.41 Magnum vs. .45 Colt

[jag1954]

I'll prefix this by saying that both of these calibers from S&W are on my 2022 radar. I'm going to end up most likely with both a Model 25 and a Model 57. So, what's the difference between the two.? Recoil is not an issue, I'd just like to have some feedback as to peoples' perceptions of both wheel guns.

 

[biku324]

I really like the 41 in any N-frame; I currently have an M58. The 45 Colt is fine as well, but I sold a 25 years ago and now prefer the 625-8 and use 45 Auto Rim brass to get heavy bullets (250-255 grain) at 900 fps just like the 45 Colt. I'd bet you'll be happy with either.

 

[series guy]

Forty-two thousandths of an inch. They are both great calibers and fun to shoot. Your powder selection will impact your shooting experience more than the caliber difference.

 

[Model19man]

I've had both. They are remarkably similar except the 45 Colt punches bigger holes in the paper. The M57 I had was worth a bunch so I sold it.

At the time I had a 29-2, a 25-5 and the 57-1. The M57 would not do all the things the M29 could. You can load either down to subsonic levels.

Generally it seems to me the M57 just fills a hole in your collection. It's not the answer to any question I ever had.

 

[max]

You can load the .41 hotter. I have both and shoot the same load in both. A cast swc over 7.0 or 7.5 of Unique. The .45 can be loaded hot, but not in the Smith.

 

[DR505]

I have both and reload for both. I just really like them, so will continue on with both cartridges (not calibers).

Here is my .45 Caliber family with two cartridges; .45 Colt and .45 ACP. They are Models 25 and 625.

Here are a couple of the .41 magnums in my collection...still need a 57:

A pair of 657 no dash 3" revolvers.

A 657-2 Classic Hunter

And a Model 58 (still ANIB).

Whichever you choose you will not lose.

 

[puebloshooter]

I have both and much prefer the 41.

 

[jag1954]

Thanks everyone for the input, much appreciated.

 

[colt_saa]

Both of these cartridges perform superbly in handguns and long guns, I doubt that you would be displeased with other if you had to pick just one.

While I own, hand load for and shoot both of these fine chamberings, I own more 41 Magnums by a ratio of 3:2

Truth be told, if I had not gotten involved in nostalgic endeavors like Cowboy Action Shooting years before picking up and firing my first 41 Magnum, I may never have started down the path of the 45 Long Colt

From the handloading standpoint there is probably double the projectile selection for the 45 Long Colt. If you cast your own this is not a issue, you can have a mold custom made to your specifications .

At SAAMI limited pressures, the 41 Magnum will produce more energy. However the SAAMI spec on the 45 Long colt is there to protect older guns

 

[M29since14]

Either gun (in an S&W N-frame, 4” barrel) will easily throw a 220-260 grain LSWC at 900 FPS, which is all I care to shoot these days. The .45 you might safely boost another 100 FPS or so. The .41 can thrown the 220 at very close to 1400 FPS, or maybe a tiny bit more. How much power do you need or want?

There are some issues with 25s that I have not seen in any 57, viz.: overly large cylinder exit bores, and guns that do not shoot to the sights. Both of these issues are difficult and expensive to fix, but usually one can find a work-around. 57s are generally pretty straight guns and shoot well with just about any reasonable load. No work-arounds needed. 25s, not so much.

Those are my quick and to the point impressions. I’m sure others will disagree.

 

[diyj98]

From the handloading standpoint there is probably double the projectile selection for the 45 Long Colt. If you cast your own this is not a issue, you can have a mold custom made to your specifications .

More reloading options and far more factory ammo options with the 45 Colt as well.

 

[Claymore33]

.41 Mag

Model 57 for me. I have collected S&W revolvers for 47 years. But bought my first .41 mag last year. Can not believe I did not get this great caliber 30 years ago!

 

[Hair Trigger]

I agree on several points made above.
1- Not much available in .41 bullets, lots of stuff in .45 Colt. Of course, you can cast your own in either caliber.
2- The .41 is an arse-kicking round, and you'll know it when you pull the trigger on full-boat loads. .45C in a S&W M25 is more Casper Milquetoast; really nice to shoot a lot, still has some recoil, only no sharp sting. The .45C can be loaded to around 1000 fps with a 250 grain bullet in a M25, that's pretty hot for that gun, although you can go much higher on a Contender or carbine. .41M can go about 1400 fps with a 210 grain bullet.
3-No S&W collection is really complete without at least one of each. I have a "S" prefix M57 and a "S" prefix M58, and a M25-5.

I could stay at the range all day with the .45C, but I'm ready to give my hand a rest with the .41's after about 15-20 rounds. I do reload, so I tend to reduce the magnum loads a bit, but I keep a supply of full loads around. The cartridges are similar in size but looking at the charge holes in the respective cylinders, you see how much bigger the .45C is in diameter.

The M25-5 is the nickel gun, M57 above and M58 below. .45C load is on the right, .41M on the left.

 

[Engineer1911]

Today's reality: 41 Magnum -- WHY ? ? ?

A 41 magnum is an orphan looking for a home. Where is the ammo or fired brass? The indoor range has maybe 100 pieces of 41 mag brass, but two five gallon buckets of 45 Colt or 44 Magnum fired brass.

Try and find 41 bullets -- jacketed or cast. They are Unobtainium that are OUT OF STOCK, NO Backorders accepted. A heavy 357 mag bullet can be loaded to almost 41 mag light bullet energy levels. A light 45 Colt bullet can almost achieve heavy 41 mag bullet energy levels.

45 Colt bullets range from 200 grain FRN or SWC to 255 grain jacketed or cast bullets. Just from simple availability of ammo or components, 45 Colt is head and shoulders above 41 mag. You can't buy what isn't on the shelf.

Four years ago, I saw a box of 50 Winchester 41 Mag on the shelf for $45+ next to boxes of 44 mag or 45 Colt that were priced at $35.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Everglades Ammo is my go-to for .41 bullets and brass (new Starline). If they are out, it usually isn't for long. When stuff is in stock, I usually get my order within 3-4 days. Their prices are well in line with the market, maybe a bit less.

As far as supplies go, I get my .38/357, .38 Super, .40/10mm, .45 Auto and .45 Colt brass and bullets there, too.

 

[Model19man]

Everglades Ammo is my go-to for .41 bullets and brass (new Starline). If they are out, it usually isn't for long. When stuff is in stock, I usually get my order within 3-4 days. Their prices are well in line with the market, maybe a bit less.

As far as supplies go, I get my .38/357, .38 Super, .40/10mm, .45 Auto and .45 Colt brass and bullets there, too.

They have no stock. Brass: Handgun and Rifle Brass

 

[Imissedagain]

Sadly the 45 Colt in a regular Smith cannot be used to it's full power potential.
It can in a 460 but not great accuracy wise.

 

[ironhead7544]

Apples and oranges in the S&W revolvers.

For hunting the 41 Magnum would be best.

I will admit to hunting with a M25-5 in 8 and 3/8 and a Keith bullet with his load. I would limit this loads use in the S&W.

I recently started looking for 45 Colt ammo and components. I found the Remington and Winchester standard loadings of 50 rounds of lead 250-255 gr bullets for $98.00 a box. Brass is at a high price, if you can find it at all. The Hornady 250 gr XTP can be found at a good price and has a good rep for expanding at possible velocities of the 45 Colt. Plenty of good cast bullets are available. Havent done the same looking for the 41 Magnum, so cant say on that.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

41 v. 45 Colt

I think that you'd find both fine revolvers and that you'd enjoy either.

I've owned both caliber revolvers (Models 57, 58 and 25-5) and I've reloaded extensively for both. I never could get the 45 Colt to shoot as accurately as either the Model 57 or 58 using either cast or jacketed bullets. In the end, the 25-5 went down the road and the two 41 caliber revolvers remain at home with me.

My two 41 Magnums. I carried the Model 58 for several years as my service revolver on the PD.

 

[Cal44]

I don't have a 45 colt revolver.

But I do have a 41 magnum classic hunter 657-3.

It has a better trigger than any other N frame I have.

As far as the recoil issue is concerned, I stocked up a while back on 41 Magnum Cowboy loads which are pleasant to shoot. Also have a good supply of full power loads.