TABING's right about www.outdoormarksman.com -- best prices I've seen for .41 in a while and definately in line with other large-bore fodder (better than many, as a matter of fact). Heck, those prices are better than what I've seen in the local stores for even .357 Mag, except for "ZERO"-brand plinkers!
But back to the point most of us were trying to make (I think), the .41Mag lends itself best to the handloader. I know that I'm not the only one around, especially in this forum, who gets as much enjoyment from the process of creating and building ammo as from shooting it.
Now I just noticed that the other part of your question has really not been addressed, i.e., whether the .41Mag is a good SD caliber. Yes and no. The ballistics are definitely there and Lord help anyone in the way, but the only gun chambered for it that would be comfortable to carry is Taurus, which makes two 2 1/2" five-shot revolvers (one stainless and one titanium). I own the stainless and I carry a strong 170 gr JHP load in it when it's used as a carry. I've fired 210 and 220 gr in it and, at least for my relatively small hands, it's a bit much and I know my 2nd shot capability is not what I would prefer. The 170 gr has enough recoil to make me glad I didn't opt for the titanium frame!
I know and have known some big'ole'boys who can comfortably carry an N-Frame around in a shoulder holster. I'll carry one for a day of tromping through the desert scaring coyotes -- but that's about it. No CCW of an N-Frame for me! My bestest buddy of all time used to carry a 6" Mod. 29 all day long, but he was 6' 5" and 255. Most of us who don't have to turn sideways and duck to get through a normal door opening can't do it comfortably.
But back to the point most of us were trying to make (I think), the .41Mag lends itself best to the handloader. I know that I'm not the only one around, especially in this forum, who gets as much enjoyment from the process of creating and building ammo as from shooting it.
Now I just noticed that the other part of your question has really not been addressed, i.e., whether the .41Mag is a good SD caliber. Yes and no. The ballistics are definitely there and Lord help anyone in the way, but the only gun chambered for it that would be comfortable to carry is Taurus, which makes two 2 1/2" five-shot revolvers (one stainless and one titanium). I own the stainless and I carry a strong 170 gr JHP load in it when it's used as a carry. I've fired 210 and 220 gr in it and, at least for my relatively small hands, it's a bit much and I know my 2nd shot capability is not what I would prefer. The 170 gr has enough recoil to make me glad I didn't opt for the titanium frame!
I know and have known some big'ole'boys who can comfortably carry an N-Frame around in a shoulder holster. I'll carry one for a day of tromping through the desert scaring coyotes -- but that's about it. No CCW of an N-Frame for me! My bestest buddy of all time used to carry a 6" Mod. 29 all day long, but he was 6' 5" and 255. Most of us who don't have to turn sideways and duck to get through a normal door opening can't do it comfortably.
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