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Posted: 7/29/2022 2:04:51 PM EDT
Tomorrow I’m trading a Swedish Mauser (great rifle, just not my thing anymore) for a nice Blackhawk in .41 magnum. I was looking for cash, but the 41 mag grabbed my attention when it was offered in trade. Obviously I’ll be reloading for it, so ammo availability and cost isn’t an issue. Gun comes with 200 pieces of brass. I’ve been eyeballing 215 grain hard cast SWCs and 230 grain Keith SWCs.
I’m excited to try this thing out. I’ve always wanted a Ruger Blackhawk. I had preferably wanted a 4 5/8” stainless in 44 mag, but this will do nicely for now, I think. This .41 is a little older. Comes in the yellow Ruger cardboard box. Tell me your tales of .41 magnum handgunning. Here’s a pic of what it looks like. Not the exact gun, but an image off GB.  Attached FileI’ll update this thread tomorrow once I have it home. It’s home.   Attached File Attached FileThat’s a big old sturdy piece right there. Looking forward to loading up some rounds and trying her out. Off to order some dies and hard cast bullets… |
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Posted: 7/29/2022 2:25:05 PM EDT
[#1]
I've been shooting the 41 Mag since the 60's, mine is a 3 screw with a 4 digit number no prefix.
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Posted: 7/29/2022 2:31:47 PM EDT
[#2]
wonderful
it’s like you’d expect….similar to 357 and 44 mag unique for warm loads 2400 or H110/w296 for hot |
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Posted: 7/29/2022 2:33:37 PM EDT
[#3]
I have the BlackHawk, a half dozen 57/657s and a Desert Eagle in .41. Love the caliber as it’s a little milder recoiling than my .44s and it’s easy to hand load for
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Posted: 7/29/2022 2:52:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Buddy of mine had two, one 7 1/2, one 4 1/2. He always said they were his favorite guns. And he had a bunch.
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Posted: 7/29/2022 3:06:14 PM EDT
[#5]
I have one just like it, yellow box and everything. Shoots good. Inherited it from my grandfather who lived the caliber. A few years before he passed he ordered some .41 Special brass from Starline so I could load some up so he could shoot it without hurting his wrist. He didn’t get to shoot more than 50 or so rounds but he was super happy when he did shoot those! So now I have 500 rounds of .41 Special that I load a 200gr LFN cast out of an RCBS die, over 5.0gr of Unique. Shoots pretty much the same point of aim at 15 yards. Haven’t gone much beyond that.
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Posted: 7/29/2022 3:12:15 PM EDT
[#6]
@ADKRebel
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Posted: 7/29/2022 4:33:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Shot 100's (maybe a 1000 rounds/hard to say) of handloads with a BH in 41 Mag back in the day.
Buddy had them all BHs in; 357, 41, 44, 45 Colt, the 41 was his favorite. Download for plinking, hot loads for other. Great caliber. |
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Posted: 7/29/2022 8:12:49 PM EDT
[#8]
A 215 grain hardcast swc at moderate speed will pass through a deer from ass to armpit. Ask me how I know.
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Posted: 7/30/2022 7:08:34 AM EDT
[#9]
When I was stationed in Alaska, I traded into a 1960s 3-screw. It was a good shooter, but I prefer the aesthetics of SAA copies (Vaqueros) so I traded it off after hunting a few seasons with it.
I will say that from 25 yards, Keith style hardcast 230s were complete pass-thru on BIG caribou--took out both lungs and heart and crushed a shoulder on the way out. |
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Posted: 7/30/2022 10:13:31 AM EDT
[#10]
Thanks for the replies so far.
Updated OP has new pics.
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Posted: 7/31/2022 12:18:31 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a 4 5/8” stainless Bisley Blackhawk in .41 mag and it may be my favorite handgun. It has killed a deer with hot handloads using 210 gr XTP’s. I have shot lots of 215 gr lead swc’s that I cast myself. I recently got one of the 228 gr .41 Hammer molds and I really want to get a deer this year with one of those bullets. I know not everyone understands/loves the .41, but I love it. To me hot .44’s are just past the threshold of fun to shoot but the .41 is not.
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Posted: 7/31/2022 12:30:33 PM EDT
[#12]
Good score OP.
 This is my favorite .41, but not my first .41. |
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Posted: 7/31/2022 6:09:14 PM EDT
[#13]
Very nice looking example. Great caliber if you handload; I remember the one I shot seemed to be very flat shooting for a 200+gr bullet.
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Posted: 7/31/2022 7:35:09 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Very nice looking example. Great caliber if you handload; I remember the one I shot seemed to be very flat shooting for a 200+gr bullet. I do reload, and I now have some hard cast bullets on the way. 600 of the 215gr SWC, and 500 of the Keith style 240gr SWC. Suitable powders on hand are IMR4227, W296/H110, and a little bit of 2400. Also have some 231/HP38 for milder stuff. The 296/H110 data, predictably, shows some real scorchers in the velocity department from what I’ve seen. But I’m probably going to start with 4227, since I haven’t used it for anything else yet. I’m really looking forward to having fun with this thing. Revolvers are so much fun to reload for. Especially now that I finally have a chronograph. 
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Posted: 7/31/2022 9:42:41 PM EDT
[#15]
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Posted: 8/1/2022 7:03:32 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Very nice OP. Here's my 657 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/90884/774332D7-E93F-4246-91AC-F1EE209130CF_jpe-2472347.JPG That’s a beauty. If I can ever find a 4” N frame in .41 or .44 mag for a decent deal, I’ll be snagging it immediately. |
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Posted: 8/1/2022 10:43:02 PM EDT
[#17]
I own many Blackhawks. The .41 Magnum is one that I don't own yet but will. Currently own 45 Colt, 45 Colt/45 ACP convertible, 2 44 Mags, and 4 .357s since 2000. The only issue I have had with one is a broken transfer bar. Just happened to my vintage 1982 .30 Carbine but it is an easy fix (if you can take apart and put back together guns). Ruger even sent me that part for free.
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Posted: 8/4/2022 11:36:03 AM EDT
[#18]
The .41 Mag is a really good cartridge, I've had a few which include blued Blackhawks 4.62" and 6.5", I did happen on a run of stainless .41's they made a few years ago, had a 6.5" version and also a 5.5" Bisley BH, also had a S&W N-frame .41 mag. I do prefer the .44 Mag mainly because you have more gun and bullet options, but there's nothing wrong with the .41 Mag at all, it's very capable and most of what people would use a .41 Mag or .44 Mag for, not sure if they'd ever really know the difference between the two on most animals.
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Posted: 8/5/2022 8:14:50 AM EDT
[#19]
Good caliber for a reloader. I used to have a Redhawk in 41 but sold it long ago. I decided to stick to 44 mag/44 special for simplicity.
My father took his biggest deer with my 41. It went 157 Pope and Young. |
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Posted: 8/5/2022 9:13:22 AM EDT
[#20]
I've had a .41 Bisley Blackhawk since 1986 (I think that was the year they were introduced). My folks went halfsies with me for a HS graduation present. My mom had to buy it since I wasn't 21.
I broke 3 transfer bars dry firing the thing, but I dry fired it thousands of times. I did all of my reloading on a Lee handpress using the Lee dippers to scoop up the Blue Dot powder. I can't recall the exact charge, but knowing how I was back then, I'm sure it was as close to max as I could get. I used a Keith style hardcast 210 gr bullet if I recall correctly. I haven't shot the thing in decades, but it feels like home when I handle it. |
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Posted: 8/9/2022 7:57:03 PM EDT
[#21]
H-110 is your friend. Great revolver and great cartridge.
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Posted: 8/14/2022 5:24:11 AM EDT
[#22]
.41 Mag vs .44 Mag is like the .270 Win vs .30-06 debate. Both work with good bullets and shot placement.
My uncle introduced me to the .41 Mag in 84' with his Smith 57 8.375". He also taught me how to reload for it. I haven't been without a Smith N frame in .41 Mag since. On the BH, had one to go with my collection and always on the lookout for another. No rush as I'm back in Baghdad. I cast from 195 gr SWC to 270 gr WFN bullets for the .41. Used the 270 gr loads in my Smith 58 while visiting Alaska twice.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 10:05:10 AM EDT
[#23]
Had it out to the range yesterday for the first time.
This thing is a riot! Took the chronograph and tried out a bunch of different loads using Accurate TCM powder (Midway was closing it out at $17/lb and apparently it does great in .41 mag) and 240gr Keith SWCs and 215 SWCs, all hard cast from RimRock.  Attached File15.6 grains was the winner for the 240 grain bullet. Next step up was the max load, but the SD got wider, and not much more speed. 1250fps average, 833 ft lbs/energy.  Attached File17.5 was the winner for the 215 grain bullet. 1357fps average, 879 ft lbs.  Attached FileMy max 215 gr load, about .2 grains under published max, had a few well over 1400 fps, with a max of 1474, but the SD got a little wild, with the lowest being 1384. Still, no pressure signs. I’ll spend more time trying for tiny groups on the next trip. Yesterday all shooting was offhand at 20 yards, and all loads shot pretty well, but clearly not what this thing is capable of. |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 10:09:36 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: .41 Mag vs .44 Mag is like the .270 Win vs .30-06 debate. Both work with good bullets and shot placement. My uncle introduced me to the .41 Mag in 84' with his Smith 57 8.375". He also taught me how to reload for it. I haven't been without a Smith N frame in .41 Mag since. On the BH, had one to go with my collection and always on the lookout for another. No rush as I'm back in Baghdad. I cast from 195 gr SWC to 270 gr WFN bullets for the .41. Used the 270 gr loads in my Smith 58 while visiting Alaska twice. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/DSCF1172_JPG-2488593.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/Blackhawk_and_bear_loads_jpg-2488594.JPG Those loads look like they’re absolute hammers. I bet those are impressive with 296. “Whaaaaat?!?!?eeeeeeeeee” haha |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 10:16:59 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Those loads look like they’re absolute hammers. I bet those are impressive with 296. “Whaaaaat?!?!?eeeeeeeeee” haha Full case load of 296 pushes those to 1600+ fps out of the Marlin, which bullet was designed specifically for the Marlins chamber. My load data is on my computer. (on works) |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 10:19:42 AM EDT
[#26]
For an all around load, try either of your bullets at 1000 fps. Think I use 7.5gr of Unique with a 210 gr SWC out of my 4" M58.
CD |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 11:42:50 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: For an all around load, try either of your bullets at 1000 fps. Think I use 7.5gr of Unique with a 210 gr SWC out of my 4" M58. CD I need to find some more Unique first. I’m down to 1.5 lbs, and I’m saving it all for the .45 Colt. 8.0 grains and a 255 gr hard cast is right at 850 fps, so your 7.5 grains in the .41 mag sounds about right. Smaller case, lighter bullet, bet that’s right at 1000 fps. Probably shoots like a laser out of that big ass Blackhawk. |
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Posted: 8/14/2022 12:16:13 PM EDT
[#28]
RD load data and bullet specs. He doesn't make these anymore however. Weigh 268/269 from my straight wheelweights. He also did a gas check version. He had Lee cut a 6 banger mold.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 8/15/2022 7:35:44 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: RD load data and bullet specs. He doesn't make these anymore however. Weigh 268/269 from my straight wheelweights. He also did a gas check version. He had Lee cut a 6 banger mold. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/RD_load_data_jpg-2488875.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/TL411255RF_20Bullet_20Sketch_jpg-2488878.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/TL411255RF_20Chambered_20Marlin_201894FG-2488880.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32677/TL411255RF_20Components_jpg-2488881.JPG 
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Posted: 8/28/2022 9:20:27 AM EDT
[#30]
I have been using 215 grain SWC's and 7.4 grains of WW-231 or 15.5 grains of IMR-4227. Both loads drive that bullet around 960 fps from my Ruger 4 5/8" and S&W M58's 4" barrels. While this seems like a mild load, it has pretty impressive energy numbers and great penetration in gel.
Good accuracy, mild recoil and easy on the shooter and brass. I use Lil Gun in my 16" Henry lever action and 210 grain Remington SP's for a short-range deer/all-purpose load. .41 Magnum ammo is ridiculously expensive @ retail prices, standard rates for reloading components are comparable to any other round. |
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