.41 Magnum Ammo
The .41 Remington Magnum was introduced in 1964 as a law enforcement cartridge — intended to split the difference between the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum in power, recoil, and terminal performance. While it never achieved the law enforcement adoption its designers envisioned (agencies found the .357 Magnum adequate and the recoil of the .41 Magnum excessive for many officers), it became a respected hunting and sporting cartridge. Smith & Wesson’s Model 57 and 58 are the primary revolvers chambered in .41 Magnum, and the cartridge maintains a dedicated following among handgun hunters and revolver enthusiasts. Impact Guns carries .41 Magnum from Federal, Hornady, and Buffalo Bore.
Read our full .41 Magnum Guide ↓
The .41 Magnum in Context
The .41 Magnum fires a .410-inch bullet (the same diameter as the .41 Action Express) typically in 175–265 grain weights at 1,200–1,500 fps. This produces more energy than .357 Magnum but less than .44 Magnum, with a recoil level that many experienced shooters find more manageable than the full .44 Magnum while still delivering serious hunting performance. For handgun hunters who find the .44 Magnum too punishing but want more than the .357, the .41 Magnum is a practical middle ground.
Best Uses for .41 Magnum
Handgun hunting for deer, hogs, and black bear is the primary application — the .41 Magnum delivers adequate energy and penetration for clean kills on medium to large game within 75–100 yards from a revolver. Federal Premium 210gr Trophy Bonded is the standard hunting recommendation. Buffalo Bore 265gr Hard Cast is the choice for deep penetration on large game and bear protection. Standard 175–210gr hollow point loads from Federal and Hornady serve defensive and target use. The cartridge is not widely used for concealed carry given the large revolver frames required to chamber it.
Availability Note
.41 Magnum is a specialty caliber with more limited production than mainstream revolver cartridges. Federal and Hornady produce the most consistent supply; Buffalo Bore and DoubleTap produce premium hunting and maximum-performance loads. Availability can vary — ordering in quantity when available is practical for active shooters of this caliber.
Frequently Asked Questions: .41 Magnum
What revolvers are chambered in .41 Magnum?
The Smith & Wesson Model 57 (6-round N-frame) and Model 58 (the fixed-sight duty version) are the primary production revolvers in .41 Magnum. Ruger produced the Blackhawk in .41 Magnum. Both the S&W N-frame and Ruger Blackhawk in .41 Magnum are now primarily found in the used/collector market rather than as current production items.
Is .41 Magnum better than .44 Magnum for hunting?
The .44 Magnum produces more energy and is more widely available with a broader selection of hunting loads. The .41 Magnum offers the advantage of slightly less recoil in comparable frames, which can improve accuracy for some shooters. For most handgun hunters, the .44 Magnum’s broader ammunition selection and power make it the more practical choice; the .41 Magnum suits buyers who already own a .41 Magnum revolver or specifically prefer the intermediate caliber.
See Also: .44 Magnum Ammo • .357 Magnum Ammo • Revolvers • Smith & Wesson • All Ammunition