.41 Special Commercial Loadings

[wvincent]

Everybody loves a fine revolver. The .41 Spl will still have heft and bulk making it a GREAT handgun for concealed carry.

Fixed that for you. I can conceal an N-frame, and a K frame, so anything in the middle should be doable. I think a 3" barrel would be about perfect.
This is a terrible project to consider.
Alright, headed back to Gun Broker, just to "look".

[willie]

Willie,

Powder position in the case influences burn rate. The larger the case, the more variability; so filling the case is at least theoretically better, so smaller cases for smaller charges are better. If the void is big enough the powder can detonate.

I agree. A good example would be a light charge of Bullseye in a .45 Colt case. Those shooting light loads in rifle cases have to be careful especially. Seating depth also controls case volume. A lighter bullet seated father forward in the case takes up less room than a heavier bullet. My guess is that designers would develop the revolver around the shorter case to prevent full power magnum loads from stressing a less robust revolver, or to discourage use of warm reloads. I have not compared spl and magnum .41 brass, but unless the length difference is significant, theoretical gains from using the shorter case may not be realized. 1/10 inch won't make much difference, if any.

[wvincent]

I agree. A good example would be a light charge of Bullseye in a .45 Colt case. Those shooting light loads in rifle cases have to be careful especially. Seating depth also controls case volume. A lighter bullet seated father forward in the case takes up less room than a heavier bullet. My guess is that designers would develop the revolver around the shorter case to prevent full power magnum loads from stressing a less robust revolver, or to discourage use of warm reloads. I have not compared spl and magnum .41 brass, but unless the length difference is significant, theoretical gains from using the shorter case may not be realized. 1/10 inch won't make much difference, if any.

When my order arrives, I will mic it and post the results. I look forward to you all who have a lot more reloading experience than me commenting on if it will make a difference.

[Stephanie B]

I have not compared spl and magnum .41 brass, but unless the length difference is significant, theoretical gains from using the shorter case may not be realized. 1/10 inch won't make much difference, if any.

The difference is 0.125", according to the Interwebs.

Bowen's not doing S&W work anymore.

[Hambo]

What we need is to find a case of unfired, factory engraved Colt .41 Army Specials in the attic.

FIFY. If you're going to dream, dream big.

[Stephanie B]

FIFY. If you're going to dream, dream big.

We need someone with a spare million bucks to place an order for a thousand or so 3" .41 Special L-frames or GP100s