Ruger NMBH 41 Mag sizing die question

[smokeater]

Having just purchased a used but in excellent condition 41 Mag, looking for user advice on what size sizing die to get for cast bullets.  Have only the Saeco Lubrisizer, which only makes the .410 and the .411 dia dies.  Will be casting an alloy  no harder than 15Bhn, while most will be closer to 10 to 12 Bhn. What does one think of the RCBS 41-210 PB cast bullet mould and does anyone have any experience with it?  Being retired, money is an object, but would like to get the most bang for my buck.  I have some 215gr swcbb coming next week, but with a bHN of 18, should I run them hard (fast) or moderate?  This is my first step into the Magnum areana, having only a Ruger Flattop 44 Spec and S&W Mod 10, so I am kinda like a duck out of water, but wanting to get my feet wet.  Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[crashdummy]

I use the same mould and size to .410    My alloy is 1/2lb. tin to 10lb wheelweights.  This bullet over 20 gr H-110 works well    and leaves no leading in any of my 41s.  Enjoy your new Ruger sir.

[smokeater]

Thanks for your help crashdummy.

[gcrank1]

What size are the chamber mouths?

[smokeater]

gcrank1, I haven't really measured the cylinder as I do not have any pin gauges, but a cast bullet sized .410 that I purchased has to be tapped thru cylinder, so I take it that cylinder is at the very least .410 or less.  Bullets measured with my calipers measure 410 to 410.5 dia.  All the bullets had to be tapped thru.  Used different bullet for each chamber.  Course my calipers have a tolerance of +/- .001.

[gcrank1]

With careful handling and averaging results your +/-.001 can tell you +/- .0005
I like to use about as big a bullet as fits my fully fire-formed case mouths, and since you can tap (rather than drive thru?) thru those bullets are close to size for the cyl. mouth(s). You could likely do OK then with a .409, dont you think
But hey, the proof is in the shootin'; how do the .410 actually work? If I could load some up I'd dance with who I brung before buying a new size die.

[smokeater]

gcrank1, Sorry to be so late in getting back with you.  Took the Ruger 41 mag to the range and with the bought 210 lswc, that best I could measure was 410 dia (these were the ones that I could tap thru cylinder) and ctn stated that they were sized to .410 dia, shot very well at 25yds with both 8 grs and 8.5grs of Unique.  Only 2 little splotches of lead on 2 lands out toward muzzle.  Have since bought me a 410 sizing die so I should be okay based on this experience.  Thanks for you input and help.

[Sweetwater]

I have had near a dozen Ruger Blackhawks, both new model and old model as well as an 1894 Marlin, all in 41mag. The .410 sizing die worked well in all of them. One of my molds is the RCBS 210SWCGC - same as yours but with the gas check. Impressive is a good word and antelope went down at some pretty impressive ranges -  out to 185 yards. Can't shoot like that anymore with these tired old eyes, but there was a time...
Jeff
NRA Life

[BigMuddy]

gcrank1, Sorry to be so late in getting back with you.  Took the Ruger 41 mag to the range and with the bought 210 lswc, that best I could measure was 410 dia (these were the ones that I could tap thru cylinder) and ctn stated that they were sized to .410 dia, shot very well at 25yds with both 8 grs and 8.5grs of Unique.  Only 2 little splotches of lead on 2 lands out toward muzzle.  Have since bought me a 410 sizing die so I should be okay based on this experience.  Thanks for you input and help.

Lead toward the muzzle usually indicates the lube is not working fully, a common issue with commercial cast bullets. All of my 41 BH's work well with 410 bullets. One thing about the 41 mag..not as much variation in chamber throats and barrel dimensions.

You have in my opinion a GREAT gun.

Dan

[smokeater]

Thanks go out to you guys for your help, suggestions and comments.  I think I am going to really like this Ruger .41 Magnum.  It is my first stab at a magnum handgun, but so far everything is pointing towards a good pick.  Puts me a in a ticklish situation though, can't make up my mind which to dance with, the .41mag or my .44spec flattop.  I am truly lucky to have gotten two revolvers that shot to the mark right out of the box, no tinkering or anything but shooting.  I got me a LEE 410-195swc mold and have yet to try them out, If one was to get a heavier bullet for our AL deer and feral hogs, what weight and design cast bullet would you recommend?  I perfer to stay under 240grs and if possible more around 220grs.  What has been one's experience with cast bullets of such weight and on such critters?

[dakotashooter2]

I'll agree that the lube is too hard. Two things caused me problems with my 41..... commercial cast bevel base bullets, because they were to hard to obturate the base.  And commercial cast bullet with too hard a lube. I have no leading issues with my  own cast bullets of either WW or 50% WW/50% pure lead using a soft lube.    You should still slug your barrel though to make sure it is not larger than your throats.
I'd also advise getting spring kits for the gun. It's not the same as a trigger job but it does help.
I have used a couple different 215 gr swc and a 230 gr RNFP and in all honesty on the deer I shot I couldn't tell the difference. It was only a rare one that went more than a few feet with a shot in the boiler room.

[smokeater]

Thanks dakotashooter2, that is what I have, bevel base commercial cast, 18 bhn, hard red lube.  That's all I could find local, but have since gotten me a mold.  I appreciate you telling me your experience with your cast bullets.  Even with a magnum, the area where I hunt 50 yds is a long shot with most being under 30 yds.  Hopefully it will warm up around here next week and I will try to get to the range and see how my cast bullets do. On my LBT tester, they measure around 14 bhn, hope they are not too soft, but I am only running them around 1150-1200 fps.  Will let you know how they do.

[gcrank1]

IIRC the Frankford Arsenal bullets for the 45-70 were about an 11 and ran 1280ish fps.