41 Magnum?

[ESquared]

It's interesting to try to search this topic. If you type in "41 Magnum", the search ignores the "41" and gives you thousands of posts/threads with "magnum" in them; imagine that.

If you remove the space and search "41Magnum", you get exactly ONE result, which is several years old and tells your basically nothing.

So, I'm just curious. Where does it "fit" in the scheme of things? Fun round to shoot? Easy or hard to reload for? Redundant in many ways ? Not worth the trouble?

Have read a lot of posts surrounding many calibers, but almost zero on the 41 Mag. I'm guessing there's a good reason, but wanted to pose the question.

Thanks in advance!

[CT_Shooter]

Evan, try searching Google with quotes: "41 magnum". I got 330,000 hits.

[PT7]

I typed in "reviews of .41 magnum firearms," and got sparse info. I think you're correct in that there is not a lot out there on this caliber. Also checked Chuck Hawks reviews, and all that was listed there was the .41 Rem Mag review.

Here an article from above search:

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/201 ... 41-magnum/


Then I typed in "reviews of .41 magnum ammo," and got one more article:

https://www.ammoland.com/2016/03/the-fo ... z5rVKWwcjm


Hope these might provide something you're looking for.
PT7

[ESquared]

Evan, try searching Google with quotes: "41 magnum". I got 330,000 hits.

My "search" comment was about searching HRF for any threads/posts. I've since found few articles, reviews, etc., but was just looking for Forum member input on the round specifically and even more specifically to any Henry 41 Mag experience.

[GunnyGene]

It's interesting to try to search this topic. If you type in "41 Magnum", the search ignores the "41" and gives you thousands of posts/threads with "magnum" in them; imagine that.

If you remove the space and search "41Magnum", you get exactly ONE result, which is several years old and tells your basically nothing.

So, I'm just curious. Where does it "fit" in the scheme of things? Fun round to shoot? Easy or hard to reload for? Redundant in many ways ? Not worth the trouble?

Have read a lot of posts surrounding many calibers, but almost zero on the 41 Mag. I'm guessing there's a good reason, but wanted to pose the question.

Thanks in advance!

I don't reload so can't speak to that, but I know several local folks who do reload .41. I donate my brass to one of them. As for factory ammo, there are many more load and bullet options available than just a few years ago, and it is a fine hunting round (or sd rnd if you're inclined towards revolvers or DE's). I have 210 SWC cowboy loads, 210gr XTP +P, and 190gr Hornady LeveRevolution on hand at the moment to feed my NMBH and my Henry BBSC, but others such as 150gr Lehigh copper, 265gr LWN, and 230gr Keith are also available. The round was originally developed by Elmer Keith for LE.

Flat shooting, less recoil than a .44, and works well for N.American game such as hogs, deer, elk, etc.

It has a relatively small, but loyal fan base, compared to .357/.44mag, partly because it never found great favor with military or LE, and because of that it is a bit expensive, $1-$2/rnd. Generally not a range/plinking cartridge unless you have deep pockets - or reload. BuffaloBore & Underwood both carry a good selection. Local shops, not so much, or not at all. You'll never find any at Walmart.

Most of the folks I've introduced it to tend to like it a lot - except for the price.

PS: Most of the published ballistics on the round used a revolver barrel (5-6" or so) as their test barrel, so shooting it from a rifle such as a Henry, you'll get a significant boost in FPS, and subsequent range and terminal ballistics, not only due to the longer barrel, but also because there is no pressure bleed off as you have with a revolver cyl/barrel gap, which can be substantial. See this: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/gaptests.html

[ESquared]

Thanks for all of that, GG! I've looked at it in general from time to time,and knew it was a bit of niche round, not very common, but reloading has opened up possibilities to think outside the "box" so to speak.

I found one review (Truth About Guns, I think) a while back, and what stuck in my mind was that the writer referred to it as a "Goldilocks round" and cited some 1,700 FPS out of a Henry 20" barrel. That had me interested at the time, but, to your point, ammo was expensive and I didn't reload then, so I back-burnered it.

How do you like your BBSC in 41Mag? 75-100 yd hunting range, is that safe to assume? Things get pretty clustered up in the 357/41 Mag/44 Mag universe, not to mention the 45 Colt, so it's probably redundant for the most part to what I already have, but it's always been in the back of my mind since I read the "Goldilocks" comment. He never really did say why he thought of it that way, other than the sweet spot in terms of power (out of a rifle) and low recoil (again, out of a rifle).

Thanks again, would love to hear more about your experience with your Henry and this round.

[Rifletom]

Evan, what I'm about to type might sound like, "huh, whaaat!?" But I thought the same exact thing a while back. I simply came to the conclusion that the .41 mag in a lever gun was just too middle of the road. Right between the .357 and .44 mag. So, went completely right rudder and bought the .45 Colt. But, like you, I keep thinking about that .41 mag. Interesting, huh? Sure like that .45!

[GunnyGene]

Thanks for all of that, GG! I've looked at it in general from time to time,and knew it was a bit of niche round, not very common, but reloading has opened up possibilities to think outside the "box" so to speak.

I found one review (Truth About Guns, I think) a while back, and what stuck in my mind was that the writer referred to it as a "Goldilocks round" and cited some 1,700 FPS out of a Henry 20" barrel. That had me interested at the time, but, to your point, ammo was expensive and I didn't reload then, so I back-burnered it.

How do you like your BBSC in 41Mag? 75-100 yd hunting range, is that safe to assume? Things get pretty clustered up in the 357/41 Mag/44 Mag universe, not to mention the 45 Colt, so it's probably redundant for the most part to what I already have, but it's always been in the back of my mind since I read the "Goldilocks" comment. He never really did say why he thought of it that way, other than the sweet spot in terms of power (out of a rifle) and low recoil (again, out of a rifle).

Thanks again, would love to hear more about your experience with your Henry and this round.

I read that article, also. 1700 - 1800 is pretty much what you can expect even in the carbine. Depends on how you load it really - powder, etc. like any other handload.

I really like it in my Carbine, especially w/Hornady 190gr LeveRevolution. Cycles well, accurate, very low recoil. Bagged a deer last season @ about 80yds. Went clean thru and took some of her heart out the other side. Here's the ballistics I worked up for that round with the Hornady to give you an idea of bullet drop at longer ranges. Also, there's several videos on YouTube about the round and the guns that shoot it. Search YouTube for .41mag ammo.

PS: I shared it with a buddy at our meet&greet a couple weeks ago, and he had no trouble hitting a 10" gong at 100yds, if that's any help. I think I posted about that a few days ago.

[John M]

20190619_142756.jpg

I can give a review, IT WORKS.

[GunnyGene]

20190619_142756.jpgI can give a review, IT WORKS.

Yep. I kinda wish the reloaders would suspend reloading this cartridge for a couple years and buy factory ammo. Might bring the price down some. 10 years ago I could buy Underwood XTP for about 65cents/rnd. Lately it's up to about $1.20/rnd. Makes for an expensive range trip.

Nice buck, btw.

[ESquared]

New brass from Starline isn't that much more than 45 Colt brass from there. MBC bullets are just a bit higher than 45 Colt as well.

VERY nice buck, looks like it did its job! Sounds like yours did, too, GG!

Thanks for sharing, guys!

[BigAl52]

Check out ammo seek as there is 41 mag ammo there for less than you are payin GG. 41 mag has always been a favorite of mine. I have a 44 mag pistol but no 44 mag rifle. With a 41 dont need a 44. The 41 will do just fine.

[Mags]

.
Check out these online Ammo sources...
http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=4800

Yep. I kinda wish the reloaders would suspend reloading this cartridge for a couple years and buy factory ammo. Might bring the price down some. 10 years ago I could buy Underwood XTP for about 65cents/rnd. Lately it's up to about $1.20/rnd. Makes for an expensive range trip.

Nice buck, btw.

[Mistered]

Yep. I kinda wish the reloaders would suspend reloading this cartridge for a couple years and buy factory ammo. Might bring the price down some. 10 years ago I could buy Underwood XTP for about 65cents/rnd. Lately it's up to about $1.20/rnd. Makes for an expensive range trip.

Uh, lets see - you are asking reloaders to suspend reloading and to buy factory ammo at higher prices themselves in the hopes it eventually brings the price down for factory ammo ?
Why would a dedicated reloader do this who is already loading what are probably tested loads that shoot accurately and less expensive than factory ammo?
This is like asking people to stop doing ANYTHING for themselves for the 'greater good'.
Hire a lawn care person to mow when you can do it yourself?
Take your vehicle to a detail shop for a wash and wax when you can do it yourself?
Hire a house cleaner when you can do it yourself?
Heck I can keep this up all day.
Reloaders - step it up !

[Redthies]

.41 Magnum is my favorite pistol cartridge for single action wheel guns. I probably should have bought that instead of .357 in my BBSC, but I wanted easy access to ammo, and cheaper ammo too.

[GunnyGene]

Yep. I kinda wish the reloaders would suspend reloading this cartridge for a couple years and buy factory ammo. Might bring the price down some. 10 years ago I could buy Underwood XTP for about 65cents/rnd. Lately it's up to about $1.20/rnd. Makes for an expensive range trip.

Uh, lets see - you are asking reloaders to suspend reloading and to buy factory ammo at higher prices themselves in the hopes it eventually brings the price down for factory ammo ?
Why would a dedicated reloader do this who is already loading what are probably tested loads that shoot accurately and less expensive than factory ammo?
This is like asking people to stop doing ANYTHING for themselves for the 'greater good'.
Hire a lawn care person to mow when you can do it yourself?
Take your vehicle to a detail shop for a wash and wax when you can do it yourself?
Hire a house cleaner when you can do it yourself?
Heck I can keep this up all day.
Reloaders - step it up !

Relax. Just my twisted sense of humor.

[Mistered]

Relax. Just my twisted sense of humor.

Thanks for clearing that up!
I was overthinking it too deeply!

[Old Syko]

Take a look at info regarding the 41 for use in a TC Contender if you want load and ballistic data more comparable to what you will get from a Henry. I've been a fan of the round in the TC and Blackhawk for a lifetime but don't have a Henry just yet but it is on the list. I'm another one who prefers the 41 over the 44 even though there is less info and fewer components available for it. It has proven its superiority to me in the field albeit very slight, many times in taking both hogs, deer and even using some really lightweight slugs loaded for use as varmint rounds. I shot silhouette with the 41 in the 80s and using proper loads it made very decisive hits and shot flatter than the 44s I tried. For a reloader WW296/H110 and 2400 are the only powders you will want unless you try to load the varmint loads I mentioned and there are a good number of jacketed slugs available and moulds of all kinds for casting but it's hard to beat a basic 210 grain SWC for most uses but the addition of a gas check is needed in some cases due to the ability to get higher velocities. With the right load you can achieve velocities approaching 1900 fps from a 16" barrel without exceeding pressure limits.

[GunnyGene]

Cult of XLI There isn't any .41mag dedicated websites I could find. But there oughta be. This is the only one that comes close, and appears to not be active.

The .41 Magnum Society.

https://the41magnumsociety.blogspot.com/

[GunnyGene]

Relax. Just my twisted sense of humor.

Thanks for clearing that up!
I was overthinking it too deeply!

Be glad you aren't married to me. My current spousal unit has threatened to beat me severely more than once about my brand of humor.