.41 Magnum Load

[Daniel Dodge]

Gents.

I had a friend of mine send me this message and I thought this would be a good place to ask. Anyone have any input?

I'm looking for load data for .41 magnum using cast lead plain base Wad cutter molds.  One is 160WC and one is 206gr WC.  Looking for a respectful accurate load for 25yd and less.

Thanks!
DD

[Coffinmaker]

Hi Daniel.

I'm probably not the one he wants to hear from.  But, my load, is really simple.  Fill the case to the base of the bullet with APP, crimp
smartly and enjoy.  There will be lots of SMOKE 

Coffinmaker

[Navy Six]

The 41 magnum and 44 special are supposed to have identical case capacities. I recall using this bit of advice to load light target loads in the 41 magnum using the standard weight bullet. Consulting a reloading manual, I looked up a light target load for a 44 special using a similar standard weight(for that cartridge) bullet. In my case I was loading the 41 in a Ruger Blackhawk and everything went well--excellent accuracy at 25 yards. I did this because, as I'm sure your friend has discovered, there isn't much information regarding reduced target loads listed for the 41 magnum while there is plenty for the 44 special. You may want to investigate the case capacity relationship between the two cartridges and extrapolate the load data as I did. I only did this for a light load, nothing more.

[wildman1]

Just got one of those. So far been using IMR 4227. Seems to work well. wM1

[Ranch 13]

Check reliable printed reloading data. Unique gives very good accuracy with most cast bullets in my 41.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Check out the LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK. Mine is the 1973 version. It shows a data table for Lyman #41026, a 199gr wadcutter. The overall loaded length is shown as 1.525". Remember, for SASS the bullet must be visible in front of the case.

Powders listed are the usual suspects of the 1970's; Unique, Herco, Blue Dot, 2400, SR4756, IMR4227, 230, & 630

Starting loads shown are all over 1000fps up to 1215fps

I looked at .44 Spl data for their 180 gr wadcutter. Powders were; Red Dot, Green Dot, Unique, 700X, PB, SR7625, 230, 630. Loads were all within a range of 535fps (starting) to 900-1000 (max)

It seems the data contemplates entirely different roles for these two cartridges. As case capacity is similar, I like the idea that Navy Six put out;- Pick some reasonable .44 Spl load for the wadcutter and try it in the .41RM. If you have a chronometer, you are in good shape. Load to an MV of about 600-700fps.

As in all reloading, use your noggin. It is useful for other things than hangin' yore hat.

[wildman1]

My first loads of 4227 (minimum) chrono'ed at about 850 fps. Very mild load.  wM1