.41 Mag ammo

[DeerMeadowFarm]

I just picked up a S&W model 57 and I am looking for some factory .41 mag ammo. I'm pretty sure Federal still offers it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[JDenis]

My soon to be Father-in-law has a S&W 41 PC handgun and I've shot it quite a bit. We tried winchester 175's & 240's, remington 210's, and I've hand loaded some hornady 210's for it. All of them have shot good in my opinion. I am not a good pistol shot, but at 30 yards I can usually group all of them at about 3-4". They all seemed to shoot the same to me. But I really like the caliber, it seemed very versatile so I think whatever you choose you will like. Just my lousy 2 cents.

[Old Griz]

:cb2: As we know, every gun is different and likes different stuff. I found a M57 that I just couldn't pass up. After trying everything that my dealer had (except Cor-Bon), I found the Winchester 240-gr Platinum Tips grouped the best. The Winchester Silver Tips came in second. Six Platinum Tips made such a small hole time and time again, that I didn't even bother going back and getting the Cor-Bons.

The PMCs did OK, but I couldn't get the spent brass out of the cylinder without pounding. I really don't like doing that. The Federals came in last.

Glad to see another .41 shooter out there. Someday folks will catch on to what a great caliber this is!

[Hammerdown]

Hello
A BIG welcome to the .41 magnum club. this caliber is my Favorite caliber. It is a pricey caliber if you are resorting to having to buy all your ammo. The factory offerings also do not offer what can be achieved by hand loads in accuracy nor velocity. If you do NOT hand load I would suggest finding a friend who does as this will broaden the spectrum on this infamous but Lethal caliber. The .41 Magnum never got the attention it deserved as it was quickly over shadowed by the .44 Magnum, and shoved aside by Bottom feeders as they were the replacement for all the L.E.O.'s this round was originaly designed for back in 1964. I Feel the .41 Magnum exceeds the .44 magnum as it is a little lighter on recoil but much more a flatter shooting round and I have had better sucess hand loading for it, rather than the .44 magnum. If you are buying your ammo, Winchester, Remington, Federal, PMC, Mag Tech, and anquilla are great target or hunting load offerings. Self defense loads can be found in Cor-Bon,Mag-Tech,Federal, Remington and Winchester to name but a few. One thing to remember is that the Light weight bullets will raise havoc with the forcing cone over an extended period of time so should be avoided,  I tend to load all 220 grain hollow points, XTP Hornady bullet's as the lightest ones for target use, and up to 280 Grainers for serious Whitetail hunting. Here is an excellent link to a site that offers MANY hand loads for your  model 57 revolver should you find a friend that is willing to handload if you do not. I hope this helps, Hammerdown.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/41data.htm

[DeerMeadowFarm]

Thanks for the welcome and encouragement. I am looking forward to shooting this revolver. I guess I like underdog calibers. Everything I read about the .41 magnum led me to believe it was an unsung hero. My hunting rifle is a Remington 7600 carbine in .280, another caliber that is super performing but has been overshadowed over the years by the .270 on one side and the .30-06 on the other.

I don’t hand-load yet (except for shot shells) but I plan to in the near future. I’ve been saving my .280 brass since I bought the gun and I will probably do so with the .41 magnum as well. Once I do, I’ll be sure to check in and get some pointers.

Thanks again!

[Hammerdown]

I don’t hand-load yet (except for shot shells) but I plan to in the near future. I’ve been saving my .280 brass since I bought the gun and I will probably do so with the .41 magnum as well. Once I do, I’ll be sure to check in and get some pointers.!

Hello
Best way I found was to get an old friend that has been doing it awhile then pair up with him for teaching you the tricks of the trade. I did this, and when he figured I was safe and knew enough he sold me all his equipment to update with new for himself. What I got was an old H-Beam press made by C&H that is 50 plus years old that is a single stage unit and all the items to reload with for $65.00. He purchased a new RCBS multi stage and wanted his old C&H back saying the new was not better or as smooth. I still have the same set up and it is slow but precise,I have no urge to up date or go to multi stage and love my old C&H and and that was 15 Years ago, when I bought it !There are PLENTY of presses out there floating around at half price, or less from guys that lost interest, and this is a bonus when starting out as well.. Regards, Hammerdown

[jeager106]

Why is the .41 magnum a 'flatter' shooting round than the .44 magnum?


By how much and who could ever tell the difference at handgun ranges?

Could someone post some meaningful figures to demonstrate how much flatter the .41 shoots vs. the .44 mag??? I'd love to see that in print.
The are good reasons that .41 mag never caught on.
It was not as powerful as the .44 and not as controllable as the .357.
It could never be the equal of the already established .44 magnum.
There are very few firearms chambered for the .41 because it's deader than virginity.

The .41 will never be popular. It's a 'tweener' caliber.
I have a 57. Nice gun but the same gun as my model 29 with smaller holes.

I only own one because I wanted it.
That's reason enough. I don't need to convince myself it's the equal of the .44 magnum.
It isn't.

[Hammerdown]

Why is the .41 magnum a 'flatter' shooting round than the .44 magnum?

UHH.. Lighter Bullet ?


By how much and who could ever tell the difference at handgun ranges?

Dont go by range reports. Read the mid and long Range Ballistic tables in any Shooters Bible for this answer..or BUY a chronograph Like the one I use and that will show the difference's clearly...

Could someone post some meaningful figures to demonstrate how much flatter the .41 shoots vs. the .44 mag??? I'd love to see that in print.{SEE ABOVE RESPONSE}
The are good reasons that .41 mag never caught on.
It was not as powerful as the .44 and not as controllable as the .357.
It could never be the equal of the already established .44 magnum.
There are very few firearms chambered for the .41 because it's deader than virginity.
"I would like to see PROOF of this speculation" SEE copy and Pasted comments below...and also there have been at Least THREE new rifles brought out in this round in the last few years... :wink:

The .41 will never be popular. It's a 'tweener' caliber.
I have a 57. Nice gun but the same gun as my model 29 with smaller holes.

I only own one because I wanted it.
That's reason enough. I don't need to convince myself it's the equal of the .44 magnum.
It isn't.

The .41 Mag is Inherently  accurate and a hand loaders dream. I have a .44 magnum also and the .41 mag. will group much tighter at Higher velocitys.. If you want to buy rounds for the .44 Magnum at a Harware store then that is the caliber for you, On the other hand if you choose to refine the groups and hand load for the .41 Magnum I have EXCEEDED any .44 Magnum round with my model 57 in velocity and tighter groups. Read the copy and Paste thread below. I suppose Skeeter Skelton didn't Know what he was talking about either when he went to bat in 1964 and developed this round ?RIGHT !


      Skeeter Skelton   December 1983

 


                    As Tim Sundles well knows I am a fan of the 41 Magnum I have no good reason for this other than the fact I LIKE them. When I worked (ha,ha,ha)
                    in a hunting camp most of the guys carried 44 or 357 mags. I decided I would be different (I know I don't need a 41 to be different) Tim is just curious
                    as to why we LIKE our 41s. There is no more good answer to this question than there is to why people like a 45 Auto or a 357 mag or the 44 mag or OK you
                    get the point. I LIKE the 41 mag because it gives me an excuse to buy another gun. Like most guns it is only as good as the shooter. If you choose to
                    use a 357 to hunt Brown Bear in Alaska you better learn to shoot real well and say your Prayers. The 357 will work but there are guns out there that are
                    better for the job. I smile when I see how wound up we as shooters can get over a simple question about our favorite gun or dog. We need to learn not to
                    take these questions so personal. It is like pickups some folks choose to drive Fords and Chevys and others are foolish enough to drive a Dodge
                    Now why do you folks like your TRUCKS so much?

 
                                                                                                                                                                               Kelly Brost, Cast Performance     March 2002

 
                    Nothing at all wrong with the .41 Magnum....It is quite capable of killing most anything that the average Joe needs to shoot....be it man or beast.

                    South Louisiana feral hogs grow very large....a .41 Magnum will set them on the ground quite nicely. Cor-Bon used to have a 265 cast load for the
                    .41....it was extremely accurate out of my 4-5/8" NM Ruger. As for deer it is more than reliable....other choices may be had if the overly large and
                    biting types are your quarry. The .41 Magnum is a game killer....make no mistake about that! Others just prefer to use something else and that is
                    certainly OK. I guess it would depend on what type of game you may encounter in order for you to select the caliber of the handgun you carry.
                    I use a .41 Magnum a lot....I like it very much! Good Shootin'    

 

                                                                                                                                                                                 Chuck Smith      March 2002



02/01/05
                Marlin released a Limited Edition 1894 in Stainless Steel, 16 1/2" bbl, gray laminate straight stock and Williams firesight set. Only 251
                will be produced.

                01/16/05
                Smith & Wesson annouced they will be producing the Mountain Gun again in 41 Mag, and making a 4" Titaninum gun. So far no official
                specs nor pictures. We wait with great anticipation.

                12/31/04
                The year has come to a end. On the 41 front, we saw Winchester introduce a heavy bullet hunting load, 240 gr Platinum Tip Hollow Point.
                Taurus released the Raging Bull in 41 Magnum and Speer introduced a 41 caliber bullet in their Gold Dot line. Early reports indicate it is a
                 good bullet, great accuracy and good field performance

[jeager106]

The questions remain:


Why is the .41 magnum a 'flatter' shooting round than the .44 magnum?


By how much and who could ever tell the difference at handgun ranges?

Without violating safety by overloading the .41 magnum.
There is NO SAFE way to get .44 magnum performance from a .41 magnum.

Most of the long articles you posted simply say the reason for the .41 is you like it and want it.
That's the best reason of all, not that you can make it be something it can't be.

[jeager106]

Skeeter Skelton was a primo gun writer who did several artciles on the .41 magnum, but he did not develope the round.
That credit goes to Elmer Keith, Bill Jordon, Smith and Wesson and Remington.

[benny]

being a new guy at this, i went with the 41 for a few reasons.  it will handle all the hunting i want to do with a handgun (deer, hogs, bear, coyote) with less recoil and blast than a 44, while enabling the use of somewhat lighter bullets to get very good penetration because of it's higher sectional density, something sometimes overlooked in big bore comparisons, but something dangerous game rifle hunters view as extremely important.

ammo is available from win, rem, speer, corbon, fed, georgia arms, buff-bore and many custom reloaders.

i too am looking foreward to reloading and trying the 295gr penn bullet and the forthcoming swift a-frame in 41.

i view the 41 like the 300 h&h and the 9.3x62 rifle cal's, not the biggest or fastest but GREAT hunting rounds.

best

[jeager106]

I suspect it the .41 will do about anything the .44 mag will do.
They are so close to the same level for all practical purposes.
One wonders though why anyone would load the .41 to equal or surpass the .44 mag???
The Ruger and Smith revolvers in .41 and .44 are virtually the same gun with different sized holes.

[Hammerdown]

I suspect it the .41 will do about anything the .44 mag will do.
They are so close to the same level for all practical purposes.
One wonders though why anyone would load the .41 to equal or surpass the .44 mag???
The Ruger and Smith revolvers in .41 and .44 are virtually the same gun with different sized holes.

Hello
I have WORKED Up to a load that is safe in my model 57. A seasoned hand loader knows what to look for in signs of pressure when testing custom hand loads, such as case stretching, primer flow, flatened primers, case splitting, as tell tale signs of high pressures. I simply do NOT push the load into the areas mentioned above to keep my reloading safe. All reloading manuels place a high side of handloads, and this will COVER all guns be it they are a cheaper made Saturday night special or an elaborate strong framed Ruger Red Hawk, and I will add this is a liability issue and that is the reason they keep the high side at a safe level and suggest it is not exceeded. The reason I have exceeded the loads on the .41 magnum as stated is simple. It WORKS well in my 57. This model 57 I have is an early no dash series when S&W CUT the rifleing lands into the barrels. Now my 629 is newer and it has CNC machined lands which I have heard are NOT as deep as the older models like my 57, therfore they can suffer on velocity and accuracy as the gases excape when hot ammo is pursued. I test all my loads with a chronograph I have as this is the only accurate way to see what you are loading, or what is being accomplished. This will show terminal volocity speed and more importantly Extreme spread. I take this in account when finding the sweet spot in a barrel. The sweet spot is a term used to define when the best possible group is achieved while handloading for a certain caliber and revolver. I never exceed any signs of high pressure like outlined above as this would be dangerous, and my increases of loads are in 1/4 grain increments to reveal what works best. I STOP at the very first sign of flattening primers which is an early sign of approaching a maximum load. Now the 629 I have was made in the early 90's and CNC machines were used to cut the barrel lands. My 57 is old school and was made back in the late 60's when S&W still CUT the barrels and they are deeper than CNC. This may very well, be the reason as to why I can not reach the velocity that I reach with my old 57 and maintain the small groups, and low spread. I do NOT use the higher velocity loads constant in my 57 as it would wear out the action very quickly. I use the hotter loads strickly for hunting purposes, and have a load worked out for the range that is less recoil, report, and much kinder on the action. I load the 57 Beyond the 629 for one reason it WORKS well in this one revolver. I do NOT want a flame war with you, as I too have both calibers but noticed I can group better and have less extreme spread with my 57 over the 629 when approaching upper load limits. On comparing revolvers the Ruger is a much stronger frame than any-N-framed S&W. I have read this several times from guys that shoot alot with both. I do NOT own a Ruger as I favor the action, feel and looks of my S&W-N-frames. Here is a couple of pictures of my-N-frames that I spoke of as well. I would LOVE to see yours..Have a nice day, and do take care, Hammerdown

[jeager106]

hammer:
You can go ahead and load anything you want to in any way you want.
I think it's a bad idea to overload any beyond what the loading data calls for, but hey; it's your gun, eyes, hands, face, not mine.
Any one that will hand load in one quarter grain increments has my admiration! :eek:
Go fer it good buddy and best to ya! :roll:

[Hammerdown]

hammer:
You can go ahead and load anything you want to in any way you want.
I think it's a bad idea to overload any beyond what the loading data calls for, but hey; it's your gun, eyes, hands, face, not mine.
Any one that will hand load in one quarter grain increments has my admiration! :eek:
Go fer it good buddy and best to ya! :roll:

Hello
The reason for 1/4 Grain increments is watching for pressure signs, and also pin pointing accuracy. If your jump in grains is TOO broad.. you can pass the spot that makes a revolver most accurate. Early on in my handloading I was shown by my Mentor where OLD loading Manuels had MUCH higher levels of powder dispensed for the loads common today. When I asked why I was quickly told that today LIABILITY is the issue, and back then the guns most times were made to withstand what was then Standard loadings. if you look at load book's frame say the 50's you will see a sharp increase in powder used as well, for calibers of today.As I said I watch, measure check and re-check all that I load so the issue of DANGER is non existent as the signs of approaching maximum safe loading are evident LONG BEFORE a violent outcome can present itself. :wink:  take care, Hammerdown

[jeager106]

Hammer:
Whew, you sure are defensive!
Take a deep breath. No one is 'flamming' you.
You go right ahead increasing your loads a QUARTER GRAIN at a time gaining absolutely nothing in any practical sense in this world.
No one is knocking the value of the .41 magnum, only pointing out that the safe and sane thing to do in order to gain power is to buy the appropriate caliber in the 1st place.
Now as far as handgun pressures go perhaps you should further your research and understand that primer flow, flattening, case stretch, splitting, are usually signs of pressure ABOVE 60 KPSI and your gun was never intended for any load in that pressure range, no matter when a loading manual was printed!!!!
The pressure signs you talked about are only valid when looking at cases fired in a BOLT or strong SINGLE Shot action rifles.
The rules are so huge bigtime different for a revolver.
By the time you 'see' signs of excess pressure in brass fired from a revolver you have alread passed the point of questionable  safe practices.
I only post this information for other people that aren't as dedicated, and meticulous at you are. There are a lot of us that really do believe the information in the loading manuals is reliable and SAFE and put there by engineers that understand interior ballistics.
Listen: There are few revolvers designed to handle loads in the 60 KPSI range, i.e. the Freeom Arms single action.
That one and others of that ilk can and do digest loads that would tear your Smith apart and even then brass fired from a Freedom Arms revolver shows NO signs of excessive pressure.
So if you are shooting loads that show that kind of pressure in your brass casings from a Smith 57 you are indeed one hellofa lucky guy.
You go right ahead and reload all you want increasing in one quarter grain increments but please be very carefull posting that kind of information as someone might be misled and get hurt.
Probably any further discussion of reloading to the nuclear power arena should be taken up on the appropriate reloading board where there are a lot of guys that really understand how to read pressure and why you CAN NOT use that same observable data applied to revolvers.
By the way. Chrono readings ain't gonna help ya see excessive pressures.
It's only one indicator, and one only. You are a whole bunch better off reading a intrerpretting case head measurements and extrapolating the date by means of mathematical conversions.

[Hammerdown]

You go right ahead increasing your loads a QUARTER GRAIN at a time gaining absolutely nothing in any practical sense in this world

Hello
I am not defensive just stating what is proven and works for me. I also find FAULT with your quote and feel you have not reloaded to any extent as ANY precision seasoned hand loader will increase in small increments to allow his loads to print and prove if they are a positive improvement or not helping at all and increasing in spread, while carefully monitoring signs in case changes from pressures, and conforming to the SAAMI pressure rating as well.That is the focus of any handloader I know to IMPROVE a load rather than BUY them mass produced, and I suppose my habit of a Three shot group is NOT of important value along with a barrel cleaning between each 12 shot string when looking for the best grouping?I guess one problem here was I was taught to hand load by a MATCH shooter and he showed me the 3 shot string as the most accurate way to judge a group as after that a barrel will get heated and string's of groups can change. This is all important to a handloader and if they are not going to do the extra work then should just sell off all there equipment, and buy there Bulk ammo at Wal-Mart, and be happy with SUB quality results. I am in no means telling anyone to load max, if they do not feel comfortable with it, either and all SHOULD start on the BOTTOM of a load spec. of there manuels and work up SLOW like I have at 1/4 grain increments which DOES matter if you are searching for quality and the most accurate spot in a barrel.One thing I know, is if handloaders were NOT willing to experiment with loads then several wildcat loads would NEVER have happened such as the .22-Jett that started out by a guy known as Kay chuck, and further developed into the now famous model 53 that is so sought after. One interesting thing I have read is that the ORIGINAL load for a .357 in the late 30's designed, sold and manufactured was MUCH hotter and faster than any ammo of today for this .357 caliber, which fortifies my point that OLDER load manuels did indeed go to higher levels in powder placement, and the signs of todays times is from a Legal standpoint to COVER all guns on higher limits to PROTECT powder, loading manuel, and die producing companies from frivilous law suites. :roll: Regards, Hammerdown

[jeager106]

Hammer: I don't wants to turn this into the jeager/hammer shoot out so chill dude! :grin:
I don't know any shooter/reloader that shoots three shot groups as a rule or anyone that reloads a quarter grain at a time and cleans every 12 shots.
More power to ya.
Now as a matter of curiosity I'd like to call upon your experience which is far, far, greater than mine.
No I'm not kidding you.
I have never, ever, not once loaded a single round of .41 mag ammo so I am soliciting some advice. Obviously you have a passion for the .41.
I only just got mine a few weeks ago.
Mine is a 6" (or is that 6.5"?), blue, pinned and recessed, white outline rear sight, red insert front, t.h. and t.t.
It came with 200 rounds of reloaded ammo using 200 and 210 grain j.s.p and j.h.p.
The person that made the ammo is safe so I don't feel bad about the ammo.
The velocity is around 1100 f.p.s, or so he says, using 7.3 grains of tite group.
I've never used that powder.
I have on hand a few pounds of 2400, WW296, a little Unique, Bluedot, Greendot.
I don't think they like you to post specific loads here but what would be a good powder/bullet combo to use in the .41 mag?  With the 210 grain bullets could I expect velocities around 1200 to 1300 f.p.s. and what kind of accuracy to you get at 25 and 50 yards?
I have shot my M-57 at 25 with the 7.3 grain tite group loads and it shoots 1.5" in my hands.
I just got dies the other day but have yet to buy bullets.
Thoughts?

[Keith L]

You two may want to take this off line.

[Hammerdown]

Hello jeager106
P.M. Sent with load data. :wink:  Regards, Hammerdown

[jeager106]

Hammer: THANKS!! I got your PM and I appreciate the information.

Keith L.
I don't understand your message???
I wasn't asking for specific loads and said so.
So you wanna explain your message please?

[Keith L]

Hammer: I don't wants to turn this into the jeager/hammer shoot out so chill dude!

Looked to me like it was already there.

[jeager106]

Hammer: I don't wants to turn this into the jeager/hammer shoot out so chill dude!

Looked to me like it was already there.

Sorry didn't know you were an administrator/moderator.
Obviously hammerdown and I are just ducky, couple of handgun fans sharing info just like the big boys do.

Hammer! You're a real pal and obvioulsy know your stuff. I can't thank you enough for sharing with me.
I only hope I can learn as much about the under appreciated .41 magnum as you have!  
I'm going to try your proven techniques and fire three shot groups, clean every 12 rounds and keep records of my reloading.
Keeping good records is something I've been lazy about.
Do you think quarter grain increments is the way to go?
I only track 1/2 grain differences in the .44 mag and .357 mag. I sure wish I had a .41 magnum lever rifle now.
Do you load for the .44 spl?
I have a M-24 NIB that has yet to have a round even chambered in it.
I bought 100 new Remington brass and bullets but I think the bullets are for the .44 mag and may not expand at the velocties of the .44 spl.
Do you think I should keep the M-24 unfired or shoot it and enjoy it?

[Hammerdown]

Hammer: I don't wants to turn this into the jeager/hammer shoot out so chill dude!

Looked to me like it was already there.

Hello KeithL. & jeager106
Sorry if MY responses seemed harmful, as I did not intend them to be. :oops: Sometimes word's can NOT show true emotional meaning and it may be conveyed as a flame war when it really is an informational response instead, and my hat's OFF to KeithL. for allowing us to come to a compromise of this nature. :wink:  I am an advocate & Lover of the underrated .41 Magnum, and have done much deep handloading research on this infamous round to amazing results for the past THREE long years. I have NO problem sharing load info. with member's but advise them against starting at the top of loads I have shot and proven as each hand gun can & at times WILL react different. :shock:  Another interesting thing is Powder can & some times WILL run different from case lot to case lot, and this some times add's to the confusion of a good handloader. :cry: I  feel the .41 Magnum did NOT get a good acceptance back in 1964, as it was heavily over shadowed by it's BIG brother the .44 Magnum. In essence these two rounds run about the same, and can be duplicated in performance if the handloader works careful in his loadings and observations of it, without reaching dangerous levels. I tend to be OVER KILL on careful research while handloading, and do load all my calibers to a 1/4 grain increments when searching the "SWEET" spot in a barrel, in FEAR of passing a load that may be crucial to the gun & Round loaded, and carefully document all that worked or did NOT work as well. I was taught by my Mentor reloader friend whom was an X-Remington team shooter, that one can NOT be too careful when handloading, and increments of this nature will allow extreme caution and satisfaction when the "PERFECT" load is Found. This is the reason we ALL should be handloading in my view, is to Improve the load and is as important to me as the Cost savings of the hobby, which seem's to be canceled out lately by CHEAP mass produced manufactured ammo today of lower quality. My reloading equipment would be considered OBSOLETE by most handloaders of today as it is an Old C&H press single stage press of the strong "H" beam configuration made back in the Late "40'S" and just as good as todays cheaper, faster producing multi station presses, but was more importantly sold to me by my dilligent mentor & Teacher friend. My goal is QUALITY over QUANTITY so speed has never been an issue, and if you own the newer Lee reloading manuel Mr. Lee himself gives a high rating to this same press as he utilizes one on a daily basis in his factory to test loads when he COULD use one of his own brand, and BRAGS about the precision and durability of the old C&H brand-H-presses. :wink:  I was taught by OLD-SCHOOL method and for the most part, feel comfortable with it as well. Some range shooters do NOT feel in todays world that the internal cleaning of a bore is NEEDED due to non corrosive primers and newer powders of today, but to me this is KEY in accuracy and it only takes a few moments to STOP and CLEAN when researching the "PERFECT" load. I use strickly J-B bore compound as it cleans the bore leaving it free of copper fouling and lead build up. I have actually seen MANY groups shrink from 1" to 1/4" with high powered rifles by utilizing this simple practice, while at the shooting bench. Simply PUT these ideas and practices have WORKED well for me in the past and I just wanted to share ideas with members that strive for accuracy perfection in there handloading technics. I can personally attest if you follow some of the steps I have focused on here you too, will see a better group no matter how time consuming or bothersome they seem.I also am NOT closed minded and welcome any new ideas that would BETTER my hobby and make the job easier, or improve my quest for the perfected load. I am NOW working on another underdog caliber that was shunned years ago as well the ."32 H&R Magnum". it took me YEARS to locate and buy a New in Box S&W handgun to perform this duty with the low production model 16-4, but NOW have the right handgun to fully perfect this underrated infamous round..The grips on this S&W are as unique as the round and revolver itself. S&W only made 8800 of these revolver's, back in the early 90's so if you want one you better grab one as S&W has NO plans to release any more of them. The grips are unique as they were hand made back in 1936 by a Famed artisan named Matheis Gagne and his tedious eye for perfection and purpose, The Famous person I speak of was None other than Walter Roper, and he gained his fame from the design of these grip's that he supplied to shooting teams at Camp Perry. In order to get a set of these grip's back when Matheis Gagne was making them you had to send him a pencil tracing of your hand web, so he would know exactly how to shape and conform the grip's to FIT the shooter they were for, to allow maximum comfort and total control while target shooting. Luck had it, as I found these an a S&W model 17 K-22 in a dealers gun shop and bought the gun & Grips not knowing how RARE they were at the time.  :wink: They really make a BIG difference in ten ring scores as well. Thank's to all that weathered the discussion above, and I can ASSURE you I Meant no disrespect nor harm in expressing my strong hard learned hand loading practices. :wink: Take care, Hammerdown  

[Keith L]

Sorry didn't know you were an administrator/moderator.

I'm not and don't pretend to be.  Just peace loving in general, and tired of what seemed like a two person fight.  It was a suggestion.  Take it or leave it.

[jeager106]

Sorry didn't know you were an administrator/moderator.

I'm not and don't pretend to be.  Just peace loving in general, and tired of what seemed like a two person fight.  It was a suggestion.  Take it or leave it.

Well Keith, ya coulda joined in. This board has thousands of members and anyone coulda joined in.
The internet is an imperfect medium for the exchange of information and informal chat. Taking things personally when the printed word is so subjective is ill advised. Often mistaken.
Some people see the CAPS as shouting when the writer means , and this reader sees it as, emphasis.
Your conclusion that we were arguing was in error and might have been better addressed in a PM.

Once you understand that hammerdown if conveying SAFETY, and RESPECT for the .41 magnum you clearly see his meaning.
And mine.


Hammer: Thanks for much for the PM information, your kindness and patience.

I absolutely love that .32 Smith.
I must say that is the only one I have ever seen and you are one lucky fella!

I only recently got bitten by the large frame Smith bug and now own seven all within 6 months much to the dismay of my shrinking bank account! :eek:  :eek:  :eek:
I simply must stop the madness but there are so many fine Smiths and so little cash!
I also got hit hard by the lever action bug and bought a Marlin 1894  in .44 to go with my M-29 and a Winchester Trapper to go with my two M-28s in .357.
Such an addiction hey?

Really, really dandy .32 Smith!!!!
By the way: "pleased ta meet'cha!"

[Keith L]

Have at it guys.  Don't let me stop your fun.

[Gregory]

Do you load for the .44 spl?
I have a M-24 NIB that has yet to have a round even chambered in it.
I bought 100 new Remington brass and bullets but I think the bullets are for the .44 mag and may not expand at the velocties of the .44 spl.
Do you think I should keep the M-24 unfired or shoot it and enjoy it?

Don't shoot the M-24, send it to me for safe keeping, it can keep my Model 624 company.    :-D  :-D

I shoot mostly cast  bullets in my 624, I haven't shot my 200 gr JHP loads into anything yet to test expansion, but MV is around 900+ FPS so I'd expect they will do ok.  This summer I plan to do more shooting with this gun.

[Hammerdown]

absolutely love that .32 Smith.
I must say that is the only one I have ever seen and you are one lucky fella

Hello jeager106 & Gregory
Two things come to mind here. I was eluded by this model 16-4 since it's introduction in 1990 ! I gave up HOPE of ever getting my hands on one. When one would surface I was a day late on responding and it became as tough to land as the Famous Datona 500 Win was for the late great Dale Earnhart! I would come so CLOSE but NO cigar on purchasing one.I had a friend in the Mid West that picked this one up New in Box, and was teasing me and told me he was putting it in moth balls but if he ever decided to part with it I would have the first chance. Two long years later he offered it, and I am now finally an owner of one. They are a perfect balaned revolver with the full lug, and make a super target gun.I HAD a model 624 Briefly. I LIKED the gun, but was leary of the problem they had with SOFT cylinders.Evidently S&W contracted the cylinder heat treating out to a jobber on this model, and there was a definate problem of cylinders "BURSTING" from improper heat treating.I bought mine new in Box, and it had a red circled "C" on the end flap of the factory box it came in, but lacked the factory letter that accomadates all checked and passed safe to shoot revolver's. I called the factory, provided them with the serial number and they confirmed it was checked by them, and deemed safe to fire. I got the letter from they to confirm this shortly after my request, and swapped off the revolver for the vintage model 57 shown. It is "IMPORTANT" that anyone having a model 624 check for this box red circled mark and CALL the factory to confirm it is safe before firing it. The factory also informed me they do "NOT" have any cylinders to replace the faulty ones with should it become a problem, and this turned me off so I swapped it rather than take a chance on having a wall hanger in the event something bad happened to mine. Good luck on trying to slack off buying any more S&W's as it has become an obsession for me as well. I try to buy all pinned and recessed revolver's and like the nickel finishes more than blued. I recently added a almost unfired model 19 Pinned and recesed and a rare model 14 "Dayton Sports" special ordered heavy barreled limited production revolver. They only made 2038 total of the model 14 shown between 1965 & 1966. And fewer yet in the nickel finish. and Lastly I SHOOT ALL my revolver's as well. I have nO safe queens and plan to pass all my S&W's to my Daughter when I am gone from this world but they will all be fired and enjoyed while I am still Here! Take care, Hammerdown.

[S.B.]

Hammerdown, that nickel gjn is one of the best looking guns on the internet.