I,m looking to load some cast bullets for hunting in my Rugers. I see that there are quite a few to choose from but was wondering if any of you 41 Magnum Junkies (Hi, My name is Bo and I'm a 41 Magnum Junkie :))might have some favorites that are accurate with good terminal performance out of your Rugers. Looking for 210- 260 gr Gas Check bullets. Also, what diameter are you getting the best performance with, .410, .411 or .412?
These will be used on deer and hogs primarily.

Thanks

Bo

Ruger NM Blackhawk 4 5/8 41 Mag
Ruger OM Blackhawk 6 1/2 41 Mag w/Leupold 4xEER
Ruger SBH Hunter 7 1/2 41 Mag w/Leupold 2XEER

Bo, why do you need a gas check? If cast properly at reasonable velocity a gas check is a waste of time. Some people will so a GC is more accurate, sometimes yes, sometimes no. With an iron sighted sixgun for deer & hogs about anything will work just fine if placed correctly.
I took my cow elk last fall (74 yds) using a 250 gr WFN & 9.2 grs of Unique, the load is right at 1100 fps, complete penetration through both shoulders. Use 17 grs 2400 with this same 250 gr slug, its a wonderful LBT bullet.
I've had great success with a 230 gr Keith & 18 grs of 2400, this load has taken maybe 20 animals, all complete penetration on game upto elk. The only bullet that didn't exit was this same 230 grainer on a bull moose shot by a friend, the penetration was still about 3 feet!
None of these loads were maximum, I'm always looking for somewhere around 1100 fps, depending on where the accuracy falls. More velocity isn't needed, velocity is recoil, recoil is....usually reduced accuracy. Mine are sized .410".

Dick

Hi Dick,

Thanks for the reply. I was figuring on using the gas check to reduce leading, if any, with the load that I develope. I have been loading the Speer 220gr JSP bullet over 19.5grs H110 with great success. Not full power but close. I agree that if I back off the charge to accommodate the heavier bullet then I probably will not need the gas check. As far as bullet design, I hear some plus and minus over WFN in terms of accuracy. I would prefer the WFN design just for the thump of the wide meplat. As I don't cast my own, I have been looking for sources for cast 41 cal bullets. I have used Beartooth and Cast Performance bullets in my rifles and like them. I have also looked at the bullets on the Montann Bullet Works website. Any other suggestions for bullets?

And Dick, from the pictures that you have posted, all I can say is that you are having entirely too much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless you Sir!

Bo

I've used Montana Bullet Works bullets with much success in my .500 revolvers and my .475 Linebaugh BFR. They work great. I have only used gas checked bullets. I like the quality and price.

Recoil

Bo,

I have tried the 240 gr. WFNGC from MBW they are shooting well in my FA 41.Also the 265 gr. WLNGC from BTB also shoots good,all sized to .410.Good Luck have fun with your 41

The WFN bullets may cause accuracy problems....
This is a 50 yard group shot using Montana Bullet Works WFNGC 300gr (44 cal)....



As you can see, I had two shot to stray pretty bad...

Jokes aside, I also shoot that same bullet (WFNGC) in my .475L and have the same results with it.

Bo, I would try some plain base slugs along side of some with checks, I'd have to see it to believe that you would get any leading, now it is possible, but not likely. Those WFN's will shoot great for you, dressed or undressed (gas checks or no gas checks) I've been lucky for many years & I know it!!
Yes KRal, those WFN's sprayed all the way out to.....about 1/2", great shooting! The WFN's are just flat out great bullets.

Dick

Gonna have to agree w/the peanut gallery. Never had good luck w/WFN's in my 41. But I think it's the gun it's a finicky thing. My 44 would shoot groups from a rest w/the 300 WFN's from Cast Performance I'm a afraid to state because I don't think anyone but the guys who were w/me would believe. We know they work. On targets & game.

Thanks for the great input Guys. I do appreciate it.
I think I will order some WFN AND LFN bullets and do some comparison testing in my guns. Of course the testing will have to wait until some Global Warming kicks in and melts off some of this white stuff.

Bo