Going to start reloading

[Yukon Cornelius]

I'm buying a .41 mag and have decided I will start reloading. My neighbor mentioned today that I could use his tools. He reloads because of his stranger calipers. So I want to pick up some powder and primers while in town since shipping those would possibly be expensive as all get out.

Any my suggestions or hints for a newbie?

[rbuck351]

It's an easy round to load for. Most any powder that works well in the 44mag will do well in the 41. AA9, H110/W2196, 2400 are all good for full power loads. Unique, Herco, W231/HP38, Universal clays and a host of others work well for mid power loads. I'm now shooting a home made 270gr jacketed bullet at 1200fps using Lil Gun from a 6"Black Hawk as my bear thumper. Cast booltis work very well in the 41. Try to fing 240gr or heavier to load for bear.

[Yukon Cornelius]

It's an easy round to load for. Most any powder that works well in the 44mag will do well in the 41. AA9, H110/W2196, 2400 are all good for full power loads. Unique, Herco, W231/HP38, Universal clays and a host of others work well for mid power loads. I'm now shooting a home made 270gr jacketed bullet at 1200fps using Lil Gun from a 6"Black Hawk as my bear thumper. Cast booltis work very well in the 41. Try to fing 240gr or heavier to load for bear.

Could I load lighter for plinking rounds?

[.338WM]

Choose a reloading manual and read it in its entirety. After that, then begin reloading.

[rbuck351]

Yep, the 41 is like any other straight wall pistol case. lots of data available. 5 or 6 grs of unique, w231 or universal clays and a 200gr cast would be a plaesant practice load.

[mauserboy]

If you have not reloaded before, you really should get a "How to" reloading manual. Study it, don't just read it. When you feel like you have a good basic idea of what to do, then get your friend to give you some hands on reloading instruction. Don't cut corners or try something different until you are definitely knowledgeable in reloading. Safety is vital, as is paying attention to detail. I also recommend starting with a single stage press, not an automatic. Reloading can be a wonderful hobby, so enjoy yourself.

[pinehavensredrocket]

yukon; welcome to handloading ! choosing to handload will open a whole new chapter in your shooting experience, and provide a cheaper alternative to practice and hunting.

as mentioned by some of the above entries, it is wise to study the how-to's and work with an experienced loader to get the hang of it. the manuals are written to help you avoid a mistake causing a weapon malfunction or even serious injury. it's been my experience that it is wise to follow those guidelines especially concerning powder and primer combinations. also be sure to properly roll crimp your case mouth so that your cylinder won't "lock up" from a jumping bullet.

with your excellent .41 find your most flexible powder and bullet loads and stick pretty much with them to improve your shooting. i prefer hardcast bullets in relatively heavy weights. don't worry about penetration...moderate loads will do it for you.

best of luck !

[LeonardC]

I use a RCBS mold to make my plinking .41 bullets, 210 gr. I load those with Unique powder. For now I just buy the heavy hard cast bullets.

[vaportrail24]

You Tube Reloading Videos

[QUOTE=Yukon Cornelius;1431500]I'm buying a .41 mag and have decided I will start reloading. My neighbor mentioned today that I could use his tools. He reloads because of his stranger calipers. So I want to pick up some powder and primers while in town since shipping those would possibly be expensive as all get out.

Any my suggestions or hints for a newbie?

Check You Tube. They have some great instructional videos. Get the Lyman 49th Edition Manual. I find it more reliable for good loads than the Hornady manual. On several calibers their lower end loads don't cut it. I used their data for some .357 loads and ended up with a bunch of squib loads (dangerous light loads). A couple of them got stuck in the barrel. When you start out don't take anything for granted.

Cheers,
Vaportrail

[sayak]

After the initial outlay, reloading is fairly cost effective and fun. Like your neighbor, I reload for several hard to find calibers. Some powders are harder to find now days, and while I don't advocate hoarding, I do recommend that you buy what you can when you run across it. Doesn't hurt to buy a big box of primers or a case of bullets, for instance. Pistol rounds don't degrade as fast as shouldered rifle cartridges, so you will get lots of shots from your brass.
I'm no expert, but I probably would not be shooting nearly as much as I do if I couldn't reload. I'm thankful that several forum members helped me out with advice and equipment when I first got into reloading.

[Nitroman]

Choose a reloading manual and read it in its entirety. After that, then begin reloading.

Bingo. Nothing like reading. Gives you time to ponder what you have just read. Look at the photos. Buy a couple manuals. My first was a Lyman back in 1971.

[Smitty of the North]

If you're gonna load 41, or other similar straight wall cartridges, I recommend the Lee 4 Die set with the Lee Factory Crimp die.

Ya can't beat the process.

SOTN

[limon32]

If you're gonna load 41, or other similar straight wall cartridges, I recommend the Lee 4 Die set with the Lee Factory Crimp die.

Ya can't beat the process.

SOTN

I already have RCBS dies for .44 and .357, would you recommend adding the Lee factory crimp die to those sets?


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[Music Man]

Spend your money on carbide sizing dies. They will speed up your reloading time by not having to lube and clean off lube.

[Smitty of the North]

I already have RCBS dies for .44 and .357, would you recommend adding the Lee factory crimp die to those sets?


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YES' Definitly.
SOTN