I need to buy reloading gear for my .41 magnum.
I am very experienced reloading for rifle but new to reloading for a revolver.
I want to use the dies that don't require lubrication and believe I need to crimp my loads.
What dies and misc equipment are recommended?
Also recommend powder and controlled expansion bullet.
Pros and cons of cast vs. jacketed bullets.
This revolver will be my trail gun for protection when backpacking in the wilderness of Idaho.
Appreciate any assistance with these topics.

Well you are sure starting off right in the handgun field. I use Redding dies, and press. My load for the 41, and the one I have used for at least 20 years, and anyone may use at their own risk-
170or 210 gr Hornady XTP
13.2 gr IMR 800X
CCI 300 primers-
I got this load from one George Nonte, (bless His memory), and have never found any reason to use anything else.
Good Luck!

GREAT PICK OF CALIBERS!!

Dies - Redding carbide. No case lube needed.

Bullets -

Jacketed - I have used most of the major brands in jacketed, cast, etc... If you are looking for a rapidly expanding bullet (for defense or small critters, thin skinned) i would suggest the Sierra 170JHC. I have used this bullet for a number of years on varmints and driven to high velocity, it is "killer"! For larger game, i would select either the Sierra 210JHC or Hornady 210XTP. If bears are a concern, i might even consider the Sierra 220FPJ, this is a nonexpanding bullet but would provide plenty of penetration and bone smashing qualities. Another bullet to consider is the Remington 210JSP. This bullet will not expand much (unless heavy bone is encountered) and accuracy out of my guns in this caliber has been great. Penetration in on the order of a cast bullet.

Cast - I have used a 210 (really a 215) grain hardcast plain base bullet for years for plinking and small game. The hardcast will NOT expand but when you punch a hole over 40 caliber, it "leaves a mark", LOL! I am currently working with the gas checked heavy weights in the 41mag & 405 Winchester (soon to be tested in a 414 Super Mag also). I belive that the heavies (over 250 grains) lend themselves better to the larger cases or for short range work in the magnum. All the high quality commercial hardcast bullets will provide deep penetration (given enough velocity) and good accuracy.

Powders - H110 or W296 are my pick. I have loaded many thousands of rounds of 41mag with H110 and have yet to seriously desire a different powder.

Primers - You WILL need a magnum primer. I am a fan of Winchester primers BUT in the magnum loads i use CCI-350's. Those heavy doses of H110 or W296 like a HOT primer, especially in the colder weather. Lighter target type loads i use the WLP.

Crimp - Absolutely!! If you are shooting a revolver, you need it. The standard die set will crimp in the seating die. If you are going to shoot heavy loads, i would recommend the addition of a Redding Profile Crimp die. This die provides a more uniform crimp, well worth the additional step.

Load data - I would be happy to share data from my experience with this caliber. Just send me an e-mail (listed in the link above).



EDIT: pic added...

HTH,

[ 05-09-2003, 05:30: Message edited by: MSSmagnum ]

My application is target shooting, plus a means of getting my 83 year old father-in-law, who can't use a rifle anymore, to go deer hunting with me. The .41 is a great all-around caliber.

I can only report on what I've used... no basis of comparison with other brands.

I use the Lee carbide dies. They work very well, and require no lube.

For plinking, I use RimRock copper plated bullets, and AA#9 with CCI's standard Large Pistol primer, and a reduced load.

For the rare occasions when I'm out trying to convince Bambi to come home with me, I use the conventional jacketed bullet and Hornady's listed maximum load.

For hunting, target shooting, and fierce critter protection, it's hard to beat as an all-around caliber.

You will find the .41 happy with most common handgun powders when they are used for their intended purpose.

I have had good target accuracy with Green Dot (6.0 I believe, but my data book isn't in front of me) and 210-215 LSWC's.

W296 & H110 are the accepted standard powders for magnum revolver loads, but I'd sure like to work with Hodgdon's Li'l Gun in the .41 - it seems to have potential.

2400 or AA9 may provide better accuracy with heavy loads in your particular gun, though they probably won't give you every last foot-second that H110 will at comparable pressures.

BigIron

rukidnme,
Welcome to the wonderful world of .41s'. Like most of us here who love it you should find that your .41 is a real sweetheart to shoot, gentle on the hand and ear.
I only have one thing to add to what the other posters have said. I find wthat when I load VERY heavy 2400 is more pleasent to shoot then the same level load in 110/296. It has to do with peak pressure curve and a bunch of other voodoo physics stuff. I come to this opinion after being a .41RemMag shooter almost exclusively for 14 years. Hope you come to enjoy it as much as we do.

Thanks for all the responses.
The info provided will give me a great jump start on my reloading efforts.
Appreciate the help!