need data for grandpa's .41 Mag

[mthunter65]

Looking at my 1972 Vol. ll Hornady Reloading Manual I have some sweet loads I used to make for my 41 Mag.

With a Hornady 210 gr HP bullet , Powders 630 and 2400 give the hottest loads email me and I can set you up.

 

[scooter123]

Am I the only one who feels old reading this post. Granpa's 41 Mag, sheesh, my Grandpa was born in 1894. He would have been interested in an older 44HD or 1911, for the 41 Magnum that would have been my Fathers interest.

Concerning long barrels and pressure, IMO you won't find any significant rise in pressure with barrels lengths past about 2-3 inches. However you will see a rise in Velocity. I'm a 357 Magnum shooter and a load that clocks at 1200 fps from my 6 inch Dan Wesson will clock 1615 fps out of my 20 inch 1892 Winchester. BTW, that's a 158 grain XTP with 14.8 grains of H110 and I just love H110 for rifle loads but not so much for handgun loads due to the muzzle blast, especially out of 2 1/2 and 4 inch barrels. For most of my Handgun Magnums I prefer Accurate #9. While I haven't ever tried 2400 everything I've read indicates it's very similar to Accurate #9 in terms of performance in Handgun Magnum loads, so it is worth looking for. Note, if you don't mind some extra muzzle blast that 8 3/8 inch barrel on your model 57 will likely do quite well with H110 and if you want to try it I suggest you consult the Hornady Manual. Because while Hornady's approach is a bit conservative in terms of charge amounts I have found some of my most accurate loads using the Hornady Data. I will also note that Hornady makes very accurate bullets, I've managed to get under an inch out of my 1892 with the assistance of a spotter/coach. Yeah, I'll take advantage of a bit of free coaching when it's offered.

 

[shocker]

Am I the only one who feels old reading this post. Granpa's 41 Mag, sheesh, my Grandpa was born in 1894.

I've got you beat, 1889 and 1893. Most likely they would have been handed Mosins if not for making a wiser choice, emigrating.

Two on topic comments - Accurate #9 is basically a ball powder version of 2400- extremely friendly to powder measures.

Older Hornady manuals, I have one from the 1970's - way they decided what was a maximum load was by measuring case head expansion. Some loads are head scratchers - how about 550 lbs of muzzle energy from a short barrel SAA 45 Colt? Would strongly suggest using SAAMI compliant loads from a modern reloading manual especially in an older Smith.

 

[m657]

My own drive for ever-heavier loads was long ago replaced with discovery more moderate recipes produced more accuracy and more enjoyment for plinking.

Given while I ~wanted~ to hunt with 41 mag, never actually have done such. Should I mount the field with that intent anytime soon, I would be looking for the stouter loads noted above.

As is with moderate cast lead loads, current 41 Mag Mountain Gun is the most accurate M57 I've ever owned.

 

[gwpercle]

After my youthful bout with Magnumitis , and developing a nice flinch , I came to my senses and starting loading 7.5 grains of Unique under a cast 215 gr, SWC bullet.
Since you wanted a magnum load , my favorite was a Speer 210 grain JHP and 19.0 of 2400 which is right at 1500 fps in a 10 inch Contender barrel and is as hot as I care to load them.
Gee , do I ever feel old....I well remember the day the 41 magnum came out...it doesn't seem THAT long ago ! What do they say about time flying when you're enjoying yourself .
Have fun,
Gary.

 

[dannyabear]

I owned a gun shop in the 70s when M29 sold retail for around $185.00; of course that was right before Dirty Harry made them unobtainable

 

[Wee Hooker]

Just a word of caution. I've seen a few blown up 41 (and 44) mags over time as a result of folks trying to develop a tamer load using less of the same "already on hand" slow burning powder they used for full power loads. That's generally bad JUJU.
If you decide you want a lighter load, assure you are working form good load data and also be sure to match your powder burn rate /selection to the task at hand.

 

[BruceM]

Powders 630

While I've never been one to consider data in old(er) manuals obsolete, just where did this data come from? Winchester 630 had been out of production for 30 years.

I've seen a few blown up 41 (and 44) mags over time as a result of folks trying to develop a tamer load using less of the same "already on hand" slow burning powder they used for full power loads.

This is very interesting in view of the fact that this phenomenon has never, ever been duplicated under laboratory conditions in small arms-especially pistol rounds. Would you care to share the offending loads with us please?

Bruce

 

[BornToLooze]

My own drive for ever-heavier loads was long ago replaced with discovery more moderate recipes produced more accuracy and more enjoyment for plinking.

Given while I ~wanted~ to hunt with 41 mag, never actually have done such. Should I mount the field with that intent anytime soon, I would be looking for the stouter loads noted above.

As is with moderate cast lead loads, current 41 Mag Mountain Gun is the most accurate M57 I've ever owned.

Federal 210 gr JHPs work pretty good.

 

[gwpercle]

I owned a gun shop in the 70s when M29 sold retail for around $185.00; of course that was right before Dirty Harry made them unobtainable

Becasue of "Dirty Harry" I was able to buy a 1970 Ruger Blackhawk 357 in 1971 for $75.00. The dealer said he couldn't give away a single action 357 at that time , the DA 44 magnum was THE hot seller. The tag just said SALE with no price, I had $75.00 cash money and he took it, said he was tired of looking at it !
I have always wondered if the dealer broke even on that deal, I had no idea of what dealers prices were
I still have and shoot it .
Gary

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
For a good "light" load.
A cast 210/220gr bullet with a winchester LP primer,
6gr Trailboss powder and a heavy crimp.
This load is close to the "police" loading and is accurate.