1894 41 mag range comments

[Dand]

Finally put a scope on my 41 mag to see what the gun can really do.  Had a 2-7 AO scope free so mounted it on Weaver base and rings. I cranked the scope to 7x and adjusted the objective for clear view.

I thought I had the targets at 100 yards but discovered the benches had been moved and I was actually shooting about  77-80 yards. Got the hint when I had to re adjust the AO.

I haven't really worked up loads for this gun.  Just picked some middle of the road  loads for the components I had.

I make no safety claims for these - check your manuals and work up. (CYA stuff.) I didn't set up the chronograph. Temps were about 28-30.

215 SWC BB commercial hard cast 9.4 Unique, CCI 300, WW case, Lee Factory crimp.  1- 5 shot group about 5 inches.  Shot about 3 inches low compared to jacketed loads I was firing.   I have used this load in my handguns as plinker but I haven't really established an opinion as to its accuracy but its seemed ok for 25 yard shooting with my 57, Bisley and Red Hawk.

210 Nosler HP, 19.7 H 4227,  WLP, WW case, Lee Factory crimp.  About 3 inches.  I was a bit surprised as I expected better accuracy.  I've had good accuracy with this bullet in my hand guns - but I haven't tried this load in them.


210 ancient pre XTP Hornady HP, 19.2 IMR 4227, WPL, WW case, Lee Factory crimp.   1 3/4 inches.  Now this seems pretty decent. I have had excellent accuracy with these old bullets in my SW 57.  But this may be the last of these bullets I have.  Pretty good for just grabbing a load out of the book I think.  Sure seems to warrant more work.  Hope the XTPs  I have will be as good.

Sure fun experimenting.  Much more pleasant that working up loads in the 300 win mag.   I'm starting to want to get a caribou with this handy little gun.

[De41mag]

Dand;

Have you considered the Sierra 170gr. JHC, It is the only load that I shoot out of mine. Very good groups. I know it may be a little light for what your needing, but as far as accuracy goes, mine just loves them. My 1894FG of course.

Dennis  

[Dand]

De41,  I haven't tried the 170 gr but have a supply.  What is your load? I'd like to try it.

Quite a while ago I found my 41 Bisley loved 170 Rem bullets - of course after they were no longer available on the market.  Shot up all those bullets and haven't tried the Sierra much.

thanks for the suggestion.

[De41mag]

Dand;

Try 24.5gr. of H-110 and I use a Federal Standard Pistol Primer. But with you being up in Alaska you might go with a Magnum Primer. Here in Alabama, we don't get much cold weather, so the need for a Magnum Primer is not really needed.
Hope your gun likes the load.
Keep me posted.

Dennis  

[Dand]

Thanks for the load info.  I found a little supply of the 170 Rem bullets on my shelves the other day! The shelves are so deep I lose stuff on em.  Didn't find the 170 Sierras but I'm pretty sure they are back there.

Right now trapping fever has hit me and my boy so we're busy with that for holiday break.  I am packing the M 57 with 265 Corbons lately after I heard rumors of a bear around.  Should be carrying a rifle if the rumor is true - winter bears are nothing to mess with. But with all the other gear I'm already toting I hate to add another 8-9 pounds.

Happy New Year

[De41mag]

Dan;

A while back I got some 250gr. WFN-Gas Checks from Leadheads Bullets. I've loaded them for my FA Model 97 and they shoot great. Haven't tried any in my FG yet. Tommy Mace who owns Leadheads said this bullet was designed for the Leveraction rifle. It will be a couple of months before I get to try them out on the rifle. I'll let you know how they shoot.

Dennis  

[Dand]

[Dand]

I'm eager to hear your results.  I have played a little with the Federal cast core 250, and Corbon 250 and 265 in the FG.  All worked with careful handling.  But I didn't give them a real test of filling the magazine and then firing and cycling the action rapidly.  Before I bought the gun I talked to the sales staff at length and they weren't certain the 265 Corbon load would feed well.  I'm reluctant to  create a jam right away so I've started slow.  

The wide flat nose looks like it might be a safer bet, slightly shorter and a little more rounded.

I think watching case lenght and overall loaded length will be important.

I have 265, 255 and 250 Cast Performance bullets to try when I make time.  Have some loads that work well in the redhawk, just need  make some more to try in the Marlin.