gr ? ) H.P. This load was great for second and third follow up shots
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Old 04-19-2017, 10:57 AM
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What size 4-Legged Goblins would you be running into?

For the 2-Legged type I have gone to the loads that have the Barns 180 grain all-copper HP...they expand very rapidly and penetrate very well.

Was talking to Peter Pi, owner of CorBon, at a SHOT Show a few years ago and he said when he carries his .41 he went from his 170 Sierra bullet load to the Barns.

Federal loading...very easy to shoot...





Jug behind the carton...






If you want a load that penetrates, the Remington 210 or one of the 250 cast rounds from Federal (CastCore) or CorBon will work. I like the Federal as it isn't loaded real hot (1080 fps) and very controlable.







Bullet went through one carton, four jugs, hit the soft body panel and then cracked the supporting jug behind it...







Silvertips work good...









In a .41 no matter what you use it is going to work...

Bob

Catch box...


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Old 04-19-2017, 11:03 AM
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For an all-around however probably hard to beat the Gold Dot...



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Old 04-19-2017, 11:08 AM
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It's a .41 Mag. Just about any round will do. My fav caliber back in my magnum shooting days.
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Old 04-19-2017, 11:56 AM
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I would listen to what " superman "says . He's a former Dallas Pd guy that carried 41's and has much experience with the caliber . Back in " the day " he reloaded not only for himself but was a licensed reloader and reloaded for others in the dept .
You said that you are not a reloader , so go with what he says as the gospel .
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Old 04-19-2017, 12:07 PM
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Thanks everyone. SuperMan; your posts are always informative and expertly done.

I think I will stay with the Speer 210 Gold Dot. It hits hard but expands well. A 210 gr. hollowpoint of .41 diameter that expands well and goes 1200 ft/s: can't do much better than that.
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Old 04-19-2017, 12:21 PM
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I LOVE 41 Magnum

Out in the wild, where I know trouble exists and I figure it has a good chance to find me, the Winchester Platinum Tip would be my choice. Preferably in a longer barrel than 4.2".


In town, where I am not expecting to find trouble, I am also a big fan of the Barnes 180s. I used to love the Remington Factory 170 SJHPs, but those are long gone from the market place.


The 180 Barnes even perform well from little personal defense revolvers like the 5 shot, 2 1/2" Taurus 415T and 6 shot, 2 1/2" Smith and Wesson Night Guard revolvers.



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Old 04-19-2017, 01:05 PM
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Lot of interesting testing! Thanks for posting that stuff.

I only have two .41s at the moment. A Redhawk (5 1/2") and a model 58. I have been shooting some HSM Cowboy loads that are pretty stout for "cowboy" loads (advertised at 210 grain SWC and 1200 fps). Bullets also seem to be very hard cast. Nice to have something tamer to shoot just for fun.

Also just got a few molds so will start casting and reloading for these. Found a button nose wadcutter mould and the classic RCBS 210gr Keith SWC mould. Should be able to cover most bases with those. Hard cast wad cutter might be a decent defensive or hunting bullet.
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Old 04-19-2017, 01:22 PM
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I think if Buffalo bore made a 210 grain hardcast full wadcutter that did 1,000 ft/s from the 4 inch barrel, it'd be the ideal load for everyday carry.
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Old 04-19-2017, 05:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by American1776 View Post
I think if Buffalo bore made a 210 grain hardcast full wadcutter that did 1,000 ft/s from the 4 inch barrel, it'd be the ideal load for everyday carry.
I am in the same situation as you. I do not reload. I am fortunate to have a local ammunition manufacturer that loads 215 grain LSWC ammo at 1050 fps. They are great rounds out of my Model 58.
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Old 04-19-2017, 06:57 PM
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Thank you for the nice complements everyone....

Here is a thread I started over o the Cast Boolit Forums that has a lot of good links and posts on .41s....

.41 Magnum / 41 Special Load Data Center

Bob
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Old 04-19-2017, 08:36 PM
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I recently started reloading after a 30 year hiatus. The best load I have found so far for my Model 58 is a 215 gr LSWC over 5 grains of Titegroup in new Starlite cases and a CCI large pistol primer. Velocity is 800 fps and a joy to shoot. Get yourself a press and start reloading. You will not regret it.
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Old 04-19-2017, 10:25 PM
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8.0 grains of Unique with a 200-230 grain bullet will duplicate the original POLICE loading at 950+- fps from a 4" barrel. Just an extremely accurate load no matter what bullet one sticks on top...

Bob
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Old 04-19-2017, 10:48 PM
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Good stuff here!!
The .41 has always been at the top of my list for hunting and personal protection.
I have a few S&W's, a Marlin lever gun and a Freedom Arms M97 chambered in this fantastic round. I also once owned the Taurus with titanium frame, but decided to trade that one off a while back.
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Old 04-20-2017, 07:12 AM
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" I also once owned the Taurus with titanium frame, but decided to trade that one off a while back."...those are great guns... I have a 4", a very rare 6" and a 4" stainless.....

What configuration is your 97?

Bob
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Old 04-20-2017, 10:10 AM
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I'm a 41 guy , I have 3 smiths , 2/57's , 1/58 , and a ruger NMBH in 41 with 4 5/8" barrel . I lucked onto that one . I found it on gunbroker . It has had the alloy grip frame changed out to steel ( better balance) , a bomar rear sight installed , red ramp front sight and the nicest action job I've ever had on a ruger . I got it for just over $400 . I like it for a back pack gun , easy to carry , fairly light , handles any load you want to put through it , mild to wild . The trick to shooting a SA revolver is to use the muzzle flip to your advantage , don't try to " tame it " . When it rolls back in your hand , it makes cocking the hammer quick and easy .
I agree with Superman , 8-8.5 grains of unique is a very accurate load with most any bullet 200-230grs . I use 8.5 with a 220 gr WFN bullet I cast myself . I remember reading here that a retired LEO that worked the streets of Baton Rouge , La said his duty load was 8.0 grs of Unique , did everything he ever needed it to .
If I remember correctly , jimmyj said that when he was a LEO and carried a 58 , his favorite load was a 210 gr jacketed bullet on top of 10 grs of Herco as his duty load .
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Old 04-21-2017, 09:20 AM
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Speaking of the original police load for the 41 magnum . I remember reading that a guy had a few of them left . He pulled 3 rounds apart , sent the powder in for an analysis of weight and type . The test results came back , " 7.0 grs of Bullseye powder " .
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Old 04-21-2017, 07:01 PM
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Wow. That's an interesting use of bullseye. My old Lyman manual shows a max of 5.5.

My standard 41 load is between 8 and 9 grains Unique as has been mentioned here with a cast SWC.

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