WB
Another round that was totally ignored
Thursday, September 10, 2020, 09:37

was the .401 Herter's that became valid around 1960, considerably before the advent of the .41 Magnum. Since the normal "heavies" were not involved in the .401 Herters project and it was spearheaded by the seemingly abrasive George (P.T. Barnum) Herter himself they tried to largely ignore it. I don't ever remember Keith acknowledging it at all. Such were the times.

The Herter's round went back to wildcatters in the 1920's. Gunsmiths were boring out .38 Special cylinders for the Colt SAA and installing in old .38WCF chassis which used 0.403" barrels. I have read that the enterprising old fellows used the .401 WSL semi-rimmed case cut to length to allow a suitable OAL with a .38/40 projectile. Even with the given powders at the time it would have been a suitable twin to the later Herter's Magnum and equivalent to the .41 Remington. The 200 gr. metal encased 0.406" bullet of the .401 WSL and it's Soft Point version could have easily been re-sized to the correct .401-.403 using only the Lyman hand tools and kit for the .38-40. A very effective bullet!

It is interesting how both Remington and Winchester were reported to use what seemed like .38/40 spec. projectiles in that ammo cited?! They both manufactured it too, before and after the war. Very interesting.

Policing and politics are very far removed from hunting and re-loading, none of it makes any sense to me. It's obvious there is a lot of money motivation and the corruption that often follows.

I think even today that accuracy is second taught to tactics and getting all dressed up for the occasion. But what do I know and who cares. I've never been in the military and when I see our soldiers in the field I wonder how they even walk! They are so festooned with crap hanging off their bodies and firearms it's a wonder they can function at all. Their adversaries are running around with hankies atop their heads and bandoleers full of spare ammo. Still we have a much better kill ratio so I guess someone has it figured out.

Great Article and I really enjoyed Keith's writing. While there are some still scoffing I have read several documented instances where he backed up his claims, with zeal. I remember seeing some oil paintings in the back room of the Chuck Wagon at the Y-O. One of Swiggett, and some other old guys I could not name at the time. They had to be well established old Y-O Guides who served many great times and many hunters! I was so blessed to be able to go there and experience some of that essence. I hope those paintings end up where they can be appreciated. Thanks for the opportunity Gary and I will forever be indebted for those great memories.