Thoughts Please 41LC

Five Bullets · October 26, 2008, 10:14:32 PM

Howdy!

I have been reading the posts on this forum for a couple of weeks now and it looks like I have got to add a couple of USFA's to my small collection. Also I have been reviewing the USFA website for ideas. A prewar in .45 with the black powder frame is one that I want. The other is another prewar with two cylinders - 38WCF and 41LC. Has anyone tried one of these in the 41LC chambering?

Thanks,
hopefully soon to be USFA shooter

Fox Creek Kid · October 29, 2008, 02:43:24 AM

I know a couple people who shoot .41 Colt. First & foremost it's a LOT of work. If a person is not a DEDICATED & serious handloader I would advise them to just move along. You'll need a special crimping tool for the heel based bullets of which only one man in the country is making at present, Bernie Rowles at Old West Bullet Moulds. Then there is the matter of heel based bullets themselves. I recommend casting, however Gad's sells the bullets. Have I mentioned yet that .41 Colt seems not to shoot very well with smokeless? It was originally a BP cartridge and seems to shoot that better. I saved the best for last.

If you buy a new gun in .41 Colt and don't like it, well then you'd have better luck getting rid of herpes.

I'm just trying to be realistic with you as the .41 Colt is not a plinkin' round and like 100% of heel based bullet CF cartridges has long since been relegated to the ash heap of history alongside .44 Colt & .44 S&W.

Deadeye Don · October 29, 2008, 07:03:44 AM

There are companies that make 41 colt. Here is one for your consideration. They are pricey, but if you are dead set to have chambering in 41 colt and dont reload then this is an option for you. Fox Creek Kids advice looks sound to me including the Herpes comment.

http://www.tenxammo.com/

sharps50/70 · October 29, 2008, 02:57:19 PM

Gentlemen,

I'm no expert on the 41 Colt but my copy of Barnes "Cartridges of the World" list the diameter of a 41 Colt bullet at .386 and the 38/40 at .401. I'm not sure if the new USFA might not shoot a normal .401 bullet in a straight sided case in their .401 barrel. Worth a call to the company if you are serious.

Rich

Five Bullets · October 29, 2008, 09:02:11 PM

Thanks pards for your thoughts. Fox Creek Kid - you had me laughing once again! I really do appreciate your comments as they always reflect your knowledge of firearms. I may just sit a spell and think this one over. I enjoy working with the old calibers but certainly not one related to the herpes clan!

Hoof Hearted · October 29, 2008, 09:26:40 PM

Quote from: sharps50/70 on October 29, 2008, 02:57:19 PM
Gentlemen,

I'm no expert on the 41 Colt but my copy of Barnes "Cartridges of the World" list the diameter of a 41 Colt bullet at .386 and the 38/40 at .401. I'm not sure if the new USFA might not shoot a normal .401 bullet in a straight sided case in their .401 barrel. Worth a call to the company if you are serious.

Rich

Rich

I reload and shoot five different SAA's in 41 LC as well as a couple of 51 Navy's. As to the SAA in 41 LC the bore on MOST of them is .401 to .403 and they will generally shoot heel base loads accurately (if the reloader does his part and there is not some mechanical issue) the hollow base (ie; .386) inside lubed bullets are genarally harder to get to shoot as well and will exhibit the occaisonal wild flyer with some tumbling of the bullet also from time to time (much better with black powder).

Five Bullets

The 38-40 is a fine chambering and I would not hesitate one minute.........just consider the .41 LC cylinder a "bonus" that might be fun to experiment with! By the way Bernie at Old West Moulds will set you up with a mould, crimper and bullet sizer for less than $200 bucks. Brass on the other hand is a bit harder to come up with (Starline gets about a buck a piece or so). Redding dies are available. I have some of these items used and would be willing to trade around a bit.

Good luck on ya!

Marshal Will Wingam · October 30, 2008, 12:11:21 AM

I agree with HH that the 38-40 is a good round. I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best cartridges going for CAS as well as hunting small game. As to the 41, I agree also that it could be fun but I wouldn't take it too seriously as a practical idea.

Abilene · October 30, 2008, 07:56:12 PM

Ten-X sells smokeless 41LC ammo, only $79.99 per box

They will reload your brass for $32.

Five Bullets · November 09, 2008, 01:14:51 PM

Thanks for your comments pards. I do like fiddling with the old historic cartridges so I'm still doing a little head scratching on this one.

Grogan · November 09, 2008, 02:03:13 PM

I've read (although I don't KNOW this to be a fact) that one reason the Colt SAAs in .41 Colt are relatively scarce is because many of them were converted over to .38 WCF back in the day.

Considering having a USFA SAA with Dual Cylinders has its appeal, however having one that shoots a cartridge that's less "desireable" (now, as it was back then) seems to me to be questionable (although the rarity is guaranteed).

Of course if you just "have to have" a real challenge, well I've been guilty of that myself.

Hoof Hearted · November 12, 2008, 07:24:22 PM

Quote from: Grogan on November 09, 2008, 02:03:13 PM
I've read (although I don't KNOW this to be a fact) that one reason the Colt SAAs in .41 Colt are relatively scarce is because many of them were converted over to .38 WCF back in the day.

Considering having a USFA SAA with Dual Cylinders has its appeal, however having one that shoots a cartridge that's less "desireable" (now, as it was back then) seems to me to be questionable (although the rarity is guaranteed).

Of course if you just "have to have" a real challenge, well I've been guilty of that myself.

Challenge

How about a 51 Navy converted to 41 LC with an inside lubed bullet?