-41 avenger - loaddata.com avenger.pdfthe .41 avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45...

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HE .41 AVENGER is a wildcat T cartridge for use in .45 semi- auto pistols. Developed by J.D. Jones, the well-respected firearms designer and customizer, gun writer, and president of SSK Indus- tries, the .41 Avenger is capable of producing at least 30 percent greater muzzle energies than .45 ACP. It combines the stopping power of a big bore with the better ballistics of lesser calibers. Recoil energies are reduced and manage- ability is improved by use of lighter ,410 inch bullets at higher velocities. Conversion of a .45 auto pistol, or a Commander, to .41 Avenger is easily accomplished with a kit marketed by SSK. The kit contains a match-grade barrel with fitted barrel bushing and link, a set of Pacific reloading dies, a set of heavy duty gun springs and handloading data. Three accurate bullets for the .41 Avenger. Cast Jones truncated cone and the round- nose bullets flank the Sierra 170 jHC on the NE1 mould for the RN. 28 -41 Avenger -dirncnsions!kom measured on .45 Winchester Magnum basic case. *dimens( be les~ if .45 ACP case is used. eganrple ionswill The .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the oversized barrel made for fitting by a gun- smith, I installed it in the slide/frame of the old model Colt Gold Cup .45 used in my earlier .45 ACP accuracy work (Handloader No. 951, in order to make possible a direct comparison between the two calibers. The fitting was easily accomplished, but it later became evident that the fit changed after extensive firing. A “drop-in” barrel can also be ordered from SSK and requires little or no fitting, Initially the gun was evaluated by making up five to ten rounds each of Nine tight five-shot 25-yard groups fired from a Lee pistol rest with a Cold Cup .45 converted to .41 Avenger. See Table I, Series 1 for data and components. over thirty different loads listed in the SSK data sheets and firing them in five-shot groups from the Lee pistol machine rest, clocking velo- cities with the Oehler Model 33 Chronotach. Many of these groups were exceptionally tight and most of .41 Avenger Accuracy Series I I Cast 186-grain TC; .45 ACP-based brass; Bullseve powder; CCl No. 350s; 25-yard five-shot groups, Lee machine rest. Series Numbers; Series Averages Group Sizes Charge group velocity standard (grains) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (inches) (fps) deviation comments 4.0 .86 1.90 1.33 1.84 --- .79 1.20 1.42 1.33 770 16 4.2 .88 1.71 2.95 1.98 1.07 1.83 1.23 --- 1.66 801 9 4.4 .82 2.37 1.85 2.35 1.61 1.27 1.40 1.94 1.65 828 9 4.6 .78 1.51 2.35 1.60 1.38 .99 2.14 --- 1.52 852 9 4.8 1.00 2.50 1.82 2.56 1.28 1.21 1.79 1.56 1.72 880 13 5.0 1.12 1.00 2.48 2.12 1.61 1.55 2.98 -.. 1.84 905 10 5.2 1.18 1.03 1.49 .84 1.41 1.30 2.62 2.59 1.60 932 10 5.6 1.13 1.07 1.52 2.26 1.89 1.94 1.67 1.62 1.64 985 11 5.4 1.13 1.19 1.26 1.89 1.39 1.56 1.07 --- 1.36 963 10 5.8 1.21 .91 1.31 2.94 1.74 .66 1.83 --. 1.51 1,019 14 6.0 _ _ _ _ _ _ 1.40 1.21 1.96 .-- --- --- 1.52 1,034 12 MAX. HANDLOADER 107

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Page 1: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

HE .41 AVENGER is a wildcat T cartridge for use in .45 semi- auto pistols. Developed by J.D. Jones, the well-respected firearms designer and customizer, gun writer, and president of SSK Indus- tries, the .41 Avenger is capable of producing at least 30 percent greater muzzle energies than .45 ACP. It combines the stopping power of a big bore with the better ballistics of lesser calibers. Recoil energies are reduced and manage- ability is improved by use of lighter ,410 inch bullets at higher velocities.

Conversion of a .45 auto pistol, or a Commander, to .41 Avenger is easily accomplished with a kit marketed by SSK. The kit contains a match-grade barrel with fitted barrel bushing and link, a set of Pacific reloading dies, a set of heavy duty gun springs and handloading data.

Three accurate bullets for the .41 Avenger. Cast Jones truncated cone and the round- nose bullets flank the Sierra 170 jHC on the NE1 mould for the RN.

2 8

-41 Avenger -dirncnsions!kom measured on .45 Winchester Magnum basic case. *dimens( b e l e s ~ if .45 ACP case is used.

eganrple ionswill

The .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols.

After receiving the oversized barrel made for fitting by a gun- smith, I installed it in the slide/frame of the old model Colt Gold Cup .45 used in my earlier .45 ACP accuracy work (Handloader No. 951, in order to make possible a direct comparison between the two calibers. The fitting was easily accomplished, but it later became evident that the fit changed after extensive firing. A “drop-in” barrel can also be ordered from SSK and requires little or no fitting,

Initially the gun was evaluated by making up five to ten rounds each of

Nine tight five-shot 25-yard groups fired from a Lee pistol rest with a Cold Cup .45 converted

to .41 Avenger. See Table I , Series 1 for data and components.

over thirty different loads listed in the SSK data sheets and firing them in five-shot groups from the Lee pistol machine rest, clocking velo- cities with the Oehler Model 33 Chronotach. Many of these groups were exceptionally tight and most of

.41 Avenger Accuracy Series

I I Cast 186-grain TC; .45 ACP-based brass; Bullseve powder; CCl No. 350s; 25-yard five-shot groups, Lee machine rest.

Series Numbers; Series Averages Group Sizes

Charge group velocity standard (grains) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (inches) (fps) deviation comments

4.0 .86 1.90 1.33 1.84 - - - .79 1.20 1.42 1.33 770 16 4.2 .88 1.71 2.95 1.98 1.07 1.83 1.23 - - - 1.66 801 9 4.4 .82 2.37 1.85 2.35 1.61 1.27 1.40 1.94 1.65 828 9 4.6 .78 1.51 2.35 1.60 1.38 .99 2.14 - - - 1.52 852 9 4.8 1.00 2.50 1.82 2.56 1.28 1.21 1.79 1.56 1.72 880 13 5.0 1.12 1.00 2.48 2.12 1.61 1.55 2.98 -.. 1.84 905 10 5.2 1.18 1.03 1.49 .84 1.41 1.30 2.62 2.59 1.60 932 10

5.6 1.13 1.07 1.52 2.26 1.89 1.94 1.67 1.62 1.64 985 11 5.4 1.13 1.19 1.26 1.89 1.39 1.56 1.07 - - - 1.36 963 10

5.8 1.21 .91 1.31 2.94 1.74 .66 1.83 - - . 1.51 1,019 14 6.0 _ _ _ _ _ _ 1.40 1.21 1.96 . - - - - - - - - 1.52 1,034 12 MAX.

HANDLOADER 107

Page 2: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

Russ Gaertner

the loads were hotter than indicated by the SSK data. Some listed loads were definitely overpressured in my gun.

With the publication of my .41 Avenger review (American Hand- gunner, Jan.-Feb. 19831, I decided to pin down the fine performance of the caliber by more extensive hand-

loading and testing. The accuracy potential was of special interest.

Handloading Considerations

The .41 Avenger is strictly a hand- loading proposition, of course, and the brass must be formed by the handloader. Several types of .45 brass can be necked down by

* * 9+

% ' 4

These are heavy-load groups from the .41 Avenger, using .45 Winchester Magnum-based cases, and Blue Dot powder behind Sierra 170-grain JHCs.

a. I',

Three-die set for the Avenger in the Redding 25 turret press. The RCRS .41 Magnum Carbo sizer, right, was used to apply a light taper crimp.

.41 Avenger Accuracy Series

Table I1 Cast 186-grain TC; .45 ACP-based brass; W-231 powder; CCI No. 350s; 25-yard f iveshot groups; Lee machine rest.

Series Averages group

charge size velocity standard comments (grains) (inches) ( f p s ) deviation

4.0 2.08 708 - - - Too light t o cycle gun 4.3 2.41 738 20 4.6 1.80 770 15 4.9 1.50 835 15 5.2 1.52 866 11 5.5 1.06 901 11 Best load in this set 5.8 2.20 969 8 6.1 2.08 1,033 19 MAX., leading, primer cratering 6.4 1.84 1,103 10 Too Hot, bad leading, cratering,

and primer shaving

Table I11 Cast 178-grain TC (linotype); .45 ACP-based brass; Bullseye powder; CCI No. 350s; 25-yard five-shot groups; Lee machine rest.

Series Averages

group standard charge size velocity deviation comments (grains) (inches) (fps)

4.2 1.66 870 20 4.4 2.27 873 7 4.6 1.87 920 9 4.8 1.21 932 12 Very good load 5.0 2.70 967 9 5.2 1.73 990 12 5.4 1.29 1.034 13 Good load 5.6 1.68 1,050 9 5.8 1.14 1.067 7 Best accuracy; some leading

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1984 29

Page 3: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

running well-lubricated cases into the sizing die supplied with the SSK kit. No fireforming is needed.

The .45 ACP brass yields .41 Avenger cases which are about ,898 inch long. Though shorter than the chamber (cut for brass ,950 inch long), they work effectively and are much cheaper than other cases. Headspacing is on the shoulder, not the mouth, so length is not critical. The sizing die was adjusted and locked in my Redding Model 25 turret press to provide about ,005 headspace in my gun.

SSK instructions state that .45 ACP cases should not be used for heavy loads, because the pistol brass might blow out around the unsupported groove area with high pressures. They suggest the use of stronger brass formed from ,451 Detonics Magnum cases (no other modification needed), or from reamed and trimmed ,308 rifle brass, or from .45 Winchester Magnum cases, which must be shortened, formed and trimmed. I chose the last route, and I have reloaded both these and the .45 ACP type fifteen to twenty times with no loss due to normal loading and firing. No neck annealing has been done to date. A roll crimp may be used, but I prefer a light taper crimp, easily obtained using my RCBS Carbo sizing die in .41 Magnum.

Components The performance and advantages

of .41 Avenger are best realized with 170 to 185-grain bullets. However, some 200 to 220-grain slugs shoot very well, though recoil is more noticeable and some designs do not

A factory .45 ACP round is compared to .41 Avenger handloads in .45 Winchester Magnum-based cases. The .410-inch bullets are 186-grain R N and TC, and Sierra 170-grain JHC.

feed from the magazine reliably. For reliable feeding a round or smoothly tapered bullet nose is best; wad- cutters and semi-wadcutters are generally unsuitable.

The Sierra jacketed hollow cavity design is ideal for the .41, and most of my loads involved the 170-grain and 210-grain JHCs, which are identical except for length. The cast .41 slugs available to me were not reliable, but NE1 moulds were provided by SSK Industries for two new J.D. Jones designs - a truncated cone (flat-nose) and a round-nose, both with a faint crimp- ing shoulder and a single lube groove. These performed faultless- ly. Both were 185-grainers nomi- nally, weighing less in linotype. Lawrence Magnum alloy was used for full-weight bullets. The RCBS Lubrisizer with RCBS Lube and a .410 inch die was used with appro- priate nose punches. Finished bullets were inspected for complete fill, but not sorted by weight.

ACP brass with three headstamps was used: W-W, R-P, and Federal. The uncannelured cases were pre-

ferred because in the .41 Avenger the cannelure is located in or near the shoulder, weakening it. If a roll crimp was applied with the seat/ crimp die in the kit, the shoulder showed a tendency to bulge, requir- ing full-length resizing of the loaded round (not recommended). This was not a problem if a light roll crimp was used, but length variations gave a nonuniform crimp. There- fore, the taper crimp with the carbide die was used on all of the accuracy loads, which also appeared to feed smoothly.

Most of the light and medium loads were made with CCI No. 350 (magnum) primers. For medium-to- heavy loads, harder W-W 7M magnum large pistol primers were used. The heaviest loads, including all of those with Blue Dot, were primed with CCI No. 200 large rifle caps. The harder cups of rifle primers were desirable to minimize primer cratering and extrusion into the firing pin hole. If this occurred, the extruded metal was shaved off in part , showing the brass in the cup. This never resulted in piercing or leakage of gases from the round,

.41 Avenger Accuracy Series

Table IV Cast 179-grain RN; (linotype) .45 ACP-based brass; Bullseye powder; CCI 350s; 25-yard five-shot groups; Lee machine rest.

- charge (grains)

4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5.0

5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8

Series Averages

group size

(inches)

3.06 .80

2.15 1.89 1.90 2.41 2.56 1.87 1.27

standard velocity deviation comments

( fPS)

822 10 846 6 Best RNload 878 5 91 6 8 944 8 978 2

1,007 12 1,035 14 1,046 10 Good load; slight leading

Table V Cast 186-grain TC; .45 Win. MagAype brass, powder W-231; W-W 7M primers; 25-yard five-shot groups; Lee machine rest.

Series Averaaes

group charge size velocity (grains) (inches) (fps)

4.5 1.29 816 5.0 1.38 876 5.5 1.15 896 6.0 1.25 948 6.5 1.50 1,053 7.0 1.36 1,108

standard deviation comments

16 15 10 12 10 MAX. _ _ _ Too Hot, bad leading, cratering

shaving

HANDLOADER 107 3 0

Page 4: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

Two sources of brass for the .41 Avenger: from left, .45 Winchester Magnum case, the formed .41, and sectioned fired case. From right to left, the .45 ACP case, the formed short .41, and a sectioned case.

but the firing pin hole in my gun is close-fitting. In a looser fit between pin and hole, this might lead to a dangerous leakage. In heavy load firing, the use of a heavy duty firing pin spring and hammer spring is recommended for this reason, also. My gun was reliable with all of these primers.

During all firing, a Wilson Shok- Buff composition buffer was kept in place on the spring guide and a heavy duty recoil spring was added for heavy loads. These served to prevent damage due to metal-to- metal contact and peening in recoil. Even so, the heaviest loads caused some detectable marks on the base of the spring guide and on the link mounting stud. After all testing had been completed, the Gold Cup barrel was replaced in the gun and several groups were fired for accu- racy. It was shown that little, if any, loss of .45 accuracy had resulted.

In addition to those listed in the SSK data, a number of powders were tested briefly. However, the full range of loads could be made with Bullseye, 231, and Blue Dot, and no other powder was found to be as good as one of these three for any need. Unique, while usable and

good in some loads, was not a s uniform or clean-burning.

Accuracy Firing Series of loads differing by .2, .3 or

.5-grain increments of powder were prepared and fired in a single session. Duplicate series were pre- pared and fired in separate sessions a t the range. Each powder charge in these series was weighed with a precision of less than k.05 grain; charges thrown by my Lyman- Ohaus Duomeasure seemed to give similar velocity spreads in a few checks. In addition loads were checked for functioning through the magazine, since the gun must be single-loaded in the Lee rest. The best length range for feeding was 1.20 to 1.26 inches, so all bullets were seated to 1.24 OAL, and crimped separately with the .41 Mag RCBS Carbo sizing die.

After each five-shot group, the chamber and bore were checked for leading and residues, and cleaned with a dry brass brush if dirty. The gun was cleaned between sessions, but most of the loads were very clean burning. Fired cases were checked also for primer pressure signs and for other signs, including bulging in or near the extraction

groove (none found). Average velo- cities and standard deviations were recorded from the Oehler Model 33 readout. Groups were printed on reversed full targets at twenty-five yards, usually nine or more groups per sheet. They were measured center-to-center of widest hits with a micrometer caliper and recorded. Three or more groups were fired for each load and averaged. Only a few obvious fliers were omitted. Most firings were done a t 60 to 90 degrees, and slowly to keep the gun cool.

Results obtained early in the testing, but after initial work reported elsewhere, included the best groups, then they began to open noticeably. This was traced to “wearing in” of the barrel, with resulting slight binding of the barrel extension or tang against the left side of the slide and of the link in its mounting. This was relieved by filing and polishing the side of the tang and the inside of the slot holding the link. Groups improved but did not tighten up to the .original excellence.

To illustrate this effect, Table I summarizes the results of eight series firings, all in .45 ACP-based brass (Federal, W-W and R-PI with CCI No. 350 primers, Bullseye, and the cast (Magnum alloy) 186-grain, truncated cone (TCI Jones bullet. These series were run over a period of more than three months, and the first series was the best I have ever fired (or heard of) by any regular handgun in a centerfire caliber. The ten groups in series 1 ranged from .78 to 1.21 inches, averaging just 1.01. (Actually series 1 also included three other loads - 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8 grains, all under one inch - which

(Continued on page 60)

.41 Avenger Accuracy Series

Table VI Sierra 170 JHC; W-W .45 ACP-type brass; Blue Dol powder; CCI No. 200 primers; 25-yard five-shot groups: Lee machine rest.

group charge size (grains) (inches)

10.0 1.39 10.5 1.62 11.0 1.70 11.5 1.75 12.0 1.94 12.5 1.25

Series Averages

velocity deviation comments standard

UPS)

980 45 1.024 30 1,068 35 1,133 27 1,167 58 1,301 21 MAX., slight cratering

Table VI1 Sierra 210 JHC; CCI No. 200 primers; Blue Dot powder; 25-yard five-shot groups; Lee machine rest.

Series Averages

.45 Win. Mag:type .45 ACP-type I standard

charge group velocity deviation comments (grains) (inches) ( fps)

9.5 2.38 1,052 15 10.0 1.32 1,107 19 10.5 2.41 1,145 10 MAX. 11.0 2.01 1,183 14 TooHot

standard group velocity deviation comments (inches) (fps)

2.02 1.016 28 1.46 1,099 23 1.66 1,151 10 1.52 1,163 23 MAX.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1984 3 1

Page 5: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

.41 Avenger (Continued from page 31)

did not cycle the action reliably.) Series 2, 3 and 4 were fired a s slight binding developed, and some heavy firing was also done during this period. Series 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the improvement after refitting.

The averages of these eight series

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probably are fairly typical of what could be expected from the fitted conversion in a tight semi-auto, not accurized.

Several good loads were found in these series, and all had acceptable accuracy for any use except match shooting. Four grains of Bullseye gave a mild, reliable target load a t 770 fps with 1.33-inch average groups. Equivalent to the lightest .45 ACP target loads, this seems even lighter in .4 1 Avenger. The 5.4- grain load still seems mild, but it is a good general purpose round (1.36- inch groups).

For IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) large bore qualification, a t least a 185-grain bullet at 1,000 fps is required; this is met by the 5.8-grain load a t 1,019 fps (1.51-inch groups). The 6-grain load leaded too much, with definite primer cratering, and was not much faster at 1,034 fps. If Bullseye charges were pushed above 6-grains with any 170 to 186-grain bullet, badly cratered primers and bad leading resulted.

Similar series were fired with the same TC bullet, substituting 231 for Bullseye, other components remained the same. The use of 231 was of special interest since in the earlier .45 ACP work this powder produced tighter groups more con- sistently than Bullseye. However, a s shown by Table 11, that was not the case for the lightest .41 Avenger target loads. Only the 5.5-grain load with 1.06-inch groups at 901 fps was exceptionally tight. In every other load, Bullseye was the better choice for light to medium loads. Only series averages are reported for this set and for other series sets.

When cast in linotype metal, the TC bullet averaged 178 grains and was less consistently accurate. The best loads were 4.8 grains of Bulls- eye, 5.4 grains and 5.8 grains, and velocities were higher than for the Magnum bullet, a s shown in Table 111.

The round-nose Jones bullet (RN) of linotype did not seem to be a s accurate a s the TC generally, but it did give one brilliantly accurate load, 4.4 grains of Bullseye averag- ing .80 inch a t 846 fps. See Table IV for other loads in this series set.

For light to medium loads there was no reason to use full length brass, since .45 ACP-based brass gave a t least equal accuracy in selected loads. However, leading was reduced in the longer brass, probably because the pressures were better contained with less side

bullet exposure to hot gases, and such loads were best primed with W-W 7M magnum primers to mini- mize cratering. Using this combina- tion with the 186-grain TC (magnum) bullet, 231 gave 1.15 to 1.50 inch average groups over the entire range of 4.5 to 7.0 grains, a s shown by Table V, based on the average of just two series. The 7.0-grain charge was excessive, although still reason- ably accurate.

The use of longer brass seemed to cause overpressuring from loads which seemed acceptable in shorter .45 ACP-type brass. This was also seen in the heaviest loads to be described below.

Jacketed Bullets

The .41 Avenger was not designed as a target caliber, even though the above results show its fine accuracy in a closely fitted gun. The caliber was intended for other competitive shooting, such as IPSC and other combat-type matches, and for more serious use including defensive work and hunting medium-sized game. To meet these needs, jacketed bullets are usually considered superior and such loads justify the maximum power which is reasonable in this caliber.

A number of jacketed bullets were tried with some success, but not complete feeding reliability. SSK suggests the use of Sierra JHC bullets and these were the only type which was completely reliable in my work. Seated to 1.24 inches and crimped lightly in .45 ACP-based brass, or firmly into the cannelure in .45 Winchester Magnum-type cases, these bullets worked faultlessly.

The Sierra 170 JHC gave the most versatile performance and the best manageability with least recoil. Series were fired a s before, but they need not be tabulated because such loads have little use not filled as well by cheaper cast slugs. As a n example, the best load with Bullseye in .45 ACP-based brass with CCI No. 300 primers was 5.2 grains for 1.23- inch average groups a t 906 fps. Other loads in these series averaged 1.5 to 2.3 inches.

Similarly the 170 JI-IC in .45 Win- chester Magnum-type brass with CCI No. 350 primers, using 4.2 grains of Bullseye, gave 1.33-inch groups. With 5.4 grains, 1.26-inch groups printed, and 5.8 grains gave 1.31-inch groups a t 1,023 fps. Six grains was too heavy, again.

Somewhat hotter loads could be made for my gun in .45 ACP-based cases with 231 powder. Using No 350 primers, 7.0 grains gave the best

HANDLOADER 107

Page 6: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

accuracy: .84 inch at 1,072 fps. And 7.5 grains pushed the 170 JHC to a hot 1,140 fps in 1.43-inch groups. My top 231 load was 7.7 grains (MAX.) for 1,194 fps and tight 1.18-inch groups, using W-W 7M primers to resist cratering.

All of these heavier loads were fired with both the Shok-Buff buffer and the heavy duty gun springs in place. A similar load with Unique (8.3 grains) in .45 Winchester Magnum brass with W-W 7Ms was less accurate: 2.07-inch groups, 1,179 fps. No Unique load was found which was the equal in accuracy of the best 231 or Blue Dot loads. Unique was also less clean-burning, though usable. The same may be said for Herco, though less work was done with the latter.

Blue Dot Loads

The most accurate, heavy loads used Blue Dot powder and harder CCI No. 200 rifle primers to resist primer cratering, a s recommended by SSK instructions. I seated these slightly deeper primers very firmly (without crushing them), so that the primer cup was flush with the case head. My gun was reliable with them, even with the regular Gold Cup hammer spring, but the heavy spring was used in all firings of such loads.

My most accurate heavy loads were made in .45 ACP-derived brass. This is not recommended by SSK or by myself, but the listed loads did not appear to be overpressured and not even the faintest bulge in the fired brass was detected. The brass, mainly W-W, was either new or pre- viously used for .41 Avenger loads 1 to 5 times. I believe these loads to be safe in my gun, but I emphasize that these and other heavy loads must be worked up from at least 10 percent lower charges b y an ex- perienced handloader, watching primers and brass for signs of exces- sive pressures. My loads are in- tended only to illustrate results obtained in my gun, with my com- ponents, dies and methods. They are not intended to be used directly by others in different guns and with different lots of components, other dies, and varied methods.

The average of two series firings of the 170 JHC appear in Table VI.

The final load did show minor primer pressure signs, but seemed acceptable for infrequent use in my gun; 12.8 or 13.0 grains were too hot and gave lower velocity (1,287 fps or less). At 1,301 fps, the maximum load produced 638 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, which seems about

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each Nos 6 42 55 58 and 83 (when available) $15 00 No 4 (black and white reprint) $13 50 Nos 2 9 19 23 25 28 65 and 66 $10 00 Nos 3 10 24 47 49 73 74 and 7f $ 8 0 0 Nos 1 5 11 22 34 40 41 56 68 71 76 and 82 $ 6 0 0 Nos 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 I7 18 26 27 29 30 31 33 35 36

37 44 45 48 50 51 52 53 54 57 61 64 and 87 $ 4 0 0 Nos 20 21 32 38 39 43 46 59 60 62 63 67 69 70 12 75

78 79 80 81 84 85 86 88 todate $ 300 Bound Val I & 2 (one book first IO issues No 4 B&W $100 00 BoundVol 3&4( issuesNo Ilthru22) $ 6500 Bound Val 5 & 6 (issues No 23 thru 34) $ 7500 Bound Val 7 & 8 (issues No 35 thru 46) $ 7500 Bound Val 9 & IO(issues NO 47 thru 58) $ 9000 Bound Vol I 1 & 12 (issues No 59 thru 70) $ 7500 Bound Val 13 & 14 (issues No 71 thru 82) $ 7000 Bound Vol 15 & 16 (issues No 83 thru 94) $ 7000

UMERICUN RIFLEMAN - Most issues available i n 1930s at $6 ea 1940s at $5 ea and 1950sat $4 ea todate $3 ea We have some issues in 1920s at $7 ea

Bound Val 1 & 2 (one book first 12 issues) Bound Val 3 & 4 (issue, No 13 thru 24) Bound Val 5 .5 6 lissues No 25 thru 36)

$85 00 $85 00 $75 00 $85 00 $65 00 $55 00 $55 00

GUN REPORT Magazine- Most issues available including some rare earlyeditions Pricesare based upon publishers price list we wil l send a copy upon request

Bound ' a 8(iSsues No j7 thru 48)

:::$ ;:; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ )

Bound Vol 13 .5 14 (issues No 73 thru 84)

HUNDLOUDER Magazine - Prices are based upon scarcity and our purchase costs Some issues wil l show slight wear but they are complete and un mutilated Other Gun Magazinn - We have small quantities of other gun magazines Most are priced at $4 each Tell us what you need and we II quote a price

Recently Purchased - 20 copies of Col Philip Shochley s 68 page booklet on The Krag.lorgenren Rifle in The Service $5 00

RIFLE Magazine - Prices are based upon scarcity and purchase costs each

Nos 21 25 anu 4 1 when available $15 00 Nos 3 11 and 26 $10 00 Nos 2 4 23 42 and 49 $ 8 0 0 Nos 1 12 13 14 22 29 53and 56 $ 6 0 0 Nos 8 IO 16 17 28 35 36 37 38 39 44 46and69 $ 4 0 0 NOS 5 6 7 9 15 18 20 24 27 30 31 32 33 34 40 43

45 47 48 50 51 52 54 55 51 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 todate $ 300

No 19BbW reorint $13 50

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1984 61

Page 7: -41 Avenger - LoadData.com Avenger.pdfThe .41 Avenger cartridge, left, is a wildcat based on the .45 ACP, right, and is designed for use in .45 semi-auto pistols. After receiving the

~r NEW BOOK sr “Jacketed Performance

with Cast Bullets” I l l u s t r a t e d - T o p i c a l l y I n d e x e d

E a s y step at a time i n s t r u c t i o n s f o r obtaining Power, accuracy and bullet performance for

hunting to 500 yards Velocities over 3,000 Ips $5.95

LBT softnose bullet caster.. . . . . . . . $69.00

LBT Blue Lube - N e w h a r d formula, velocities to 3100 f p s , hollow o r s o l i d , . . , , . . , . E4.OOea.

NEW LBT Hardness taster - direct r e a d o u t , BHN scale. R u g g e d - f a s t and e a s y to u s e and a c c u r a t e Only.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.00

A d d $1.00 per o r d e r f o r p o s t a g e and handling LEAD BULLETS TECHNOLOGY. Box 357

CORNVILLE, A2 86325. (602) 634-4300

magazine

Preserve your magazines in sturdy, handsome and practical black-grained cloth woven binders. Organize 12 issues of either magazine to make an attractive addition to your library. Order Handloader or Rifle binders at $9.00 each. Specify “Handloader” or “Rifle” embossing, and quantities required. (Please give suitable address if UPS delivery is available in your area.) Arizona residents please add 5 % tax.

Wolfe Publishing Co., Inc.

Prescott, Arizona 86302 P.O. BOX 30-30

the maximum reasonable power obtainable with the .41 Avenger in a standard five-inch barrel. Com- pared to .45 ACP, which should probably not be pushed above 500 foot-pounds in a standard semi- auto, that is a 28 percent improve- ment.

Similar loads in .45 Winchester Magnum-type brass were less effec- tive in both pressures and accuracy. For example, 12.5 grains of Blue Dot in the stronger brass and the same other components gave exactly the same velocity average, 1,301 fps, but the No. 200 primers were more definitely cratered, some being shaved, and two groups were 1.43 inches and 2.26 inches. The load was considered overpressured. Lesser charges gave lower velocities and no better accuracy.

Sierra 210 JHC Although this heavier bullet is reli-

able and effective, it also caused noticeably heavy recoil in heavy loads, and the several advantages of .41 over .45 ACP are less apparent when firing it. Even so, some uses call for a heavier bullet. Several powders are usable with the 210 JHC, but Blue Dot was again unex- celled for the heaviest, accurate loads.

Table VI1 presents a direct com- parison of the use of ACP and Winchester Magnum brass with this bullet, both with No. 200 primers and Blue Dot. The remark- able fact is that very little difference exists between the averages (two series each), except for the pre- viously noted higher pressures for the Winchester Magnum set. Except for one charge, the ACPs gave the better accuracy and almost as much power. Again, there were no bulges in the brass, but 11 .O grains seemed ,maximum in .45 ACPs, while it was definitely too hot in Winchester Magnums. These loads a t around 1,150 fps and 630 foot-pounds should be superior to .357 Magnum in comparable barrel lengths. I add again that such loads should be approached with caution, especially in guns with loose chambers or firing pin holes.

In summary, .41 Avenger is a very superior addition to semi-auto handgun calibers. It offers fine accuracy in addition to other claimed advantages over .45 ACP. At present, the lack of factory ammunition is a handicap to greater popularity, but handloaders may use the four bullets listed herein to prepare a very versatile range of loads capable of fine per- formance in a tightly fitted gun. 0

loading Shot (Continued from page 14)

problem with bore cleaning as far as leading goes. The almost universal use of some sort of plastic sleeve or cup to protect the shot from being deformed by rubbing the barrel walls has all but eliminated leading problems. But the plastic wads and sleeves do leave a residue that is difficult to remove. Additionally, the use of plastic shells does promote chamber rusting.

I have recently tried a brand new bore cleaner in my rifle barrels. This cleaner, called Marksman’s Choice, has performed wonders in rifle barrels. Barrels that were previously thought clean gave up an unbelievable amount of slime and copper fouling with almost no effort on my part. In fact this bore cleaner’s superb perform- ance is what tempted me to give it a try on shotgun barrels. I t works better than anything I have used previously and did remove a surprising amount of plastic from the bores of my many shotguns.

More notable, however, is the fact that this bore cleaner contains a very high grade oil. This will help prevent chamber rust when using plastic shells. While Marksman’s Choice can make a notable improvement in accuracy when used in rifle bores, its performance in shotgun barrels is more subtle. I t is, nonetheless, the best shotgun bore cleaner I have ever used.

Your dealer can obtain Marksman’s Choice solvent from Marksman’s Inc., Po BOX 598, Chesterfield OH 44026. The suggested retail price is $5.95 for four ounces. 0

STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF AUGUST 24,1912, AS AMENDED BY THE ACTS OF MARCH 3. 1933. JULY 2, 1946, and JUNE 11. 1960 (74 STAT. 208) SHOWING THE OWNERSHIP. MANAGEMENT. and CIRCULATION OF THE HANDLOADER MAGAZINE. PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY AT PRESCOTT. ARIZONA. FOR SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1983.

1. The name of the publisher and editor is Dave Wolle, Prescott. Arizona.

2. The owner is Wolfe Publishing Co, Inc, 138 N Montezuma St Prescott, AZ 86302. David R Wolfe. 138 N. Montezuma. Prescott. AZ

3. The known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more 01 total amount 01 bonds, mortgages. or other securities are (I1 there are none. sostate) None

4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 include, in cases where the stockholder or security holder appears upon the books 01 the company as trustee or in any other liduciary relation, the name 01 the person or corporation lor whom such trustee is acting. also, the statements in the two paragraphs show the alfianPs full knowledge and belief as to the circumstances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders who do not appear upon the bmks of the company as trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that 01 a bonalide owner

5. The average number sold or distributed. through the mails 01

otherwise. to paid subscribers during the 12 months preceding the date shown was (This information is required by the act of lune 11. 1960. to be included in all statements regardless of lrequency o i issue) 30,069

DAVID WOLFE. Publisher

62 HANDLOADER 107