Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Ammo

Notices

Ammo All Ammo Discussions Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-05-2020, 07:48 PM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: S W GA
Posts: 876
Likes: 4,091
Liked 1,717 Times in 461 Posts
Default 41 Mag Recommends

I recently bought a model 57 4 inch.
I have no 41 mag on hand. I would like input on
a low velocity commercial round to buy from
the usual ammo suppliers. Any suggestions/experiences on whats good to go
Appreciated..
Thanks Randy..
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 07-05-2020, 07:55 PM
ken158 ken158 is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: VA
Posts: 4,674
Likes: 1,449
Liked 4,503 Times in 1,931 Posts
Default

You are probably going to need to reload for your new 41 if you want a low velocity target type load. Remington used to make a SWC load that ran under 1000 FPS but think that is a load from the past.
__________________
S&W factory revolver armorer
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 07-05-2020, 08:23 PM
emptypockets emptypockets is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Rapides Parish
Posts: 396
Likes: 1,108
Liked 1,539 Times in 286 Posts
Default

Unfortunately ken158 may be right about reloading your own ammo for your 57. I load for my 58 and have settled on a load that is easy to shoot and still has the right amount of oomph. Good luck in your search and enjoy your 57....can't imagine that you won't.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 07-05-2020, 08:26 PM
s&wchad's Avatar
s&wchad s&wchad is offline
Moderator
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Great Lakes State
Posts: 29,863
Likes: 12,774
Liked 33,978 Times in 7,971 Posts
Default

check out LAX ammo online. It’s loaded about 200fps slower than regular .41 Mag and 250 rounds sells for $130.95 plus shipping.
__________________
"I also cook."
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 07-05-2020, 08:56 PM
Richard Simmons Richard Simmons is online now
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 8,118
Liked 2,996 Times in 885 Posts
Default

HSM Cowboy Action, 210gr. SWC at 969 FPS. I get mine at the big box Sportsman’s store.
__________________
BCCI Life Member #2068
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 07-05-2020, 09:11 PM
fishwishin fishwishin is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: California Delta region
Posts: 404
Likes: 478
Liked 685 Times in 239 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Simmons View Post
HSM Cowboy Action, 210gr. SWC at 969 FPS. I get mine at the big box Sportsman’s store.
Same for me. I do wish it had just a bit more pop, but it is a comfortable step down from the full power factory loads for a nice range day.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 07-05-2020, 09:29 PM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: S W GA
Posts: 876
Likes: 4,091
Liked 1,717 Times in 461 Posts
Default

I was fishing for ammo after I posted the ammo question.
I just came across 41 mag target load 800 fps
from Ga Arms Ammo. 25$ for 50.
Anyone use them lately or experience using
them recently or their ammo?
Thanks Randy..
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 07-05-2020, 09:53 PM
Hair Trigger's Avatar
Hair Trigger Hair Trigger is offline
US Veteran
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: western NC
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 2,540
Liked 6,873 Times in 2,149 Posts
Default

Too bad there isn't a .41 Special, like .38 and .44 has. I bought a M57 last week, got my dies and ammo stuff Friday, and cranked out what I thought would be some pretty tame loads to get acquainted with. 1225 fps, 210 gr XTP, but my hands tingled for 30 minutes after 18 rounds of it. I can't wait to see what a full power load will be like.

Factory ammo is going to be about the same, whatever you get (when you can find it), and if you want any light loads, you'll probably have to DIY.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 07-05-2020, 09:58 PM
Warren Sear's Avatar
Warren Sear Warren Sear is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Twin Cites, Minnesota
Posts: 5,150
Likes: 10,986
Liked 10,874 Times in 3,279 Posts
Default

This does not answer the OP's question, but if you have a .41 Magnum it makes a lot of sense to be a hand loader.

With a Lee 215 grain TL SWC bullet mold, a bottle of Lee alox tumble lube, a set of Lee dies and a press, you can get into hand loading pretty cheap.

After that you can load to whatever powder level you want.

Edited to add: Unique powder will load everything but the hottest magnum loads.

I have never owned or fired a single factory manufactured .41 Magnum cartridge.

Also, based on my experience, there is NO discernable difference in recoil between full powered .41 and .44 Magnum ammo!

Last edited by Warren Sear; 07-06-2020 at 05:05 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 07-05-2020, 10:33 PM
Marine Corps Air's Avatar
Marine Corps Air Marine Corps Air is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 982
Likes: 908
Liked 1,350 Times in 561 Posts
Default 41 Mag Recommends

Randy,

Congratulations on making this decision. The .41 Magnum is my favorite caliber. In my opinion, shooting-wise, it's better that .357 Magnum but does not have the "hard kick" that is associated with a .44 Magnum. I have two Model 57s. However, historically I don't believe that the popularity of this round rose to the expectations of the user community. From 2013-2017 I was able to buy factory reloads for about $34.00/box. I still have the sales ticket from Bass Pro in Nashville where I was charged $64.99/box for Remington L41MG1 210 grain SP in March 2013. The last box I bought here in Georgia from my gun range was in March of last year for $49.19.

The SGAmmo website has it for $36.95/box. I don't see that caliber listed at TargetSports USA. Brownell's has it for $68.99/box. OMG!

Yes, if you are a reloader it's both far less expensive and very available, any time!

However, this is one of the worst times to be searching for many calibers, loads, and brands.

This is from Bud's Gun Shop:
41 Remington Magnum Ammunition For Sale (Caliber/Gauge: 41 Remington Magnum) - Buds Gun Shop


Bill
__________________
That's what we do!

Last edited by Marine Corps Air; 07-13-2020 at 11:40 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 07-05-2020, 11:22 PM
Doug M.'s Avatar
Doug M. Doug M. is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Washington State
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 14,558
Liked 9,285 Times in 3,714 Posts
Default

For the vast majority of purposes, there is little that a 210 (ish) grain SWC at 850-950 fps won't do. It's a heavy revolver, but a good holster and belt help a lot. That type of load is easy to shoot and will hit hard on most any thing or person you might need to shoot with the exception of some categories of really dangerous quadrupeds.
__________________
NHI, 10-8.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 07-06-2020, 07:58 AM
Sixgun100 Sixgun100 is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 1,105
Liked 2,823 Times in 662 Posts
Default

I have experience with the Georgia Arms load. It is very light and easy shooting in my Model 58. Think Model 10 with standard.38 Special loads. Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-06-2020, 09:22 AM
SuperMan SuperMan is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Rochester, NH USA
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,629
Liked 4,915 Times in 1,705 Posts
Default

Welcome to the world of .41s...better known as The Cult....

This site will give you a lot of posts and links to everything .41...

.41 Magnum / 41 Special Load Data Center

As to low recoil ammo, HSM, Georgia Arms, and Great Lakes Ammo (on GunBroker.com $35 a box of 50) all make a basic copy of the original 210 grain lead SWC POLICE loading (950 fps)...but with a cast bullet that doesn't lead like the original swaged bullet did. Several companies also made .41 Special ammo. Do a search on GunBroker and .41 Special from Reed's ammo and LOADX will come up.

There is now more .41 Magnum and Special ammo available than ever before...and fewer new guns than ever before...

Enjoy...Bob
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-06-2020, 09:39 AM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,296
Likes: 1,850
Liked 6,685 Times in 2,117 Posts
Default

I have shot .41's since back in the 80's and I think I bought one box of factory and 2 boxes of SilverTips. All of which I still have, everything else has been a reload.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 07-06-2020, 10:44 AM
robertrwalsh robertrwalsh is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peoples Republic of Calif
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 1,231
Liked 6,031 Times in 2,146 Posts
Default

Unfortunately .41 mag is very much a handloaders cartridge. I have one and I like it a lot. Like max above I have three (or maybe four) boxes of factory ammo, of which I have shot six rounds. Everything else has been my own loads.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-06-2020, 11:28 AM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: S W GA
Posts: 876
Likes: 4,091
Liked 1,717 Times in 461 Posts
Default

Well Guys
Like a lotta things I used to handload a lot yrs
ago. Mostly in my deer hunting days here in SW
GA. Rifle and handgun rounds. I gave away my
reloading stuff to some buds sometime ago.
Few yrs ago got nostalgic and bought a Rockchucker complete kit. Still have it NIB.
Stroke and nueropothy issues still mending
these days or I'd be a happy camper doing it
again. Til then I'll just pu some rounds to
pudder with.
Mainly like You here aggravating just getting
thru to the places nowadays.
Thanks for all your recommends. I'll pu some eventually.
Best Randy...
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 07-07-2020, 09:02 PM
38SPL HV's Avatar
38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 957
Liked 949 Times in 419 Posts
Default

I suggest learning to reload to obtain your velocity and shooting goals with this great caliber. 8.0 grs Unique and 220 gr Keith SWC (or 215 gr SWC) is a fine mid range load and I used it a lot in my long departed Ruger Blackhawk 6.5 inch.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 07-08-2020, 07:50 PM
fleabus101 fleabus101 is offline
SWCA Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: S W GA
Posts: 876
Likes: 4,091
Liked 1,717 Times in 461 Posts
Default

All the handloading talk sure takes me back to 14-15 yr old days starting out with my former LEO dads 38
S&W 38/44. Dad said, well have at it.
So a lb of bullseye & a lb of unique and my
Lee big box of small powder scooping dippers
and its powder dipper chart.
Cant say how many 3.oGr bullseye rounds and
4.o-4.5Gr unique rounds I fired between 14 to 16 yrs old before getting my dr lic and discovering girls that shooting took a "back seat" to activites for some time LOL..
"Once a upon a young handloaders time"
Randy.

Last edited by fleabus101; 07-08-2020 at 07:53 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 07-13-2020, 10:53 AM
pawngal pawngal is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Okoboji, IA
Posts: 6,057
Likes: 21,487
Liked 19,597 Times in 4,698 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by s&wchad View Post
check out LAX ammo online. It’s loaded about 200fps slower than regular .41 Mag and 250 rounds sells for $130.95 plus shipping.
That's what I shoot in my M57. I have no problem shooting 50+ rounds. First time buyers get free shipping at LAX. But like much other ammo, "Out of Stock" currently.
__________________
_______________
Super Snooper
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-13-2020, 10:59 AM
Old Corp's Avatar
Old Corp Old Corp is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Coastal NC
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 2,340
Liked 4,673 Times in 1,599 Posts
Default

Some years back, in order to gain a stock of usable .41 brass, did order a bunch of the LAX reman ammo. Sort of a 'Cowboy Load', but fine for range plinking. A good value.
__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-13-2020, 11:48 AM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,870
Likes: 7,475
Liked 8,125 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

Life for the 41 magnum would have been a little easier if the 41 Special had come along before the 41 magnum instead of decades afterwards , factory magnum loads or handloading and cast bullets were your only option for a long time ... except for the one or two companies that load a lighter target load and availability can be a concern here , reloading your own is still your best option .

" With a 215 or 220 grain cast SWC try 7.0 t0 8.0 grains of Unique " ... Advice from Elmer Keith ... I settled on 7.5 grains Unique with either bullet ... it's a good load @ about 800 to 850 fps .
Gary
__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Last edited by gwpercle; 07-13-2020 at 11:51 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 08-02-2020, 01:28 PM
BrettA BrettA is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default .41 ammunition

I've had three S&W .41's over the years..a 6" magna ported, a 4", and a 357PD. I ended up selling the last one a year ago but still have 780 rounds of factory ammo left that I've been trying to sell or trade locally. Not many.41 around here i guess. If anyone is interested let me know. Mixed batch of Remington and Winchester plus 200 rounds of once fired brass and 6 or 8 speed loaders.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 08-02-2020, 04:54 PM
Early Bird Dave Early Bird Dave is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: North Florida
Posts: 102
Likes: 77
Liked 164 Times in 51 Posts
Default

One of my favorite guns! My first real gun 35 years ago. I rarely shoot them now. Fantastic weapon! I also wish they made a factory load like they used to make a lead wadcutter for this weapon. Sometimes us old people want a little less kick.
Currently have 2, one in blue and one nickel both model 57 - 2 in 4 inch.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 08-02-2020, 05:01 PM
Early Bird Dave Early Bird Dave is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: North Florida
Posts: 102
Likes: 77
Liked 164 Times in 51 Posts
Default

Used to be my go-to weapon. First to grab. Have taken out two armadillos and one rabid raccoon that was trying to attack my wife. Usually they flip upside down from the impact. Luckily you are shooting down because the round does pass through
You need ear protection though. Last time I used it on an armadillo I had my ears ringing for 24 hours..
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 08-02-2020, 05:06 PM
glenwolde's Avatar
glenwolde glenwolde is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 1,597
Liked 6,304 Times in 2,292 Posts
Default

I shot a couple of hundred rounds of the Georgia Arms SWC that came with my 657. It's great stuff. Given the cost of virgin brass it makes some sense to buy the GA stuff and use the brass for reloads.

My favorite powder puff .41 load is a 215 gr cast lead SWC over 6.0 grains of Universal.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 08-03-2020, 02:03 PM
boatbum101 boatbum101 is offline
Member
41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends 41 Mag Recommends  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Pensacola,FL
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 4,198
Liked 999 Times in 536 Posts
Default

+ 1 on above post # 25 . It will allow you to shoot & see if you want warmer loads . I hunt with both a RBH & Henry BB . I use heavy for caliber cast bullets on mainly hogs . As stated above to get the best from 41 mag handloading is a must . Matt's Bullets has 2 full wadcutter bullets & a copy of H&G 258 SWC , good bullets with good lube for a very reasonable price . Once you have the brass one can get cost per round down , even less if you cast your own bullets .
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
HELP WITH LASER/LIGHT RECOMMENDS FOR MP40 NIGHTSTAND SET UP galena Concealed Carry & Self Defense 9 11-26-2016 01:55 AM
Spring City, Utah City Council Recommends It's Citizens Arm Themselves Alnamvet68 The Lounge 6 01-10-2013 04:42 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:00 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)