.41 Special loads?
 

Well I got word from my Grandfather (Gunfather ;) ) Seems he has a couple .41 Magnums but always wanted it in a .41 Special load like he read about years ago. Guess he wanted .41 Special real bad, but since he is into his 90's he resolved to never have it. Then he read Starline has .41 Special brass so he ordered it. I am the reloader in the family so I got the call to purchase everything else needed to load some .41 Special with a reimbursement check fast on its way for any materials I need to purchase. I got the dies, bullets and everything needed on its way but am looking for recipes. I have found some internet loads but no data from the manufacturers. I was wondering if anyone has actually loaded any and has any advice on loads that would go easy on a 90+ year old hand. He may only get to shoot it once or twice but I will make sure he has all he needs when he wants to go. Any load advice would be appreciated.

I never had much use for a 41 so I've never reloaded for one but I know a lot of guys that like them. you might find this helpful.

http://sixguns.com/tests/tt41spec.htm

I found the Taffin Tests load data but not that whol article. I will read that over. The only thing is they mostly use shortened .41 Mag brass to 1.160 but Starline is 1.155. May not be a big deal but something to consider.

What bullet weight are you going to use?


Clyde

210gr XTP JHP

200gr Hunter Supply LFN

As far as powder, I have W231, Bullseye, H110, H335, Trail Boss and just ordered a pound of Unique.

unless you're going to run top end loads the small difference in brass size shouldn't really affect the pressure at all. and even if it did as long as they are shot from a Ruger or Smith chambered in 41Mag then you should be fine.



you probably already saw this but just in case.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/am...pecial_040711/

He specifically wants low end loads. He has Magnum factory ammo but he thinks if he shoots even one his hand will be sore for a week. So when he saw the Special he was thinking it would be reduced enough that he could actually shoot a box or so. I have some data and I was thinking about loads that were 10% less than starting loads for the Magnum. I was just worried that with the smaller case if I it would be higher pressure even with a reduced charge. I have never shot the .41 Magnum so I am not very familiar with it.

Have loaded 41 Special but need to find that data.

Good starting point below

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/am...pecial_040711/

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt41spec.htm

Zane mentioned that Handloader magazine had a 2 part discussion on the .41 Special. I searched Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Publix down here but I can't find Handloader on the news stand. I am thinking about subscribing but won't get that set up in time to get these issues. If anyone has these two articles please upload a pic of the pages or msg me and I will help get it posted. There is not much information out there about the Special load, most are trying to make hotter Magnums.

I may be able to get my copy tomorrow, if I do i'll send you the info.

if you're a handloader/reloader it would still be a good idea to subscribe though. it and Rifle are the only magazines I read anymore. lots of great info from people that know what they are doing.

I believe they even have a digital version of the magazine in case you don't want to wait for the printed version.