Really though.... I'm just answering a question that someone here asked me the other day. I feel the answer deserves its own thread so others asking themselves the same question can maybe find it easier...if someone accused me of promoting the 41 Magnum, I'd confess that I'm guilty as charged.
The first reason....I have a 41 Mag Ruger Blackhawk that I really like, it was my first 41. It showed me what a powerhouse the 41 is and how easy it is to shoot compared to bigger rounds such as hot 44 and 45 ammo.
Balance....its size to power ratio is dang near perfect in my opinion. Being a little slimmer in diameter yet roughly the same length as others, it lends itself to feeding a little smoother.
Recoil...less is more... The difference isn't huge, but it is there. The 41 is easier to shoot with hot loads.
With proper bullet selection it is suitable for any hoofed game in North America, and most of the rest of the world... but I'll just be using it for deer and black bear.
Like others...it is quite capable of 150 yard medium game. The picture below illustrates a 125 yard zero range with a 210 XTP fired from a 16.5 inch barrel.
Contrary to popular opinion the available bullet selection is more than adequate.... from 170 to 265 grains.... that'll cover anything from deer to water buffalo.
It "could" be hot prodded, and safely.... The Ruger only loads you see for the 44 and 45....I'm surprised nobody has made any for the 41. Most if not all 41's are built on 44 frames, cylinders, and barrels...if the 44 can be loaded to +P and +P+, the 41 can too....all with a larger margin of safety. I'm told those 44 loads are 43,500 psi...at that pressure, the 41 could send a 265 grain slug on its way at around 1,500 fps from a pistol, and around 1,650 from a rifle.
And the best reason yet.... because I can...I have always liked tinkering with less popular rounds... there are quite a few VERY good rounds out there that just never caught on... dare to be different.
