Reduced Loads: Magnum Pistol ?

[NOWUS]

I purchased a new ( Used ) revolver in 41 Mag.

I would like to start with Reduced loads: (Used Gun & Very Light, )

There are a lot of loadings which specify a Max and Starting Load.
I would like to start with a load below " Starting Load " , Around 20-25 percent
below Max Load. Is this save if no " Min " Load is specified ?

What would a Minimum load be when No Min load is specified?

Not new to Handloading, but it has been awhile, So just want to be safe...
Note: starting with Hodgen H110
Thanks

[VonFatman]

First of all....H-110 is NEVER to be reduced by less than 3% from published loads or it can lead to serious (and I'd assume unwanted) gun failure.

Suggest you look to another "non-magnum" powder if you want "non-magnum" results.

Here's a couple loads I like in my .41 Magnums...fun to shoot and easy on the gun & me.

210gr. Berry's Plated FP--(Preferred Load over 8gr)
7gr. Unique
Win Primer
Starline Brass
OAL: 1.573
FPS: 832 f.p.s. (Model 58-Ported 4")
FPS: 910 f.p.s. (Model 57-1 w/4")

210gr. Berry's Plated FP--(too warm for me for everyday range use)
8gr. Unique
Win Primer
Starline Brass
OAL: 1.573
FPS: 960 f.p.s. (Model 58-Ported 4")
FPS: 1,020 f.p.s. (Model 57-1 w/4")

215gr Lane SWC
7gr. Unique
Fed 150 Primer
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.581
FPS: 830 (S&W M57-1 w/4" Barrel)


Bob

[Ifishsum]

+1 on the advice given above. Do not try reduced loads with H110 - Hodgdon warns against this, and it wouldn't perform as well at lower pressures anyway.

Unique is perfect for lowish to mid-power loads.

[Ozzieman]

For 200 GR MIN is 19.0 GR of H110, MAX is 21.0 of H110.
For 220 GR MIN is 18.0 GR of H110, MAX is 20.0 of H110.
I shoot a lot of 44 mag with reduced loads and I use HERCO and it does not require a mag primer in 41 mag.
As suggested UNIQUE is another good reduced load powder.

[crowbeaner]

Dittoes on the caveat on H110. Try some Unique, IMR SR 4756 or AA #5 for your medium loads. All perform well. CB.

[NOWUS]

Thanks for the replies, I was considering 10 percent less than max
loading for the H110, but from the replies, does not sound like a good idea....

I have been searching the Internet sites of the powder Manufacturers
, loading forums and what ever else I could find , in search of a list of
powders that were sensitive to reduced loads... no luck....
Found bun rate charts, and other stuff, But no where could I Find
a list of Powders that were sensitive to Light Loads...

I do remember reading some info on Light loads not good for some
Powders ( That is why I asked ),

I have sierra 210 & 170 G Bullets
The Hornady chart lists H110 @ 18.4 G with a 210 JHP as Min
would this to be a safe, Starting load for the Sierra 210 grain ??

Also Have some Blue Dot , is this a problem with Min Loads

I Will pick up some unique since it seems to be the preffered target load...

And, 1 more question? Has anyone seen Factory 'Shot' cartridges for
the 41 Mag

Thanks again ,

[zxcvbob]

Try some Red Dot. It works *great* in reduced magnum loads.

Bob

[Sport45]

Get Richard Lee's "Modern Reloading". There's a chapter about reduced loads. With the right powder (fast) you can reduce cast bullet loads to the point where you can see the bullet going down range. Get a brass rod that's a little smaller than the bore of your handgun as you will sooner or later stick a bullet. I don't recommend trying to make these gallery loads with jacketed bullets as they are much harder to remove when stuck in the bore.

For really light loads try the primer only wax bullets.

Sadly, there is no .41 special for published light data to use in a .41mag.

Enjoy the gun and have a Merry Christmas.

[NOWUS]

Thanks guys. still gathering stuff, minor set back as posted in different thread