Explain the recoil from a Redhawk??????

[DakotaElkSlayer]

Here's the story... My buddy had a SS Redhawk 41mag given to him with some handloads and we went out to try it out. There were two different loads and the stiffer of the two I would classify as light, on the verge of powderpuff. We were shooting over my chrony and was amazed that we were shooting the softpoints at 1495fps. Racked my brain trying to think who makes a superlight 41cal bullet.
When we got back to my place, we were both dumbfounded to find out that we were shooting 210gr bullets! All my experience is in single action revolvers...45colts and BFR 475. These 41mag loads have less recoil than my 255gr swc @1000fps that I plink with. So what gives?

Jim

 

[44shootist]

All in the powder used and how much, by who ever reloading those rounds
I can load rounds using IMR Trailboss powder for my 44mags that feel like your shooting a 38sp some times I like a soft load for taget practice with out all the recoil.
Pull a bullet and see what in it for powder, if it looks like tiny dounuts it's Trailboss.

 

[TRanger]

The answer is simple: the Redhawk is massively over-built for the .41 Magnum. Recoil with most any sensible load will be quite mild.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I had 5.5" Redhawks in all four chamberings. All were equipped with Pachmayr Decelerators (and Millett orange-ramp front blades).
I found the 41 version a bit 'snappier' than the 44 version with similar loads.
I found the 44 'snappier' than the 45 with similar loads.

Recoil feel is personal.

I still have the 44.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

You should try mine. It is a 480 super redhawk 7.5" the recoil of it is almost brutal. In fact I shot it 6 shots and quit. I bought it with wood grips on it after six shots I quit shooting it and came home and removed the wood grips and put the factory grips back on it. They were the rubber with wood inserts. Then got to thinking and ordered a set of grips for the super redhawk alaskan with the gell insert for the 480. I'm not a whimp when it comes to recoil. I shoot a 500 S&W and a 475 linebaugh plus a 454 alaskan that I own and have no problem with their recoil. The 480 doesn,t rise with the shot it recoils straight back. I bought this gun used but looked almost nib. It was shot very little. I talked to the dealer that sold it new. He said the guy bought it and shot it a few times then had the dealer send it to magnaport for their porting. After it came back he shot it a few more shots then traded it back in because he couldn't stand the recoil. My BFR will shoot 475 linebaugh and 480's I have only shot the 475's in it and they aren't bad I may try the 480's in it to compare the recoil. But the super redhawk is almost brutal. I haven't tried it since I put the alaskan grips on it. with the gell inserts they probably help a lot.

 

[RADAR]

I had a 5.5 Redhawk in Alaska, and now own a Super Blackhawk. The Redhawk had considerably less felt recoil due to the difference in weight and frame geometry. Redhawks are sweet shooters.

 

[no5shooter]

"Recoil feel is personal."

Ain't that the truth! I've had two Redhawks, both in .44, and even splurged for a set of custom-fit grips from Deacon Deason (Bear Hug). Both those revolvers kicked the crap outta me. I could count on one shot to raise a blister, the next to pop it, and the third drew blood. I've shot .44 mags since the mid-60's, owned Smiths, a Super Redhawk, and numerous Ruger single-actions, but you can keep any and all the Redhawks you find. Maybe a .41 would be some different, but I'm like Mark Twain's cat: Once a cat jumps on a hot stove, it won't do it again, but it won't jump on a cold stove either. I'm steering clear of Redhawks.

These are interesting comments though. Thanks for posting. Always good to hear another point of view.

 

[DakotaElkSlayer]

Oh ya, the gun wore Pachmayr grips... When I pulled the bullet, the powder that came out was definitely looking like H110. And judging by the velocity, I am sure it was H110. Now, when I say the recoil was light, I am saying a ten year old girl would be able to shoot this thing!

Jim

 

[Pal Val]

My experiencce with the slow-burning powders is that they usually give less felt recoil than faster ones, all other things being equal. Not as much as making a .41 Mag feel like a .38, but definitely lighter.

 

[TRanger]

I had 5.5" Redhawks in all four chamberings. All were equipped with Pachmayr Decelerators (and Millett orange-ramp front blades).
I found the 41 version a bit 'snappier' than the 44 version with similar loads.
I found the 44 'snappier' than the 45 with similar loads.

Recoil feel is personal.

I still have the 44.

That is strange, indeed.

 

[mattsbox99]

Funny how two people can experience very different results from the same thing. The way a revolver fits the hand is a huge factor. The Redhawk fits my hand very well, the Super Blackhawk, not so much, the Dragoon grip frame slides right into my knuckle and I don't like it at all.

 

[cas6969]

Or you were too close to the chrony. :lol:

I've seen that before.

 

[maxpress]

Its a basic rule with slow powders that your getting a bullet up to speed but in twice the distance of a fast powder.
Think getting in a super car and going 0-60 in a 1/8 mile vs 0-60 in a 1/4.
The weight and shape of the gun is going to count also. But a redhawk beats me up with the same loads that just snap alittle in a BH. To each there own in percieved recoil.

 

[41manor44]

I have 2 Redhawks in 41. Both shoot about the same. Felt recoil to me is very managable in this caliber. I've tried a number of powders and loads and none of them felt like powderpuff loads but were very managable. I would not hand either one of mine to a 10 year boy or girl though so have no idea why your's were so smooth. If those reloads shot that smooth with that kind of velocity I would certainly try to duplicate them that is if they are acurate. Happy shooting.

 

[WESHOOT2]

'Bolt head thrust'.


I enjoy the 44 and use it (along with a 7.5" 357 Version, too) for USPSA Revolver Division.
It makes a 207 PF.

 

[5of7]

Or you were too close to the chrony. :lol:

I've seen that before.

Me too. From what the OPer reported, it is almost like the chrony was reporting velocities 2X what they actually were. 8)

I have two .41 Mg. revolvers; a S&W 657 6" and a Redhawk 5-1/2". The Redhawk is easier to handle than the Smith, but only because it is 8 oz heavier. I find the 41 to be an easy Mg. to shoot, but not anything like described in the OP.

 

[dmize]

I have shot several 41's. I love my current Bisley. But I dont see one of them shooting a 210 that fast being a powder puff.

 

[mattsbox99]

'Bolt head thrust'.


I enjoy the 44 and use it (along with a 7.5" 357 Version, too) for USPSA Revolver Division.
It makes a 207 PF.

Wow, major is only 165PF. Any particular reason you are running so hot?

I kinda figured about 168 was perfect in my GP.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I use (mostly) a 240g LSWC at 873fps. Accurate.....

In the 357 Redhawk I do all sorts of fun loads, like 180s at 1200fps, or 110g JHPs at 1820 (talk about loud and flash!), or 151g Rainiers at 1280fps and such.
Sometimes I use 158g LRN at 1120fps.

No I ain't normal.

I'm looking forward to being healed up enough from a pair of elbow surgeries to tote the Redhawks to some matches this year.

 

[Dan in MI]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned grip angle of a DA versus SA. Always been a big factor for me. Loads that were fine in a DA (Smith) were not so comfortable in a SA.

 

[5of7]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned grip angle of a DA versus SA. Always been a big factor for me. Loads that were fine in a DA (Smith) were not so comfortable in a SA.

Me too, especially the shorter barrels.