just got a new Henry 45 colt... suggestions on load info

[mrk_86]

got a new Henry 45 colt other day and got some brass coming. what's your favorite load to shoot out of it? I have some red dot and number 7 powder layn around any opinions on loads for those powders ?

[fishnbob]

I would invest in a Reloading Manual so I could check on any advice you might get. Be bad to stress a good one like a Henry.

[mrk_86]

yea I have a few books I would reference and advice against... just wanted to get some ideas on what has worked good for other Henry shooters

[snaketail]

There isn't much reloading data for 45 Colt rifles. So it will be a challenge to find much good info.
I found that a medium load of Unique and a 250gr boolit were what my Rossi liked. Most .45 boolits are .452, but mine prefers .454. Your gonna have to test to find out which is best for your rifle.
M

[pworley1]

lyman 454190 and 9g of red dot is a good rifle load.

[mrk_86]

thanks for the input!!!

[jmort]

Here it is from Henry Repeating Arms, for the .45 Colt, and good for them for not taking the weenie approach, but telling it like it is

"Thank you for your interest in Henry. The rate of twist is 1:38. This does not matter for the larger rounds as our Big boy rifles are not made to be able to safely or properly feed rounds with bullet weights over 270 gr. Our Big Boy's can handle all the +P pressure out there even Big Buffalo Bore ammunition as long as the rounds are not to big (over 270 gr.) to feed through the action."

[w30wcf]

lyman 454190 and 9g of red dot is a good rifle load.

If it is a Uberti Henry, 9 grs of Red Dot is too much!! 9 grs. of Herco is a great load that works well in all lever action rifles.

6 grs. of Red Dot will replicate the original .45 Colt smokeless cartridge.

w30wcf

[mrk_86]

its the new henry big boy…i will have to look for some Herco powder and see how i like it…powder is little hard to come by in my area

[TMenezes]

There is TON of 45 Colt load info in all the reloading Manuel's as this round has been around for over 100 years. And as you already know the Big Boy can handle the +P loads if thats what your looking for.

As someone mentioned above most 45 Colt rifles shoot .454 cast slugs much better than the more common .452's but that's not always the case.

I started out with the Lee 200gr flat point and both Lee 255gr molds. Some lever guns shoot Semi Wacutters but more often than not prefer the round shoulder flatpoint. My Uberti 1866 45Colt hates wadcutters and likes the bigger .454 slugs.

I ended up ordering a 230gr .454 round shoulder flat point aluminum mold from AccurateMolds.com. Love it, that guy makes excellent quality stuff. 5gr of IMR 700X makes a very accurate super cheap plinking load. If you want amore powerful load then Unique, Universal, and AA#5 are all excellent with reputation for accuracy.

I don't much care for the semi buckhorn rear sights that all the manufacturers seem to stick on lever guns. XS, Marbles, Skinner, and many others make nice aftermarket sights that are more very nice.

Congrats on your rifle. I almost bought that one instead of my Uberti and may end up getting one someday as I just can't find a nice Marlin for my +P loads.