Author Topic: .41 mag (Read 2831 times)

ttank0789 · « **on:** June 13, 2010, 10:53:51 AM »

My uncle has a TC Contender in .41 mag that I'm gonna try to borrow for deer hunting this fall. I know the .41 isn't one of the most popular calibers so I was wondering how effective it will be on deer.

Darrell H · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2010, 11:02:36 AM »

I'm using a 210 gr Remington JSP/ W296 handload. Good luck!

ttank0789 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2010, 11:04:11 AM »

I won't be handloading. Is there any factory ammo you could recommend?

southernutah · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2010, 01:32:19 PM »

I have some winchester 170 gr silver tips that should work or any 210 gr HPs

Darrell H · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2010, 02:02:35 PM »

Quote from: ttank0789 on June 13, 2010, 11:04:11 AM

I won't be handloading. Is there any factory ammo you could recommend?

I don't have any experience with these factory loads but they use the same bullet that I use in my handload.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=388838

The reviews indicate that this bullet is a little tough. With the velocity that you will be generating from the Contender (lack of cylinder gap) that will be "a good thing" IMHO. What barrel length are you shooting? Mine is 9"...

ttank0789 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2010, 02:19:38 PM »

Quote from: Darrell H on June 13, 2010, 02:02:35 PM

What barrel length are you shooting? Mine is 9"...

Not sure. I just found out my uncle has this gun like a week ago and hunting with it didn't cross my mind til today lol

Mikey · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2010, 03:22:50 PM »

ttank: There's lots of 41 mag ammo available out there and apparent or perceived popularity has no relevance to the ability of the cartridge to perform on game. The 41 mag works well on all North American game. Try ammo from Hornady, Garrett, Buffalo Bore, Federal and Remington.

bkraft · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2010, 03:47:25 PM »

The .41 will do fine, several white tail does and a hog or two have taken up tempory residence in my freezer over the years due to a .41 mag. You do your part, shoot it become familar and comfortable with it and the .41 will do its part.

Luckyducker · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2010, 06:39:13 PM »

The 41 "Magnum" will do fine with any ammo that is loaded with 210 grain bullets. I have shot 2 deer with a Ruger Blackhawk 41, but was using hand loaded ammo on both of them. The important part is finding ammo that shoots accurately from your uncle's Contender.

ttank0789 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2010, 10:07:20 PM »

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful!

Dand · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2010, 08:36:38 PM »

Don't overlook the Speer load with their 210 gold dot bullet. I hear its good. I load my own mostly. But I have only shot 1 small caribou with Corbon 265 hard cast load. I think for the size animal (90lbs??) I had too heavy and hard a bullet.

You should search for the 41 mag on the S&W and Handloading forums here on Graybeard. I think you'll find several good discussions of hunting with the 41 mag.

Winchester used to make a 240 platinum tip I think. I don't know if they still make it - haven't seen any on the shelf.

The older Winchester 175 silver tip load was a pretty hot load - don't know if that's still around either. Might be ok for small deer up close.

I don't know what Federal is offering these days. I stocked up on their 250 gr cast core when they were available.

But mostly I carry the really heavy stuff for bear deterrent.

Wyatte · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2010, 02:01:20 PM »

The 41 mag is a great handgun caliber. It has been one of my favorites for years. The factory ammo selection has never been better than it is today for it, and it actually does have a pretty vocal and loyal following of enthusiasts who use it, me being one of them. Some of the best loads have been mentioned. I also like the Speer Gold Dot 210 grain HP, as well as others. The cost of ammo in our area is almost identical to that of similar 44 mag loads. I would use the 210 gr. or heavier loads for hunting. The 240 grain Platinum tip looks interesting. For me right now though, I like the 210 gr. Gold Dot. wyatte

Sweetwater · « **Reply #12 on:** June 19, 2010, 02:49:52 PM »

Years ago, I had a 14" Bull Barrel in 41mag. I have always used my handloads, but I have picked up some Federal castcore 250gr and some Winchester 240gr. I'd be using one or the other if they would shoot in your barrel good enough. I like heavy for caliber and had a 275SSK mold back then at 283gr. Any of the 210gr stuff should do the job - not a great deal of difference in them and you really don't need the "premium" loads for Deer - unless you want them. The 41Mag is very capable - Do Your Part. Have a great hunt!!

JLCook80 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 20, 2010, 05:33:55 AM »

I just recieved the latest issue of Shooting Times. There is a great article about the 41mag. Should answer alot of quertions

JLCook80 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2010, 05:44:15 AM »

http://shop.reedsammo.com/category.sc?categoryId=70
don't forget about GBO sponcer. Reeds ammo

Reed1911 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 21, 2010, 06:34:28 AM »

And it is available, will be this week anyhow.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #16 on:** June 21, 2010, 02:13:57 PM »

Wow - that's being responsive!! Here is a Sponsor deserving of our attention!

Reed1911 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 21, 2010, 03:15:33 PM »

I try to keep up with the goings on here. I'm a member first and a sponser second. I just happed to be a member that has a related business as well.

Mikey · « **Reply #18 on:** June 22, 2010, 03:09:10 AM »

"I just happed to be a member that has a related business as well". Well, that may be but you produce some excellent ammunition and I apologize for not mentioning you in the listing of those who make ammo for the 41 mag.

ttank0789 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 22, 2010, 03:48:03 AM »

It was mentioned that I should use a 210 gr. or heavier load to hunt with. But I saw on reeds ammo that there is a 180 gr. round loaded with the Barnes Expander at 1700fps. Would that be sufficient hunt with even though it's considerably less in weight that a 210 grain round? Also, is this made by Federal? Just wondering because while cruising the net looking for ammo options I saw a 180 gr. Federal round loaded with the Barnes Expander.

Reed1911 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 22, 2010, 04:00:57 AM »

For the most part, any ammunition you see on our website is loaded here. We do carry some Norma, some Fiocchi, and from time to time FN. On the .41 Mag, all of it is loaded here. While the 180g XPB would be sufficent for deer, it is not the best pick. I personally opt for the 250g WFNGC, but I also prefer heavier bullets for hunting. The 210g GDHP is certainly acceptable for hunting and would do quite well and offers less recoil than the 250g bullet. In between the two the 230g Keith is actually one of the best (non-expanding) bullets for hunting.

COR · « **Reply #21 on:** June 23, 2010, 05:16:36 AM »

The 41 mag will do anything you need it to with game up to 500lbs...it is routinely used for Bull Elk too ( I like the .45) but I think it's more about placing the correct shot then finding a magic bullet. I personally like the Sierra 170JHC and the Hornady 210XTP in jacketed and the 230'ish Keith style for a hard cast... W296 seems to give me the best accuracy for all the bullets I mentioned. LBT (site sponsor)makes some great WFN molds for the 41 if that so inclines you also.

dan3 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 01, 2010, 09:32:00 AM »

The .41 mag is plenty powerful for taking deer and hogs. Available 170gr- 210gr loads should work just fine - they won't recoil as much as larger calibers (which may help with accuracy). I prefer to use heavier bullets for hunting - 220gr to 250gr WFN hard cast slugs.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 12, 2010, 07:35:38 AM »

Every deer I have shot has been with handloads. A few loaded with XTPs but mostly with various cast bullets, all in the 200 to 220 gr range. I have yet to have a deer go further than 30 yards and most have dropped in their tracks. Simply put it puts them down if you do your job.