The newer soft lead bullet was made with a large hollow base, like Civil War Minié balls.

The intent was for the base of the bullet to expand with the pressure of the burning gunpowder to grip the rifling.

[2] The original .41 Long Colt brass cases came in three primary lengths, although they vary quite a bit within a headstamp.

The accuracy of the .41 Long Colt is adequate for what it was intended; close range self-defense, its drawback had more to do with the heavy double-action trigger pull of the Thunderer.

[1] Elmer Keith wrote in his book Sixguns that the ".41 Long Colt was a better fight-stopper than its paper ballistics would indicate" and it was "better for self-defense than any .38 Special load made".

It is currently only produced sporadically for high prices by a handful of small manufacturers such as Ultramax, as the Model 1877 Colt Thunderer is considered by collectors too valuable to shoot.