OT-Herters .401 Powermag?

[jnyork]

Anyone have one of these? I just bought a large number of NIB Herter's dies from the 1970's (?) and got a set of them. Got me to wondering about the cartridge and the revolver, have never even had one in my hand. Can you form cases for them? What would a guy have to pay for a revolver? For that matter, what are the dies worth? Thanks.

[Hobie]

Let me get you started. http://www.singleactions.com/files/401H ... pdated.pdf

[jnyork]

Thanks, Hobie, very good start indeed.

[Mainehunter]

Here is another good read by Glen Fryxell http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell401PowerMag.htm. I have one and love it. Power level is same with the 41 Mag. Some of my loads I used come from Glen's write up. I make my brass out of 41 Mag. and trim to size. Just the other day I stopped in my local candy store and there was one for sale I think he's asking $375.

Mainehunter

[.45colt]

Many evenings as a Kid spent reading the Herters catalog in the '60's. dreams of Alaska or maybe trapping far north in Canada. They had everything one could ever think of and of course there's was alway the best.

[Hobie]

If you didn't enjoy reading the Herter's catalog there is something missing in your life...

My first room-mate at the Presidio of Monterey was from Waseca and, yes, his dad worked at Herter's. I never managed to get anything out of that though, not even a catalog!

[earlmck]

Can't help on the pistol, but the dies should bring something. I still use several Herter's dies and they are just fine, built similar to the RCBS of the period and far as I know SAAMI specs for 25/20 and 30/30 chambers haven't changed in the last 50 years. You didn't pick up an extra "Model Perfect" powder measure did you? I've 'bout worn mine out and wouldn't mind having another!

[awp101]

What would a guy have to pay for a revolver?

Don't know if the price is good, bad or indifferent but here's one starting at $425 with a BiN of $495: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =240924604

No connection with the seller, blahblahblah

[jnyork]

I see one sold on GB a while back for $280.00. Interesting.

I still have my 1958 Herters catalog, what a hoot to read through every so often, ol' George sure had a way with words.

[Mainehunter]

I went back and looked at my loading notes. It's been awhile that I did any load testing, I should get back to trying more loads but what I forgot was the cylinder throats are slightly over sized .407 and my bore is .403. So that throws my cast bullet selection a little off. I ended up using a 40 caliber rifle bullet 240grn. using AA #9 around 1240 f.p.s. I didn't have any time to cast bullets back then, just too busy with house stuff and kids but now I have some time now I should start up again. I would like to try 41 Mag. bullets and size them down but just don't know how much distortion I will get.

Mainehunter

[stretch]

Mainehunter - which toy store?

I shouldn't even ask. I need another load development
project like I need another hole in my head - but still......


-Stretch

[Mainehunter]

Mainehunter - which toy store?

I shouldn't even ask. I need another load development
project like I need another hole in my head - but still......


-Stretch

Here you go:

Howell's Gun & Archery Ctr
81 W Gray Rd, Gray, ME 04039
(207) 657-2324

They have a few guns on gunbroker. They also have a website but for some reason it's down. There are two 401 Power Mag's listed in Gunbroker right now.

Mainehunter

[stretch]

Thanks for helping me spend my yearly bonus.........

-Stretch

[Mainehunter]

Thanks for helping me spend my yearly bonus.........

-Stretch

No problem! I enjoy spending money....especially when it someone else's! PM me If you have any other questions and I'll try to help.

Mainehunter

[M. M. Wright]

Like earlmck, I have several sets of Herters dies and I also have 2 Herters presses. Only problem is shell holders are different but Buffalo Arms sell an adapter allowing RCBS holders to work in the Herters press. Really strong and have the standard 7/8-14 threads.

[awp101]

Looks like there's an article in the June 2011 issue of Shooting Illustrated as well:

http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... hread=5970

[onegoodshot]

Here's my really clean 401.






I have 2 boxes of orig ammo and 2-3 boxes of once fired brass. I've shot some 41 mag brass that was turned down.

Still waiting on a custom 401 contender barrel. I paid for it.........2 years ago...going on 3 now.
Practical...absolutely not. But a neat round no the less.

[Mainehunter]

Looks like there's an article in the June 2011 issue of Shooting Illustrated as well:

http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... hread=5970

I need to find that article! Looks like the author has made another cylinder in 38-40! Ohhhhhh the wheels are turning now!!!!

Here's my really clean 401.





I have 2 boxes of orig ammo and 2-3 boxes of once fired brass. I've shot some 41 mag brass that was turned down.

Still waiting on a custom 401 contender barrel. I paid for it.........2 years ago...going on 3 now.
Practical...absolutely not. But a neat round no the less.

That's a nice one onegoodshot! Just like mine. What year was yours built? May I ask where are you having your Contender barrel made? One thing about them is the internal parts (cylinder lach, trigger main spring, two piece hand grip frame, etc.etc.) Is the same as a Colt. I was told few a few years ago some parts you can't find anymore I hope that's not true but if it is I wonder if parts from Uberti or Cimmeron would work???

Mainehunter

[Hobie]

Still waiting on a custom 401 contender barrel. I paid for it.........2 years ago...going on 3 now.
Practical...absolutely not. But a neat round no the less.

May I ask from whom you ordered it? PM is fine...

[awp101]

I have to ask, does the flared bottom of the gripframe and grips help with recoil any or is it just an aesthetic thing?

I wouldn't mind finding a .357 but that gripframe bugs me...

And yes, it does look really clean!

[onegoodshot]

Stamp on the barrel puts it at 1966.
I have a new set of wood grips that really help the looks of the gun. Those plastic grips are UGLY.
I use 10mm dies to make the ammo. I've used some 41 mag brass that has been turned down in a lathe as well. Lee Martin on Singleactions.com actually reforms 41 mag brass in a special press.

I picked up a rusty 44 a few years back as a "parts gun".

[Mainehunter]

I have to ask, does the flared bottom of the gripframe and grips help with recoil any or is it just an aesthetic thing?

I wouldn't mind finding a .357 but that gripframe bugs me...

And yes, it does look really clean!

For me it does. I have large hands and shoot right handed so when it goes off my pinkie on my right hand is I would say "locked" on the flared bottom of the grip. I sort of wished my 5 shot 45LC had something like that. Yes it's ugly but quite effective in my opinion.

Mainehunter