.41 mag difficulty

able2ski · February 3, 2000, 09:42 AM

We just tried or first reloads for .41 mag pistol on a Dillon 550 w/ Dillon dies.

The resizing die was tough as hell to cycle (compared to .45 & 9mm). All the .41 mag brass was once-fired factory, reasonably well polished. Do factory .41 mag cases swell so much they require brute force to resize, or should we consider the die set may be slightly imperfect? I bought the high-dollar carbide dies so I wouldn't have to fool with any messy lubes; I'm determined not to cave in and use lube.

According to our calipers, the sized cases were .001-2 under the spec shown in a Lyman #47 handbook.

I do plan to call Dillon & quiz them, but I wanted to ask here as well.

Andrew

PS: I only hope that someday I can contribute 1/2 as much knowledge as I 've aquired on these forums!

Robert the41MagFan · February 3, 2000, 01:47 PM

The larger Magnum cases are a bit harder to cycle in the resizing die, but not to the point of damaging the equipment. The cases are large and wider in diameter, creating lots of friction and a longer stroke. I use Lee carbide dies, so can't help much as to the quality of Dillon die.
I have two 41 Magnum cases in front of me, one factory new and the other fired and resized 5 times. The factory new case is .429" at the belly, the used case is .4295". The wall thickness is the same in both cases, .010".
Hope this helps a bit, feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Robert

Nukem · February 4, 2000, 08:19 PM

Nickel plated or plain brass? I've found the brass cases to be a little easier to resize.

Sisco · February 5, 2000, 11:57 AM

I've found my cases easier to resize if sized before tumbling.

THE .41 MAN · February 6, 2000, 04:54 AM

Able, I've never encountered your problem in either nickel or brass cases. I use Dillon carbide dies in a RL550 and don't ever recall having a difficult time. I usually de-prime with a universal die. Then, I clean them in a Lyman 1200 tumbler. From this point on, I just size, prime, add powder, seat bullet, and crimp. Call Dillon and inquire as to what they think is happening. It's possible your die is slightly undersize. Dillon's customer service is nothing if not first rate. Perhaps the .41Magnum is making a comeback? I certainly hope so:^) All you .41Magnum shooters e-mail Winchester about a partition gold in .410 of about 250grs.!!!! RKBA!

------------------
THE .41 MAN
HAVE MORE FUN WITH A .41

Reddog · February 8, 2000, 12:58 AM

10-4 on the 41 making a comeback! Reddog

mcshot · February 8, 2000, 09:22 PM

I agree on the .41 mag. comeback. In fact I'm helping the cause with a new Desert Eagle in that caliber.
Never had any problems resizing them with carbide dies. Must have been fired in really oversized cylinder chambers.

------------------

February 3, 2000, 09:42 AM	#1
able2ski Member Join Date: January 24, 2000 Posts: 35	We just tried or first reloads for .41 mag pistol on a Dillon 550 w/ Dillon dies. The resizing die was tough as hell to cycle (compared to .45 & 9mm). All the .41 mag brass was once-fired factory, reasonably well polished. Do factory .41 mag cases swell so much they require brute force to resize, or should we consider the die set may be slightly imperfect? I bought the high-dollar carbide dies so I wouldn't have to fool with any messy lubes; I'm determined not to cave in and use lube. According to our calipers, the sized cases were .001-2 under the spec shown in a Lyman #47 handbook. I do plan to call Dillon & quiz them, but I wanted to ask here as well. Andrew PS: I only hope that someday I can contribute 1/2 as much knowledge as I 've aquired on these forums!

February 3, 2000, 01:47 PM	#2
Robert the41MagFan Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 1999 Posts: 1,233	The larger Magnum cases are a bit harder to cycle in the resizing die, but not to the point of damaging the equipment. The cases are large and wider in diameter, creating lots of friction and a longer stroke. I use Lee carbide dies, so can't help much as to the quality of Dillon die. I have two 41 Magnum cases in front of me, one factory new and the other fired and resized 5 times. The factory new case is .429" at the belly, the used case is .4295". The wall thickness is the same in both cases, .010". Hope this helps a bit, feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Robert

February 4, 2000, 08:19 PM	#3
Nukem Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 709	Nickel plated or plain brass? I've found the brass cases to be a little easier to resize.

February 5, 2000, 11:57 AM	#4
Sisco Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Location: KS Posts: 1,558	I've found my cases easier to resize if sized before tumbling.

February 6, 2000, 04:54 AM	#5
THE .41 MAN Member Join Date: January 3, 2000 Location: PRK, USA Posts: 31	Able, I've never encountered your problem in either nickel or brass cases. I use Dillon carbide dies in a RL550 and don't ever recall having a difficult time. I usually de-prime with a universal die. Then, I clean them in a Lyman 1200 tumbler. From this point on, I just size, prime, add powder, seat bullet, and crimp. Call Dillon and inquire as to what they think is happening. It's possible your die is slightly undersize. Dillon's customer service is nothing if not first rate. Perhaps the .41Magnum is making a comeback? I certainly hope so:^) All you .41Magnum shooters e-mail Winchester about a partition gold in .410 of about 250grs.!!!! RKBA! ------------------ THE .41 MAN HAVE MORE FUN WITH A .41

February 8, 2000, 12:58 AM	#6
Reddog Member Join Date: August 1, 1999 Posts: 56	10-4 on the 41 making a comeback! Reddog

February 8, 2000, 09:22 PM	#7
mcshot Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 1999 Location: Over da bridge, Mi Posts: 754	I agree on the .41 mag. comeback. In fact I'm helping the cause with a new Desert Eagle in that caliber. Never had any problems resizing them with carbide dies. Must have been fired in really oversized cylinder chambers. ------------------