Looking to start handloading a 41 mag in a ruger blackhawk. What would be a good all around hunting load, for backup and primary. I like cast bullets but any advice is needed really.

Thanks again!!

Lars

lhunter03 I've had great luck with the 250 grn. WFNGC CP over a stiff load of H-110.I've also had good luck w/ the 255 grn. WFNGC CP. as well. With either i would start with about 18 grns. of H-110 or W296 and work up from there.
Good luck Norm

My favorite accuracy load for 41 mag S&W with cast bullets was 14 gr of Hercules Blue Dot & 213 gr BRP gas check. I have read that now the newer Blue Dot is NOT recommended for the 41 mag. I have plenty of the old stuff. 17-18 gr of Hercules 2400 with the same bullet was also a good load.

I could never get the 250-260 gr 41s to group with the 213s. I have not loaded any casts for 41s in recent years. Thus, my info is likely not as useful as that from others who use today's components.

I have had very good success with the 210 grain Hornady XTP over Accurate arms max recommended dose of #9. I harvested 4 whitetail does and 3 wild boar with that load last year. In terms of energy it compares to a 170 grain 30-30 Win out of a rifle. Expansion is consistent and fairly conservative, all seven shots were complete pass-throughs. It also groups well out of my three favorite .41s, my Ruger Hunter Super Blackhawk, my 10inch Contender, and my marlin 1894FG. It also keeps my bores pretty clean. You will enjoy this load.

lhunter, I was just about to ask the same question about the 41mag that you asked above and I find nuke weasel`s load using the 210gr XTP and AA#9 one I will try in my 657 and 57 because I have these components on hand. JFS
PS I use Blue Dot for a max load using a 180gr XTP in my FA`s 357
and have never experienced any pressure problems.

Ive had the best luck with the old Speer 220 JSP and the CPB 250 WFNGC. The XTP's worked fine on deer but did penetrate enough for hogs over about 150 lbs. No exit and skimpy blood trails wont fly in our hot weather and swampy terrain. It killed them, but with no blood to trail, buy the time I found them they were no good to eat.

Thanks for the advice all!!! FLS I like the 250gn wfngc. Hows the recoil?

Lars

Great to see some 41mag talk here I just got my hands on a new FA 83, 41mag.Does anyone have loads worked up for a 5 shooter 41Mag?.I have 210XTP,210 G/Dots,210 Sierra,250 WFNGC on hand.I have a scope mount coming so I hope to be moving to 100yds and see what this baby can do...Bisley Bud

I've had very good success with the Remington 210 gr SP but I doubt you'll find them on the shelf right now. I've been trying to pick up some 41 ammo for a while and I was able to find some Fusion at Cabela's yesterday but they had almost no handgun ammo.

Recoil isnt bad at all, and they shoot well out of all my 41's. If I was shooting nothing but deer I'd use the XTP's. I bought a bunch on closeout a couple of years ago.

Bisley Bud ---

I have two M 83 FA 41 mags. I have had one of them for a number of years --- since FA started chambering the 41. It is my most accurate revolver. The load that it likes is the 210 XTP & 20 gr of Hercules 2400. Note -- this is the old Hercules powder -- not Alliant. It wants to put them all into one hole with this load. I have tried various loads & powders & even though this load does not yield max velocity, it is the most accurate that I have found for that revolver.

When loading for the FA M97 in 41, I back off a grain. I have fired the 20 gr loads in it, but prefer to give the little one a little less pressure.

The old M83 in 41 has accounted for numerous animals over the years. With it, the above load and a good rest, I have plenty of confidence to take shots that might cause some to question my sanity. I trust that you will have equally favorable results with your new 41. Good luck.

Wtroper,

I will have to try 2400..I have been using 296 and No.9 mostly.It seems like the faster I push the XTP and Sierra 210gr. 1550-1600fps the tighter the groups are.I am only shooting at 25 yds right now till the scope mount comes but even there they are giving me 3/4" groups. Thanks for the help.

Bisley

Bisley Bud --

The first prototype M83 in 41 was sent to John Taffin for testing. He ran many different loads through it ---- some that would roll back your eyes. If I remember correctly, his most accurate load (3/4" @ 100 yds) was a big charge of 110 or 9(near 2000 fps). I tried it in mine, but did not get the same results. May have been the shooter, not the gun. In addition, I am not that interested in pushing them that hard. If you can locate some of the data that John developed, it would be interesting for you. Beware that probably no other revolver would be safe with a lot of these loads.