Just picked up a new Henry lever in 45lc, would like to use same loads as I do in my Ruger wheelguns (250gr @ 1000fps) but not sure the action is strong enough. Any input?

That load wont hurt your rifle a bit, and as a consolation, velocities may even exceed 1500 fps in your rifle.

Gunner

Well good to know, read some stuff on the web that made me question it.

Let this site be your judge to just how much you crank up that Henry.

http://44henryrifle.webs.com/disassemblingthehenry.htm

Maybe it's just me, but not finding where it talks about how hot Henry's can be loaded. Might have missed it...

Just like with every other firearm; you need to work-up a load in order to find out where that specific rifle's tipping point is.

Sorry, did not mean to lead you astray. It doesn't say how hot to load a Henry action but the action design is a weak one although modern steels and tighter tolerances make the action somewhat stronger. What I was hoping is that the take down pictures would help you understand the weakness of the action design. The Henry was originally designed for a .44 rimfire cartridge that was a very low pressure cartridge.

I just looked up the .45 Colt in my newest (2012) Hodgdon's reloading magazine and it says for Colt pistols of the black powder era use the loading information for Colt pistols and NOT for Ruger, Freedom Arms, etc. Pressures cannot exceed 14,000 CUP. My suggestion is to use loading data for a .45 Colt in a Colt SA pistol and you should be okay with your .45 Colt Henry.

Same mixed opinions as I found prior to this. Ok maybe someone can tell me this....will i see standard high pressure signs (similar to my bolt guns) out of the Henry when at max or will it silently damage the gun before those signs are apparent?

Traditional high pressure signs don't typically show up until you are past 65+KPSI, so I wouldn't rely on them.

It would be best to establish how strong the action is, then use reliable data in that pressure spectrum.

You will want to keep your pressures in the 11,000 to 12,000 CUP. If you run your pressures to high you will wear the bolt in your forehead.

I just realized I talking about the 1860 Henry replicas and you might be talking about the newer Henry rifles. When I hear Henry I automatically think the 1860 Henry replica rifle.

So we need to clear up what Henry are you talking about.

'92 clones are the strongest, Marlins pretty close, not sure about the Henry.

In my .45 Colt Marlin 94 Cowboy, I shoot 300 gr. JHP and cast bullets ahead of a full charge of H4227. That powder has a smooth pressure curve and great performance in the .45 Colt. For that reason, one may want to check out H4227 loads in whatever rifle or pistol in that caliber.

DF

Well it's a brand new octagon barreled Henry without any obvious model engraved, I'll go through my paperwork and get back to you guys.

Your loads of 250 grs at 1000 fps will be fine, I shoot 270 gr Thunderhead bullets in my 45 Colt SAA revolver at 940 fps, and have been for years without a problem to the revolver.

Henry also makes a 44 Magnum lever action rifle, and I am most certain those loads are much higher pressure than the load you mentioned, I'd get that rifle zeroed with the above mentioned load and be practicing for deer this coming fall 2013.

Gunner

Those 270 gr. Thunderheads by Penn Bullets are bad medicine for hogs. The huge meplat packs a wallop.

I have a line bored three screw Ruger Blackhawk, turned into a .45 Colt from the original .44 Rem Mag. It has a 6" Shilen barrel, long steel ejector housing, custom front sight, work done by Jim Stroh at Alpha Precision. I rigged a trigger stop and did a trigger job. I shoot the Thunderheads with a full house load of H4227. Accurate and deadly.

DF

Havent got to try 'em on game yet DF, but the KA-WHOP!!!!! I hear when the bullet meets a damp pond bank or the test media indicates sho nuff pain and discomfort for the recipient.

I cant wait to find out first hand.

Gunner

Here are the 270 gr. Penn Bullets Thunderheads and the custom Ruger .45 Colt, now wearing stag grips.

DF

There's that little sledgehammer of a bullet , and nice pistola too DF.

Gunner

Given my proclivity to shoot your ammo, Gunner, I may just bring my 5.5" SBH and "forget" my LC ammo!

That is one bad-azz looking hog-killer!

George

I would call the manufacturer and ask what the recommend.

Bring it George, I got a couple hunnert of the 270 gr Thunderheads loaded up, with 10.0 grs of Power Pistol they run a mild 945 fps from my old Colt SAA, and are very accurate and shoot to the sights to boot, they would make ya a fine Boar Killen' load.

Gunner

Exactly what I'll do after the holidays, been crazy busy

You know Gunner will have it maxed out...

Then he'll want you to shoot his 8 Bore and .505 Gibbs...

Take a good supply of BenGay and Excedrin...

DF

Having never used that bullet on game, I'd really like to see what it would do to a hog, I have tested them in some tough media and got a bit of expansion to go with that bullets already massive meplat.

Dont think it will penetrate with the LFNGC's and the like, but should be more than enough for pigs, b. bear, and deer sized game, maybe even elk up close.

Gunner

You hear back??? I was wondering about this. Might be picking up a Henry in .45 and want to know the same thing.

1000 with 250s in a 45 Colt revolver isn't necessarily a very stout load. Hodgdon shows several mid-900 loads in it's sub-14,000 CUP loads for original Colts. 800-X, HS-6, or Universal are all good ways to load "fast" and still keep your pressures within the old-Colt data.



Or you could just get a M-94 and shoot 320s at 1550.

Love that picture!