Author Topic: .41 Ruger Blackhawk (Read 832 times)

coyotefever · « **on:** January 10, 2006, 07:23:11 PM »

I just got a new 1 in a 4 5/8 barrel.Had 1 in the early 80s in a 61/2 in.One of those guns ya know you should not of sold.Anyway I have a few questions. :-D This model only comes with a aluminum housing.I see they sell a metal one in their accessories catalog.Were they always aluminim and are they ok?I have a single six bought new in 76 but don't know what the housing is made of.Nor my old .41.I don;t reload so I got some Federal classic 210 HP,and some winchester supreme 240 platinum tips.I probably get some 210gr Speer dots too.So what ya think about these loads on a deer or bear????I really don't like the solid lead bullet idea on a close encounter on something that may still think I'm lunch. :eek: A fella use to reload for my ol .41 and boy did flames come outta my barrel!This was his load for bear and he made me some.I do own a nice .44 Redhawk stainless in 5 1/2 barrel wife bought me few yrs ago..Still like new.Fired about 100 rounds outta it.Wife said why you never take that?I say too heavey.Might sell that.Besides I really like the .41.So fellas help me out here on my new toy.I can't seem to see any shot like for snakes made for it either.And no Hornady xtp for the .41.Remember I don't reload.Sorry for the long winded post but I've been lurkin for awhile and I had a lot of questions.So Howdy!

Gun Runner · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2006, 09:19:30 PM »

Coyotefever, know what you mean about getting rid of a 41 mag. Had one yrs ago and traded for something I just had to have, did the same thing about 4 mos ago with another 41. Guess will never learn. Your right, they dont make a shot shell load for the 41, I used to just make my own.

Gun Runner

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2006, 07:27:38 AM »

You really tie your hands by not reloading for the 41 mag. Many people have used all the loads you mentioned successfully for deer. Do not underestimate the value of a hardcast lead bullet for hunting bear and other large game. The name of the game for tough animals is penetration. In most cases a hardcast bullet that punches a .410 hole completely through an animal will be as or more effective than a jacketed hollowpoint that punches a .65 hole that only penetrates 6-8" (half of which may be fat). So far cast vs. jacketed on deer has been about a dead even race in my experiences.

By the way I load cast bullets for about $5/50 a similar factory load will cost me $23-25/50. I can't afford NOT to reload.

In that fella's bear loads it may have just been the powder causing the extrordinary flash. Some powders will do that. I wouldn't advise using his loads. Since each gun is an individual they may be safe in his but not yours.
There are some custom loaders out there that load heavy (230-300 gr) cast bullets that are probably your BEST option for bear.

Shot loads are load your own proposition and XTP's perform pretty well but as you mentioned are not available in loaded ammo.

By aluminum housing I am assuming you mean the ejector housing on the barrel. I don't belive they have always been aluminum. The biggest reason I dislike the aluminum housing and grip frame on the Rugers is the finish. It is very difficult to touch up scratches and wear spots otherwise they are plent strong for those applications.

coyotefever · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2006, 09:03:42 AM »

I should have made myself more clear about cast bullets.I mainly just want to use my load for a self defence against a Black bear.I know the hard cast will kill it but at close range I think the expanding hollows to the chest will do it in quicker.Unless I hit the spine.Yes I meant the ejector housing.Thanks for your reply.

Steve P · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2006, 03:49:06 PM »

Well, I hate to say it, but I am going to rub it in again. You are really missing out if not reloading for the 41 mag. I have a wimply load with cast bullet for plinking. Same bullet, different powder, kicked 4-500 fps faster is on my hip in camp and when in bear country. It will easily roll a two or four legged bear, so I am comfortable with it on my hip. This little gun with big holed barrel in my big mitt is kinda threatening anyway... :shock:

Enjoy the 41....and look for a rockchucker!!

Steve

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2006, 11:34:53 AM »

Reloading is very rewarding...no matter what you shoot. It's probably more rewarding to a .41 shooter than any other handgunner. OK,OK, I know, everybody that shoots a .45Colt Blackhawk(including myself) just jumped out of his/her chair, but you get my point.
All original Blackhawks( and Single Six's for that matter ) had aluminum ejector housings and grip frames. True they scratch up a little easier...but they also pack a little lighter too. Anyway, I love shootin my .41's with cast or jacketed booolits....infact I just got a new Hunter Model that I got to get out of here and go shoot. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2006, 07:26:03 PM »

:cb2: I don't reload (yet) either so I've tried about everything I could find in .41 to see how it shot in my gun. Those Winchester 240-gr. Platinum Tips were awesome. Not worried about anything else now until I do start reloading.