Heavy Bullet for the 41

[Axehandle]

Took a few pics this AM....  These are the Leadheads 250 SWC 41 cal  and the 41 cal 265 grain CP Bullets 41 that a forum buddy gave me flanked on each side by the 265 grain LBT LFN that I cast.. The nose length on all three of these is .40....   FWIW my discussion with John Gallager, and Veral Smith's last sale,  drove me to the 265.  When I finally find that deal on a 41 mag  FA 83 I might buy a mold for a heavier one...   No lube in the ones I made yet......  Planning to get all of that hard lube out and replace it with LBT blue first.    Thought the meplat boys would like the head on shot.

[drdougrx]

Nice!!  I've been working through a batch of 250gr WFPGC from CP.  Do you really think a 265gr would be better?  I'd use them for hunting.  Also, what's your opinion of gas checks???

[Axehandle]

Never been a gas check fan...  This is my first GC mold in fact...  To many respected shooters speak up for them these days to not try them for higher velocity loads...   Beware the heavy bullet in the 41...  The 265 is pushing the limit for the stock Ruger and S&W 41 mag twist rate.  Your chances are better with the 250...  I plan to run this 265 out of a Custom Ruger using a Maximum cylinder trimmed .2 inches, a S&W 18 twist barrel, and the 1.6 inch 414 Supermag case trimmed to 1.4.... 
Now...  If you have a FA 41 mag you have a 14 twist barrel and you are good to go with the 265 and heavier bullets..

[drdougrx]

Thanks for the quick reply!!!

I'll stick with the 250 then because I shoot a standard BH, 6.5".  I just finished testing these with 20.5gr H110 but had aweful accuracy.  Will back off to 19.5 and see whats what....any ideas for a load??

[Axehandle]

No good load ideas to offer at this point in time....  I am pretty much a novice with the 41....  I think that my 41 loading to date has been all jacketed...  Any cast bullet recommendations  I make come from reading John Taffin and talking to John Gallagher...

[Steve P]

The LBT bullet with blue lube is very accurate in my FA.  I went with the .416 Hornady gas checks and have excellent success.  I tried a SWC from Lyman that looks similar to the second bullet from the left in your photo.  Shoots good in my Ruger, but gave 4-6" groups at 100 yards in my FA.  I will use the SWC for plinking and the LBTs for silhouette and hunting.

WLP and lots of 4227 makes for a nice load.   My buddy is going to try the CCI mag primer and see if it is any better.

Good luck.

Steve

[drdougrx]

H Steve,...I've been using CCI Mag primers...should I use LR instead with H110?

[Steve P]

I am using the Large Pistol primer.  Large Rifle primer may help, but you will want to reduce your load a little and work back up to avoid any excess pressures.  WSR primer in my 357 is better than the WSP.

Steve

[drdougrx]

thanks steve...will give it a try!

[Axehandle]

You guys note that unlike the small pistol primer and small rifle primer, which measure the same, the large rifle (LR) primer pocket is deeper than the large pistol (LP) primer pocket and the LR primer matches the LR pocket..... This means that a LR primer may not seat flush in your LP primer pocket...  Even if your revolver will allow the cylinder to turn with high primers (FAs will NOT) high primers are very UNSAFE... 

[drdougrx]

Hi,

I'll not use LR primers.  I'm not so crazy about SP either.  I'll first find a load that's accurate w LPM primers and then try LP to see if there's any difference.  OR...If I find really accurate load with H110 and LPM primers and 250gr cast...I'll just call it a day and go find a hog to do some "penetration" testing.

[Axehandle]

Speaking of hogs....  Just bought a Bowen Custom Super Redhawk in 500L.....  It shipped the 9th so should be here any day now....  I'll post pics in the Double Action Revolver folder when it arrives..

[drdougrx]

You are rapidely becomming my hero!