Model 57 loads

[Monkeymaster]

Hello
Just moved up to a model 57-1 with 8 3/8 inch barrel.
I have a 6 inch Blackhawk that I have loads for using 170 grn sierras, 200 grn rem over 23 grns win 296 and 210 grn hornadys over 21 grns win 296.
Kinda forgot I had 2 inches more barrel and it might cause pressure issues.
No signs of pressure from the spent cases, but recoil/muzzle rise was more than I expected.
Sooooo,
What are your best loads for this gun, and or what is the best powder for the 41 mag ?
Thanks in advance

 

[Pig Hunter]

There will be no pressure issues from the increase in barrel length. It is possible you will get increased velocity with the pressure you have being contained in the barrel longer. 296 is a good powder for long barrels as it's slower burn rate can be utilized in the longer tube. PM me where you are in Iowa, I'm in Ames.

 

[Doug M.]

No idea if those are too hot for safety, but IIRC, those would be stout loads and recoil will be stout too.

 

[cowboy4evr]

You didn't say exactly what kind of loads you are looking for ? For good mid range loads , many use 8.0 grs of Unique with a 210 gr bullet . My preference is 8.5 grs of WSF , but that's just me . When I want more , I grab Alliant 2400 and use minimum of 17 grs . I have really started liking Ramshot Enforcer for those upper end loads . For " fun in the sun " loads target shooting , I like 6.0 grs of WSF or 700X , same 210-220 gr cast bullet . I only shoot cast . Elmer Keith had 3 loads for the 41 magnum . 4.5 grs of Bullseye for his " gallery loads " / target shooting . 7.5 grs of Unique for his mid range and 20.0 grs of 2400 for his hunting loads . These loads were used with " HIS " bullet , HG 258 a 220 gr swc . The first 2 would be no problem using a commercial cast bullet . The last load is just too much powder , IMO . I recommend stopping @ 18.0 grs of 2400. If you want still more power , then use 110 / 296 . I have been reloading / shooting the 41 for many a year , it's a favorite with me and my sister . Good luck , hope this helps , Regards, Paul

 

[M29since14]

As has been said, the best .41 load (and powder) is a function of what you want to do with it. I agree with Paul, 20.0 grains of 2400 is just too much with the Keith bullet. My chronograph says there is nothing to be gained beyond 19 grains.

I don’t shoot a lot of different bullets in the .41 - only the H&G Keith design (220 grains), normally with either 7.5 grains of 231 or 19 grains of 2400. Some day I will branch out and try a different bullet, but haven’t done so yet.

Barrel length has nothing to do with “pressure issues”, though your new gun may generate more or less chamber pressure than your old one if various internal barrel and chamber dimensions are different. Assuming the barrel is a good one, length is not one of those dimensions.

 

[GavinLee]

I also have a M57 8 3/8" and a M58 4". I don't cast my own (yet) and have been using Rim Rock's 240 gr. fb swc with 8.5 gr. WSF for my normal woods carry load and Rim Rock's 180 gr. DEWC- fb seated almost flush with 5.0 gr. American Select for a fun/target load. I am kinda new to the .41 (last 3 years) but am really getting to appreciate them.

 

[cowboy4evr]

On a little different note . I have a ruger New Model Blackhawk 41 magnum, 4 5;8" barrel that has extensive modifications by the previous owner , steel grip frame , bomar rear sight , red ramp front sight and very nice action . The smaller grip frame just didn't fit my fairly large hand so I had thought about selling it as I just didn't shoot it . I decided to give it one last try with something different . I have often thought about buying a Colt SAA in 38-40 (38 WCF) . I realized that I could almost duplicate that with my Ruger as the 38 WCF's bullet is actually over .400 in diameter . It used a 180 gr cast bullet @ about 900 fps from a revolver . I don't have a 180 gr cast bullet so I used my 210 gr . I loaded them using 6.0 grs of WST for about the same velocity . DING Ding ding , we have a winner ! Now i am truly enjoying that Ruger , easy to handle and incredibly accurate with plenty of punch if needed . Shooting it one handed is a breeze . It could easily become my " out in the desert " gun as I have a left handed holster for it now . The point to my story is that the 41 has lots of potential in different guns if you take the time to figure it out to your satisfaction . Load it up -- load it down and try different bullets till you find your comfort zone for a particular fire arm . Regards, Paul

 

[gwpercle]

Barrel length has nothing to do with peak pressure .
Peak pressure is reached by the time a bullet has reached the revolvers forcing cone.
If a load is not over pressure in a 2 inch barrel it is not over pressure in a 8 inch barrel .

My pet load is 7.8 grains of Unique , with a 215 grain cast lead WC or SWC bullet , this load is about 979 fps from the model 58's 4 inch bbl. (my avatar) and was recommended by Elmer Keith for a general all purpose mid range load. It's accurate to boot .
Gary

 

[Monkeymaster]

THanks for the replies,
Hunting deer would be the main purpose of my loads.
Bullets I would prefer to stay with the name brand if you will type of speer, sierra, Hornady ect.
These I have experience with, where as I have no experience with anything cast.
296 seems to be an alright choice from the replies.
My bad on Barrel length and pressure, I mainly reload rifle and when posting forgot that the revolvers chamber and barrel are not sealed together.
My pressure/hot load concerns were mainly in comparison of the Blackhawks stay in cylinder vs the 57,s swing out cylinder and if I needed to treat the 57 easier than the Blackhawk when it came to reloads, and or if there was an absolute go to powder bullet combo for the 41 rem mag.
My Blackhawk likeso the 200 grn Rem jhp.
Thanks again

 

[cowboy4evr]

Using Current load data is not a problem for either the Ruger or the Smith .