Hey,

I’m looking for a low power 42 magnum load. I’m thinking 1000fps maybe a shade over. I have 210gr nosler bullets, but I don’t want to load anything screaming hot. I load plated bullets over 6.0 bullseye for target loads, but I want something a tad more potent for woods carry. But nothing like 1400+fps. Think closer to a 41+p than a magnum. Any recommendations on powders and loads (unique, bullseye, etc)? Thanks for any help!

I would look to a medium burn rate powder that allows a good range of charge adjustment. You mention Unique, which would be fine, another similar powder is H Universal. The Hodgdon site shows a range from 970 to 1240 fps range. One could fine tune with a chronograph or just ballpark a midlin load.

https://www.hodgdonreloading.c...eloading-data-center

I’ve done similar with Ruger 45 Colt loads, using Unique or H Universal. I’ve loaded some mid loads but not to the level of top end Win-296/H-110 levels.

Just like with a 357 mag, I agree, plenty of time one doesn’t need to have top pressure loads for routine use. No need to be on either end, powder puff or max, often ‘mid’ is a suitable choice.

Gents,

Try a load of 7.5 grains of W-W 231 and a standard large pistol primer with a 210 grain bullet. It's gives about 1,050 FPS and is very accurate. Especially good as a cast bullet load, too.

Wes

Wolfe Publishing Company will be happy to sell you a back copy of Handloader Magazine, issue #242, Aug/Sep 2006, that contains an article "Non-Magnum .41 Magnum Loads".

Years ago my father-in-law picked a .41 mag Ruger Blackhawk for his woods carry pistol. His choice was a 215 grain hard cast Keith style lead bullet over 8.5 to 9 grains of Unique powder with a magnum primer. It is not exact on what he finally settled on as there was some fine tuning in the load while he was practicing with what he carried.

The hard cast lead bullet is thought to provide deeper penetration in dangerous game like a bear rather than a jacketed hollow point. This may be old school thinking from quite a while ago.

Have fun while finding something that both you and your pistol like.