Heavy in a Henry

[joatmon]

Anybody loading heavy in a Henry 44mag? 260 grains and up. I got one of the steel frames and checked the twist (well I tried to) and only got abut half a turn before I ran out of barrel.
The article in Rifle this month got me to checking. I haven't shot this rifle yet but want to try some heavy lead!
Aaron

[Andy]

I just heard recently that many .44 mag rifles are 1:38 twist, I can't imagine why but a quick internet search seems to say that is the case. Why such a slow rate on these? Isn't the .45 colt usually 1:16?

[Jedman]

I have a Henry Big Bore Steel in 45 Colt. I checked and from what I could find the 44 mag. and the 45 Colt both have 1-38 twist barrels.
My rifle does not allow a very long OAL cartridge so I am still working on finding a good cast bullet for hunting that weighs between 250 - 300 grs. that shoots good.
I have another rifle in 44 Mag with 1-38 twist that shoots 300 Gr. bullets well with top loads.

Jedman

[randy_68]

I have the Big Boy .44 in brass and it does have the 1:38 twist. The NOE 432-265 wfngc is what I shoot in mine and it is very accurate. I load it over 19.5 gr H110 and lube with Bens Red.

[joatmon]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to try my 250 RCBS and my 310 LEE, if those work great and if not I'll give barrel swap a thought. I would love to have a 1-n-16 a try.
Aaron

[ironhead7544]

The 265 gr bullets have worked just fine in my Marlin 44 Mag Cowboy. I dont think I need anything heavier.

Some people have been able to get the 300 gr to shoot. Mine will shoot nice groups at 50 yards but tumble at 100.

[Ramjet-SS]

My sons 45 Colt shoots 310 grain RF from a Lee mould just fine at 800 FPS. But recently got a 255 grain HP mould so we are really excited to load up some of those in that rifle and do some deer irradication.

[John Boy]

If you would have called Henry on July 25th, you'd have your answer already!

[Pereira]

I worked up a load last year for my bb with a 317 gr cb, got some good accuracy.
I'm in the process of working on a 280 gr beartooth bullet load for my 41 mag bbs.
It's showing promise.

RP