41 magnum bear load

[redrockhunter]

Guys,
I'm new here and I would like to ask for recommendations for my model 57 (60's vintage) 4" barrel for a decent defensive bear load. I am heading into elk country along the Yellowstone boundry this Fall where there are lots of grizzlies. I would like to take the 57 because of it's ease to carry. I like to reload cast bullets. Thanks

 

[Frank237]

LBT used to make a 250 gr wide flat nose IIRC. Try GRAFS for the slugs and LBT probably still has a site with load data.

FN in MT

 

[seeemmiss]

I found that the heavy 41 bullets suffer a little in accuracy. I load 21 grains of H110 powder with a 210 grain Gold Dot bullet on top. I would think the Hornady XTP would work well also. Wouldn't want to push a lead bullet that fast unless it had a gas check like a CPBT bullet but then again you get I to the heavy stuff and groups open up. I guess grouping is all relative to how close the bear is!!

 

[max]

I would want a solid, not a hp.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I'd look up Beartooth Bullets online. There will be a 208 phone #. Marshall (the owner) will most likely answer the phone. His advise in the arena of cast bullets is superb. His bullets are little works of art. I load his 280 grain WFN w/gas check in my 5" 44 Mag. He'll recommend the right weight and diameter for your Smith.

 

[surveyor47]

If you are looking to experiment, by all means do so; however, if I were in the market for a couple boxes of special purpose ammo I would buy Federal Core Cast 250 or 255 grain ammo. These are factory production Keith Loads and you dont have to experiment to have them.

 

[Erich]

Lil' Gun does not appear to be the most consistent powder from short barrels, but it sure delivers the mail. I put some 215-grain cast LSWCs over 20.5 grains of Lil' Gun and CCI 350 large magnum pistol primers in PMC cases.

M 1340/ES 70.49 (there's that Lil' Gun short-barrel consistency issue popping up)/SD 26.53.

They shot pretty well, too.

Upper right target:

 

[427mach1]

My bear repellant loads consist of Cast Performance 265 grain bullets with 21.2 grains of Lil' Gun and CCI 300 large pistol primers. Average muzzle velocity out of my 6-1/2" Ruger Blackhawk was 1334 fps with a standard deviation of 10 fps.

 

[mkk41]

There was a professional guide that put down several big bears with the original Remington 210gr JSP.

http://www.foggymountain.com/handgunning-bear-hunt3.shtml

 

[redrockhunter]

Thanks, everyone, the info has been very helpful. O may give the Federals a try as they don't seem to be overly hotrodded.

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
I would definately use a heavy bullet. At self protection ranges accuracy is not going to be the issue. Penetration and power is about all that will stop a charging bear. If a 41 mag is all you have that is not bad. A 250 grain + with a wide flat nose and loaded fast.
If you are a caster Ranch Dog has a new lot of a 255 grain flat nosed gas check for sale now. I ordered one a week ago and there were still a good # still there. I do not work for him by the way. It is just a bit rare to see a heavy weight .411 mold available.
If I thought a charging bear was a real threat I would be hauling a pump 12 guage loaded with roundball pushed at 1500 fps.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

If you are looking to experiment, by all means do so; however, if I were in the market for a couple boxes of special purpose ammo I would buy Federal Core Cast 250 or 255 grain ammo. These are factory production Keith Loads and you dont have to experiment to have them.

my choice also!

 

[Paul105]

In addition to the Federal Cast Core, heavy for caliber, hard cast, loaded ammo is available directly from Buffalo Bore, Grizzly Cartridge, Double Tap, and Cor-Bon :

Heavy .41 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

41 MAG 265 Grain WLNGC

DoubleTap Ammunition

41 Rem Mag 250gr CORBON Hunter HC | COR®BON/Glaser Self Defense | Dakota Ammo


The above is also available (maybe back order) from Midway:

Ammunition - Shop Premium & Discount Ammunition at MidwayUSA


Premium heavy hard cast .41 bullets (if you plan to load your own) are available from Montana Bullet Works, Cast Performance and Beartooth Bullets:

Quality hand-cast bullets for reloaders, competitors, and recreational shooters - 41 Mag Pistol Bullets - Price List

41 Cal.

http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=cp41cal

Beartooth Bullets Secure Online Shopping

Midway also carries Cast performance, but not the other two.

I've used cast bullets from all of the the above but would recommend either Montana Bullet Works or Cast Performance, only because they both have short delivery times. In the past (I haven't ordered from them recently), Beartooth Bullets backlog has been quite long.

Hope some of this helps

Paul

 

[Hany]

Im so glad to see the thread not drift into the usual argument over whether a handgun vs bear is realistic etc....

I have had good luck with Leadheads 230g Keith, very nicely cast, hard, sharp edges, wide driving bands, massive meplat and shoot very
close to point of aim with very good accuracy out of my 657 Mtn gun.
Leadheads Bullets,Gas Checked and Plain Based Bullets
I load it over 18g of AA-9 WLP primer.
Good luck

 

[Frank237]

If you are looking to experiment, by all means do so; however, if I were in the market for a couple boxes of special purpose ammo I would buy Federal Core Cast 250 or 255 grain ammo. These are factory production Keith Loads and you dont have to experiment to have them.

I've suggested the Federal .44 mag loads to non handloaders for elk/bear ...for years.

Had NO idea they also did a similar load in .41 magnum! WHY I like coming here...a treasure trove of knowledge.

FN in MT

 

[David LaPell]

Montana Bullet Works makes a great cast bullet for the .41 with a gascheck. These and 16.0 grains of 2400 gives me a very managable load in my 4-inch Model 57.

 

[GF1]

Late here, but my favorite penetrating load for the .41 is a hard cast Keith style bullet (several sources available), 17 gr/2400, standard lg pistol primer, Remington or Starline brass. Superbly accurate, great for your purpose.

 

[GF1]

Meant to mention that the bullet above is 215 gr, SWC.