41 mag Wadcutter Data

gallegosmike · May 16, 2014

I just stumbled across some 205 gr 41 wadcutters at matts bullets. I am need of some where to start. Ive got herco, unique, blue dot, 231, WSF, WST , tight group and tight wad.

Any help would be appreciated!

Mike

TAROMAN · May 16, 2014

Not much help, but I like 205 grain wadcutters in 44 Magnum.
My best results have been with 231.
As always, start low - say 5.5 grains - and work up.

gallegosmike · May 16, 2014

I really like using herco and unique for mid range 357 to 44 mag. I was thinking about using lead 200 gr data and reducing by 15%. Then working back up. Should get me in the ball park, but was hoping someone had data for me work off.

Mike

Engineer1911 · May 16, 2014

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

Use 200 grain bullet data and the starting load. Lubed, cast bullets have lower pressure than jacketed bullets.

You do have a reloading manual, don't you?

SMSgt · May 16, 2014

Back when I owned a .41 Mag, my preferred load was Speer .210 jacketed SWCs. Made a great clang on targets, and punched right through 10-inch birch trees. I used Blue Dot (before it became a no-no) and had excellent results.

Any data for a 200 grain lead bullet (other than COL) should be a good starting point if you can't find exact load data. As always, Start low, use caution and work up carefully.

gallegosmike · May 16, 2014

Engineer1911 said:
Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

Use 200 grain bullet data and the starting load. Lubed, cast bullets have lower pressure than jacketed bullets.

You do have a reloading manual, don't you?

Yes, I do have a couple reloading manuals. None show any data for a 205 Grain Wadcutter. I hate to shoot in the dark when it comes to reloading data.

Mike

Groo01 · May 16, 2014

Groo here
Try a load of Trailboss up to the bottom of the bullet.

colt_saa · May 17, 2014

gallegosmike said:
Yes, I do have a couple reloading manuals. None show any data for a 205 Grain Wadcutter. I hate to shoot in the dark when it comes to reloading data.

Mike

You should be less concerned about the exact projectile shape/weight and be more concerned about the hardness of the projectile and the type of wadcutter.

Are these cast from hard lead or soft? Are these DEWCs or HBWCs (huge difference). DEWCs can be pushed much harder than HBWCs.

Pretty much ANY starting load for a 200 +/- grain lead projectile is a safe place to start.

I load my 41 Magnum, soft cast, HBWCs with 6.5 grains of 231. Powder puff of a load and very accurate

Doubless · May 17, 2014

This is not exact to your bullet weight so you will have to load down and work up, but years ago, I wrote to Accurate Arms about loading a 195-grain full wadcutter in my Model 57. The load recommendation I got from them was start at 8.4 grains of AA #2 improved and not go over 9.3grains.

FWIW, their recommendation for the RCBS 41-210 and AA #2 Improved was 8.3 - 9.2 grains, and 8.1 - 9.0 grains for the Lyman 410459.

I think what they were telling me was that bearing surface for all three of these projectiles was pretty much the same, and as a result, powder charges were identical.

I hope this helps...

RussellD · May 18, 2014

Try working up a load with either WST or 231. Start at 5.0 grains and work up to 6.0

Jellybean · May 19, 2014

I have a Lee mold for a 208 gr. wadcutter. It really likes 8 gr. of Unique. It also likes 3 gr. of Bullseye, but that wasn't in your list.

I used data for Lyman's 41026 mold. 44th edition I believe.

kennyb · May 19, 2014

a great caliber...love 41 mag.

Skyhunter · Jun 3, 2014

Mike,
All of my .41 revolvers like Lyman's 41026 wadcutter over 8.0 grs. of Unique.

Regards,
Skyhunter

Steve C · Jun 4, 2014

If you intend to use these wad cutters in their traditional role in target loads for paper punching then I'd be looking for a load that sends them out the barrel at 750 to 850 fps. While they can be driven harder in the .41 mag they will likely suffer instability at 50yd + range like .38 spl wad cutters so they will not make a good hunting bullet except for short range.

Loads for the 215gr LSWC's will be safe for the lighter bullet and start level loads of a medium to fast burning powder should produce a nice target load.

I would try 6.0grs of W231 or 7.0grs of Unique which should give you a target load around 800+ fps without any worry of sticking a bullet.

41 mag Wadcutter Data

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