Handload Arena: Rimmed Cartridge Finals

[keithhagan]

After the head-to-head of the two most common cartridges in the four most common revolver calibers, we have the following four as the forum's consensus "best" common rimmed handgun cartridges for handloading:

• 32 S&W Long
• 38 Special
• 44 Special
• 45 Colt

Now, which of these (plus 41 magnum) is overall best for handloading, based on whatever criteria strikes you as relevant or important?

 

[cadmike]

I’m going to say it’s a toss up between the .44 spec and .45 colt. Good luck trying to find factory ammo in these calibers that will, for example, launch a 250 grain projectile at 1150 fps. Only the astute hand loader can achieve this.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

41 Magnum based on the lack of availability and high cost when found. The 45 Colt is not far behind. Reloading either of these will result in the greatest savings and will pay off the equipment faster. More so if the shooter casts his own bullets.

John

 

[Cdog]

I went with the .41 Rem mag.

At least when you ask the people behind the counter they’ve heard of the others. You ask for .41 and you’re likely to get, “You mean .44 Mag.”

Another benefit of handloading comes to mind. With my .38 Super I can and do load.355” .356” and .357” diameter bullets ranging in weight from 115g through 160g with many possible profiles. Huge asset for tinkering folks like me.

Really most any centerfire other than 9X19 qualifies for your poll.

 

[Skeet 028]

41 mag of any velocity range followed by the fun gun to shoot...any of the 32s

 

[cowboy4evr]

I chose 41 magnum for many reasons , some mentioned above . Regard Paul

 

[magyars]

My old arthritic fingers like the 45Colt best.
It's easiest work with

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

UNFARE QUESTION! That's like asking which of my 4 kids do I like most. My favorite gun/cartridge is the one in my hand at the time.

Ivan

 

[BillBro]

Given the factory loaded offerings and benefit to be had frim handloading Im gonna go with the 44Spl. Ive had more fun with that cartridge than any of the others.

 

[glenwolde]

I will always vote for the .41.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I voted 41 magnum . Regards Paul

 

[colt_saa]

I do not hand load to save money

I mostly hand load to have ammunition in my specifications

This is the same reason that I cast projectiles. The bulk of my casting are projectiles that are not run of the mill

Since this thread is rimmed hand gun cartridges, the rimmed cartridges that I hand load are:
357 Magnum
357 Maximun
41 Magnum
45 Long Colt
454 Casull
45-70
500 Magnum

 

[ruggyh]

What is the relevance of this thread- since their are no qualifiers individuals will chose their favorite cartridge.

If popularity is what you are after Handloader magazine did a much more scientific survey and provided the top ten cartridges for reloading for both handgun and rifle.

 

[D Brown]

I selected .41 Magnum based mainly on the high cost for factory loads. All those on the list are great for reloading.

 

[Skeet 028]

As noted I chose the 41 mag followed by any 32 rimmed. Reasons?? Hard to find 41s as they are a niche round(so are 32s). But the 41 will truly do most anything the 44 Mag will except for 300 gr bullets. I load 240 WFNGC bullets in the 41 at under 1100 in my mid 60s 57. It has shot a grizz front to back and a moose front to back as well as another moose with complete penetration. I guess I never really thought I needed a lot of mushroom to bullets of cartridges with a 4 in the front. Little more meat in the cylinder of a 41 too. Having shot both 41 and 44s I have always felt the 41 is a bit easier to shoot well. All said...I like the 44 mag too but prefer the 44 Sp by far as it is much more fun. BTW I know the 44 Mag has a reputation for good accuracy...but don't think it is significantly more accurate than the 41.

 

[mikld]

What constitutes "best"? Best for what? New reloader? Hunter? Tin can hunting/Plinking? Competition? I reload all except 41 Magnum (I don't have any 41 Magnum guns, but 3, 357 Magnums and 5, 44 Magnums which cover my magnum "needs"). I don't consider money/cost for reloading any cartridge I reload...

 

[austintexas]

Criteria

Based on which caliber I have loaded the most over 60 years. I think I have loaded more 38 Special than any other rimmed cartridge.
SWCA 892

 

[rockquarry]

It appears many or all have listed favorite cartridges listed here; not at all the same as "best". How would "best" be defined if that's even possible when discussing rimmed (or even semi-rimmed or rimless) handgun cartridges?

 

[Skeet 028]

Best is evidenced by the persons criteria for it's use. I like the 41 because it did all I could ask of it...but 38s are the ones I shoot most

 

[pasound]

.38 in all it's forms. WC, HBWC, SWC, JHP, JFP, and even Berrys' versions. All shoot well with known recipes. I load .44 spl - a couple come in a close second, almost all with 240gr RNFP or Keith SWC's, as I can load them mild for my .44 spl Vaquero and GP100, or up for my Vaquero .44 mag. The Keith load rocks, as does the Skeeter load.