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Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:16 am
by Crockett
I ordered my Big Boy Steel in .41 Mag today and they said it would take about a month to get here. However, I'm chomping at the bit to do some loading for it and wanted to load the long 265 gr Montana bullet for it and wondered if anyone had loaded their 41 Mag with this bullet and found the max OAL the rifle would cycle with this long bullet?

I also have a Ruger Blackhawk in 41 Mag and wondered if anyone has done any accuracy testing with that bullet in either the Blackhawk or their Henry Big Boy Steel?

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 9:42 am
by arky
I am also interested in what length and bullet profiles work in the Henry. I have not tried that bullet. I am shooting 230 gr Rim Rock bullets in my SBH and they are sized to .410. .410 is not compatible with my other .41's. My SBH cylinder bore is .4103 and the groove size slugs to .4098 so I can shoot the .410 bullet. It will chamber and shoot the .411 if I keep it short or RNFP. I have worked up a load for the Henry but have yet to range test it. It is a .411 225 gr RNFP coated bullet. I would also like to have a heavier SWC for the Henry.

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 11:23 am
by JEBar
since firearms and ammunition manufactures design their products around their standards, I've always found the Maximum S.A.A.M.I. specifications are a good place to start .... for 41 Mag they have set the maximum overall length to 1.590" .... this allows the tip of the bullet to extend .3" from the crimp

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 3:38 pm
by Vaquero
Don't know about that particular bullet, but l have loaded some 280gr WLN Beartooth bullets. These measure 1.69", and they cycle and shoot just fine.
Hope that helps a little.

RP

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2016 8:02 pm
by Crockett
Thanks for the replies.
However this brings up something I hadn't thought of -- which is the diameter of the lead bullets I order. Apparently I can order different diameters from Montana Bullet works -- which are .410, .411 or 412. I was planning on ordering gas checked bullets but I've never shot lead in my Blackhawk -- so I don't even know if I'll need them, given the velocity of the .41 Mag in a rifle. Obviously I need some education!
1 - Do I need the gas checked bullets for the .41 Mag rifle?
2 - Which diameter should I order?
3 - Or should I slug the barrel before I order- and if so - after slugging, how do I determine the bullet diameter?

Thanks in advance!!!
Crockett

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2016 3:15 am
by Crockett
OK -- I've done some reading about gas checks and determined I need to buy gas checked bullets for the Henry. That leaves what diameter bullet I should buy. I'd assume I should start with a purchase of 100 rather than a larger supply, and try them before buying more. I'd also assume, unless I slug the barrel (and I'm not real comfortable with that process), that I should try .001 over the bore size which should be .411.

Is that correct?

Crockett

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2016 11:54 am
by jpg
just picked up BB steel in .41 cal SS#5 so far only used JHP Nosler and Sierra both 210 gr & hodgdon H110 20 gr 1 1/2 groups 100yds looking to go to lead any ideas?[make and type LFN WFN RNFP thank you New nember jpg

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2016 12:05 pm
by CT_Shooter
Welcome to the forum, jpg. Glad you joined the conversation. I'm sure answers from folks who know will be forthcoming.

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2016 3:01 pm
by Vaquero
I like the fn bullets for hunting, but a few years ago I took a doe at about 20, 25 yds with a swc out of my Ruger BH.
But for target practice either is just fine.
In my Henry I've shot both, and mine have all been. 411 diameter. Those 280 grainers are gas checked, and the swc's aren't, no excessive leading with either.
I haven't even shot a jacketed bullet out of my Henry, I have some but just haven't tried any yet.
But most suggest slugging the barrel to be sure.
I'm still working up a load with the heavy bullets I spoke about above.

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 5:06 pm
by JEBar
jpg wrote:just picked up BB steel in .41 cal SS#5 so far only used JHP Nosler and Sierra both 210 gr & hodgdon H110 20 gr 1 1/2 groups 100yds looking to go to lead any ideas?
sounds like you have a fine shooting 41 .... I'm a fan of Nosler bullets, am glad to hear good comments about them .... please take a look at our How Many ? thread (link below) and add your Henry to our community's total

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 122#p47122

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 11:30 pm
by BigAl52
Im a big 41 fan. right after getting mine I had someone get a hold of me and send me some of the oversized bullets for a 41 mag. 265gr bullet is not a common bullet for 41 mag. The ogive from bullet to bullet differs. If it were me I would wait until I had the gun in hand to be loading them up. I know waiting is easier said than done but you might find yourself pulling bullets when they dont cycle. Just my .02 cents worth. Al

Re: Max OAL in Big Boy Steel 41 Mag

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:20 pm
by Frontiersman
I was surprised mine fed Meister 215 (.410) SWC like it was made for them. No trace of leading. I really thought it would want a RN bullet to feed well, but I have not had 1 issue. Just stick with the recommended length in your manual.