1st off, I don't reload. The .41 magnum revolver seems to me to be an interesting gun/caliber. I have calibers all around it, but whatever; I don't have a .41 mag. revolver. I see a very nice one for sale and I ask is there any other cartridge that will fire from one? Like .38/.357, .44mag/.44special, etc.? I'm not interested in having a beautiful gun's cylinder cut for moon clips for a 10mm or whatever. Gun in question is a M57 I believe. I keep looking at this gun and I think it wants me to want it. If only .41, then so be it. Thanks...Jeff

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There's a Monster on the loose

No, .41 Magnum is the only cartridge available. There is a wildcat called the .41 Special but it serves no purpose in an N frame 57 and is not available commercially in loaded ammo or in mid-size guns.

If you do not reload then you will find .41 Magnum ammunition hard to find and quite expensive. Loading two boxes of 50 cartridges on a Lee hand press or Lee challenger press (with dies and a scale) will pay for your reloading equipment.

.41 mag is a substantial step up from .357, but not as heavy recoiling as .44 magnum. It is the best magnum cartridge, imo.

Hornady 210 grain .410 bullets, Starline brass, Win LP primers, and Win296/H110 powder is all you need to duplicate factory loads.

Yep, great round but very difficult to find these days. Good luck with your decision.

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213th FBINA

I am a big fan of the 41 Magnum cartridge and the firearms that chamber it. Here is a decade old group photo. More have been added over the years

I accidentally got a 6" nickel Model 57 back in 1980 and fell in love

I was already a handloader so it never bothered me

Today's market has several times more commercial ammunition offerings then back then but you won't find much in your favorite gun shop.

Barnes has a Great self defense load using their Total Copper Hollow Point. Federal has a Great hunting offering with their 250 grain core cast projectile plus their are others

This is a 180 Grain XPB projectile loaded into brass cases.

If you are comfortable purchasing on-line, ammunition is availble but it is a bit more expensive than most Magnum revolver cartridges

My most recent 41 Magnum addition is a Factory engraved 4"

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"Acta non verba"

I won 3rd place in a steel sillouette match using a Ruger SA Blackhawk back in 1980 or so. Nice caliber, but I prefer 44 mag now.

The .41 mag is a GREAT cartridge, but if you want to shoot it you better have deep pockets or reload. Plus if you reload you can get exactly what you want. I have one, a Model 58, that is my backwoods carry dangerous critter gun.

As previously noted there is a .41 Special, but it's purely a handloaded proposition as far as I know.
I've been a .41 mag. lover since 1971. I'm a reloader and bullet caster as well. I've always kept a good stock of components to keep my revolver fed.
I haven't seen any .41 mag. factory ammo on any local store's shelves for at least 5 years. I know it's available online, but have never bought any.
An S&W Model 57 is never a bad choice IMO - but I'll admit to being "a bit biased" on that point! LOL!
Good luck on your quest!

WYT-P
Skyhunter

I do not have a 41 Magnum. When I was jonesing for a magnum caliber larger than 357, I searched gun shops and gun shows, looking and looking for a six inch barreled Model 57. Could not find one and ended up settling for Model 29-3, then a Super Redhawk. I can say that the 41 Magnum is a reloader's cartridge these days. Checking my local, friendly, sporting goods/gun shop/pawn shop I see they have in stock...

6 different 44 Magnum loads, average is $17 for 20 rounds, plus the CCI shot shell load.
2 different 44 Special loads, average is $30 for 20 rounds, plus the CCI shot shell load.
1 41 Magnum load, the Underwood 150 gr Xtreme Hunter round, only $65 for a box of 20.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I bought a 6" Model 57 back in the late 1990s, knowing that I'd be reloading for it. I developed my own "Special" load for it using 231 and my cast 210gr SWCs. Whenever I see 41 Magnum brass, I grab what I can afford.

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Judge control not gun control!

I became a Huge Fan in the 1970's when I got a model 58 ...
It is my Favorite , that's the model 58 in my avatar ... But ...
To realy take advantage of what the 41 magnum can do and how versatile it can be ... you just about have to reload your own ! That opens up so many doors and you can load light Target ammo with wadcutter bullets ...
all the way up to Big Game (Deer & Hogs) .
I use 41 Special brass to load Target loads simply because the brass is available .
A Lee Hand Press Kit ($57.00) and a set of Lee Carbide reloading dies ($41.00)... off amazon will get you reloading for about $100.00 and you can do it at your computer desk , kitchen table ...or near about anywhere you want ...
My advice ... buy the model 57 and think hard about reloading ... it's easy and a fun part of the shooting hobby !
I reload all my handgun and 30-30 rifle with a Lee Hand Press now ...
Neat little tool !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I no longer reload, either. And I never owned a .41 Magnum revolver until recently; but, a few months ago, I even-traded for a LNIB S&W .41 Magnum Model 58 revolver with box & papers. What a "gun"!! Since then, it has become my favorite revolver. When I want to treat myself, I use sparingly mild factory cowboy loads for target practice, and for serious work, I have a small stash of hard-to-find Winchester Silvertips. Steinel ammo is also very good.

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I've been shooting a 58 since the 80s, my primary handgun for over a decade. More recently, I acquired a 6" no dash 57. The only factory ammo I shoot are hunting loads in the 57.

They do everything I need a revolver over .357 to do. I shoot the 58 with 180 and 200 grain bullets at .45 ACP velocity.

I would never discourage you from buying a .41, just sayin' unless you decide to reload it will spend most of it's time in the safe. The .41s are a JOY to shoot.

I am also a fan of the 41 from my old 57 from 67 to a Marlin 1894 in 41. Had a low 3 digit 1st year Ruger BH so I sold it and bought a new 41 BH and a 45 BH combo and had money left too. Yes I reload but most of the ammo I have in stock is factory. You can buy mild to wild but the best are loads around a 1000 FPS

I have both an 8" and a 6.5" 0.41 magnum. Starline a few years ago ran 0.41 Special cases so I picked up 200 (0.41 Mag is the only cartridge that was not started as a Special plus 0.2"). There used to be a specialist shop that ran 0.41 Specials every 6 months or so, but I no longer have the name/address. Dave_n

I inherited my Dad's Model 57 that he used to hunt deer with. My favorite of all time is the .45 Colt, but now my new favorite is the .41 Mag.

My gun range was recently rebuilt / upgrade and mags are now not allowed. Starline sells wildcat .41 Special brass, so I bought a bunch. Now, I'm range legal.

Personally, I can't imagine owning a handgun and NOT reloading. A Lee press and a couple of parts is only pocket change.

Nevertheless, anyone that is a handgun aficionado and doesn't have a .41 should get one.

I shoot my 657 on a regular basis, but I'm a reloader. Most revolver fans consider the .41 a reloader's cartridge. You can buy the reduced power HSM Cowboy Loads but even those will cost you a bit more than $1.00 a round with shipping and taxes. Full blown factory ammo from a major manufacturer runs a lot more than that. But it is a great shooting cartridge!

Jeff,

I came to enjoy shooting my S&W .41 Magnum several years before Covid struck. I had already reached the point in time in which the .44 Magnum was just too much recoil to enjoy. As has been said, the .41 Magnum is a perfect step up from the .38 Special/.357 Magnum. Fun to shoot, always delivers a great experience at the range, and I think excellent "stopping power" whenever you need it.

However, that ammo is very expensive, IF you can find it! I remember years ago paying almost $70.00 for a box of 50 at Bass Pro in Nashville, TN At one time I could buy re-loads, but I don't think so now.

I just checked, just to see, and it appears that Bud's has a box of 50 of Buffalo Bore for about $42.00. I just want FMJ for the range.

If you have an opportunity for an excellent Model 57 I'd go for it!

Cheers!

Bill

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That's what we do!

Even if you don't shoot it, buy it, because .41 Magnum don't grow on trees. Surely, if you buy the M57, you'll start looking for a M58. I did. But having two of them makes buying ammo more worthwhile. I've never shot a factory load of .41M, though; I reload for all my handguns except the rimfires.

Do you know any details on the one you're looking at? SN if you can, we can date it. preferably it will be a pre 1982, pinned and recessed, even better if it has a "S" serial prefix (makes it pre 1969).

Okay, kids, I sent an I’ll take it. You can see the gun in the Forum’s Classifieds, guns for sale section. It looks to be a nice example of an N prefix serial number maybe born in’73-‘74 era. I think I will have to sell a couple guns now to make Mrs. Refrigeration a little less “unhappy”. Thanks for all the feedback. Check it out, it’s a nice looking gun.
Hair Trigger, your first sentence pushed me over the edge! It’s presented well. I think I was going to pull the trigger on it anyway, but I didn’t want to regret not buying it. When I saw it still offered this morning I figured I’d probably think it over a little harder.
Thanks again guys. I think!

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There's a Monster on the loose

Hard to stop at just one. Congrats. Pics when you get it

It's nice to have one, they aren't terribly common.

Obligatory .41 M picture:

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Remington use to make a 41 Magnum mid-range load a 210 LSWC at 950 fps for self defense and a 210 JSP at 1350 fps for hunting.

I have a 357 Magnum and a 44 Magnum so 41 Magnum is redundant.

While the 41 Mag is a very capable round, it is not popular these days and hard to find ammo for. When ever someone splits caliber hairs and comes out with a round in between two established calibers, the ammo supply usually dries up and gets pricy. Therefore buying a caliber such as 41 mag. comes with the caveat, "I hope you have a lot of money for ammo".

In reality, I never quite understood the 41 Mag. It won't do anything the much more popular 44 Mag won't and doesn't have that much less recoil. A 44 Mag can shoot 44 spl if less power and recoil is needed. So what's the point? Same thing with 357 Sig, 32 Magnum, 30 carry, etc. Good luck finding those bullets in the future and if you do be prepared to take out the checkbook to write big checks.

I bought a box of 50 online for $55 total, w/tax & shipping, in anticipation of receiving the revolver. They had Cowboy loads for a little more. Just a tad more than .22LR. If I had a place in the country where I could shoot whenever I want, I'm sure I would reload. I have a .327 Fed Magnum that is great to shoot, too, with a 6" GP100. Pretty much everything that gun shoots is expensive. I just don't get out to shoot enough, so I enjoy them when I can. I appreciate all the feedback; especially the enablers! By the pictures, it does look like a nice gun. Somewhere online, some auction site I think, had completed sale prices and I think what I paid is pretty reasonable. So, I didn't even bother with counter offers.
Peace!

THe 41 is a good cartridge, and it can do good things down range. But the whole thing has had me stumped since i learned about it.

Uncle Elmer came up with the cartridge for a better easier to use magnum for police and hunters. The loads were better then the 357 but lower powered and lower recoiling then the 44 magnum.

But just about every article ive read on the 41 magnum is about pushing bigger and bigger bullets trying to make it INTO a 44 magnum. Self defeating but everyones right to clean healthy fun.

I have used the 41 since the 67 time frame. I many years ago had a mold made to cast a 245 ge WFNGC bullet. Learned from the get go you didn't need a barn burner round to have a good one. Out of my 4 inch 57 at under 1100 fps it would shoot through a moose front to back...other critters too...an elk side to side. I wanted a 44 mag at the time...but none available in Alaska .I bought the 57 as my back up piece guiding. Even though I have and had many 44s...they kill no better and yes I find the 41 easier to shoot. How many 300 gr loads are you gonna run through your 29?? That 245 load is more'n 'nuff for me...and I don't shoot many of 'em. They are for serious encounters

Jeff, you’re gonna love it! Now there’s no more excuses not to get into reloading. Nevermind the naysayers! .41 Magnum is a fantastic round.

Here’s my brace of .41 Magnum No Dashes:

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

And congratulations !
I love mine. Although I don’t shoot them a bunch I still enjoy them.

I to just purchased a Model 57 No dash. What loads do you recommend and shoot? I have many spicy Underwood 10mm loads and im afraid that .41 Magnum is too stout.. Is it manageable ??

Look for "Cowboy Loads". They are the mildest recoiling. Start with those. If you can handle full-house 10mm loads you won't have a problem with them. But you will find that the full power .41 Magnum loads are a good bit more vigorous than the 10mm. Get some practice in with the Cowboy Loads before you try the full-house ammo.

Rubber grips, like the "Pachmayr Presentation", that cover the back strap help a lot with the full power loads. You can find inexpensive used ones on the auction site. Checkered wood grips are brutal.

My .41 ammo costs $2.50 for a box of 50. That doesn't seem pricy to me.

Of course I reload. I would not consider using any firearm unless I reloaded for it.

The other caveat is that like some of us reloaders I stocked up when it was evident that a crisis was in the wings.

Yeah, if you have a .44 Mag you can downgrade to .44 spl. But now with Starline making the brass, you can go with a .41 spl as well.

41 mag isn't that hard to find.

Ammoseek lists hundreds of mail order placed with 41 mag in stock from 70 cents per round and up.

Although I reload I also buy factory too. I can download with 41 mag brass. Don't need 41 Sp.

It's really not relevant to use component prices that you paid decades ago. Primers alone for a box of 50 today would cost more than $2.50.

I'm still working off an old stash of primers myself. I calculate cost at what my components are worth on the open market today. That's what you could sell them for, that's your cost, based on "opportunity cost". Your method places zero value on the Time Value of Money.

I have a 6 inch 57-1 and an 8 3/8s 57 no dash. I handload for everything I shoot except 22 and 9MM. I load 210, 215, and 220 gr cast bullets with 2400 and H110. No wimp loads. Costs around $2.50 to reload a box of 50. I bought 25K bullets 20 years ago and also cast the 220 gr. I have several pounds of H110 and 2400 and close to 50K primers that I bought at gun shows years ago and seldom paid $15 a thousand or $12 a pound. I will never sell any of this, but I imagine Whoever I will it to will, or not. Get the 41 if it calls You. You will enjoy it.

I love my 41's and have 2 both 4 inch. One is blue the other nickel. I also have a 4 inch M29 and much prefer the M57. I gave up loading for my pistol cartridges a year or so ago when I discovered a gentleman who goes by McKay Sagebrush on 24 hour campfire. You can find him there in the free classifieds section. He is a licensed ammo manufacture and I buy all my ammo from him. It's quality stuff and he's a very nice guy. IIRC his web address is Lost River Ammunition Company.

Reloading isn't the only necessity. Casting your own boolits is a needed part of the mix.

At current primer, powder and lead cost my box of 50 theoretically cost about 7 bucks, or $0.14 a round.

I think someone else said you can buy .41 for $0.70 a round. Heck of a difference.

glenwolde is kinda right. Since I am not going to sell the stuff I use I cost average on primers powder and projectiles. At this point my primer average is just over 2 cents each...But it is a price that continues to rise every time you replace anything...esp when you use the older items. All said loading a box of 41s right now is probably about 5.50 now...maybe a bit more if I use premium bullets...less if I cast them. esp with the 41. with the 38s I will avg about 2 cents for jacketed as I got 1000s at a couple auctions for next to nothing and estate sales. Powders toow

I tend to use the sale price when estimating and don't include tax & shipping/hazmat.

I figure $4.00 for primers.
($80/1,000 delivered+tax would be a bit low actually)

Even if a new shooter decides to reload he's probably not going to cast his own bullets right off the bat so Commercial Cast 215gr coated SWC's are at least $120 delivered so...

$6.00 for bullets.

Powder for my light load would be about $2.00.

(6.3gr of Universal at $45 a pound delivered.)

So they cost $12. Because that's the value of the components today regardless of when I bought them and how much I paid. A lot better than $50.00. That's why I am able to shoot a couple of thousand rounds a year of .41. So I spend maybe $500 on .41 ammo per year. That's in my budget.

Bullets are the killer. You can save some by casting your own,which I can do, but not as much as you think unless you luck into free/cheap metal. Which is great if you do. Just not necessarily something everyone can do. While I can cast my problem is I don't really have a place to process scrap lead. I just buy my bullets. I can cast if I have too.

I worry more about shortages than the cost.

You're gonna enjoy that purchase! Here's one of mine!

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Eons ago I switched to wheel weights and they have been quite satisfactory from .32 and .38 up to .41 and .45.

Before lead was outlawed in my state I bought a lifetime supply from local gas stations at the bargain price of a large pizza in exchange for a 5 gal pail of them.

Current raw non-zinc non-melted WWs go for about 2 bucks a pound. When processed it will give about an 85% yield. For about 3 bucks a pound you can buy WW ingots that are already processed.

Processing is no problem if you have a pot used to cast. Simply pick off the steel clips and flux. A little stinky so do it in the garage with good ventilation.

My first .41 magnum was a Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" shortly after I started hand loading back in the 80's. I got some 210g jacketed bullets, mag primers and 296 powder. I did not like the warnings printed by olin/win about <never to reduce charges> so I poured the powder out and went to more customizable powders like Unique, red Dot, and such, happier this way. I don't feel the need to push any envelopes, and am well served by the lead bullets I cast in my spare time (100%). I can get the same or similar performance with any other cartridge like 44 mag or 357 mag, but not so much.
I no longer have the first Blackhawk, but the 657 I now cherish will never leave me.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

Loves me some.41 magnum. This 7.5” Blackhawk is my favorite handgun to hunt with.

I use either the 210gn Hornady XTP or Speer deep curl bullets to get it done.

Like most everyone else, I roll my own ammunition for it. Everglades has been a good source for brass in the past.


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