Lever feeding issues with SJSP and SJHP ammo

[FNGGlock]

I have a Henry Model X 357, and the action is very smooth and runs really well. I have however noticed that it occasionally have issue when feeding SJSP or SJHP ammo, Federal SJSP and Remington SJHP both 158gr. Don't think the ammo is out of spec per se.


No issues I can recall with FMJ or some BB HC 180gr ammo I have run through it.

Is it common for levers to be finicky with SJSP/SJHP type ammo with the exposed softer lead core?

Or should I ship it back to Henry to have them look at it?

[pennstater]

How many rounds have you put thru the Henry? I have the Henry Classic .357 and it chambers/ejects everything. With .38 spl/158gr SWC's, I have to work the lever a bit for those to eject smoothly. Maybe give a little more time.

MLC

[FNGGlock]

Probably have 200 rounds or so through it. It seems if the soft lead top may touch or catch something when feeding a new round, making it stick or require a bit of extra force. Doesn’t seem to have an issue with other ammo.

[TipsyMcStaggers]

I don't think I've done more than 200 through my newer Henry 357, did not have a single feeding issue. Used a combo of PMC and Aguila 158gr.

[Imageview]

Some levers have been known to have feeding issues with certain rounds, others are less finicky. I know I've seen references to one manufacturer or another who wouldn't put 38 special on the barrel because they had more issues with the shorter rounds. Cowboy action forums tend to have lots of advice on how to deal with those issues, my remlin has been super reliable in that regard after a bit of warranty work.

How occasional is occasional?

[MongooseV8]

Can be finicky with HPs. If you load your own try playing with oal.

[golfish]

Originally Posted by FNGGlock

Is it common for levers to be finicky with SJSP/SJHP type ammo with the exposed softer lead core?

Can you maybe check OAL on the next round that gives you trouble ?

I'd bet the problem works its self out after a few more rounds.

[FNGGlock]

Thx guys will see. I'm using new factory Remington and Federal ammo, which I would expect to be within spec. Using the FMJ and HC ammo, also factory new it seems fine.

Will take it out and run another box or so through it and see. If it doesn't improve I may send it back to Henry to have them check it.

[200Apples]

Don't own any Henrys, but I'd look for any sharp edges that the bullet nose and/or brass might be getting caught on. Typically, that'd be the chamber portal, and the feed issue depending on the angle of which the cartridge is being presented to the chamber before the bolt pushes forward.

Good luck to you. Hope you get 'er runnin' right.

[nickel plate]

Have you tried to completely cycle a live round or two through it to see if there is any damage to the lead bullet itself? Might help to pinpoint the problem area.

[VonRyan209]

You can email Henry and let them know about your issue. They may just say avoid that brand of ammo if other ammo brands don't don't give you these issues.

Even though it is factory made ammo, it doesn't always mean its 100% safe and reliable. Overall length plays a big role in lever actions. If you have calipers around you can measure the ammo that's giving you issues and see what the length is on average. Max case length is 1.590".

[pennstater]

'209, did you mean 1.590" for OAL? Max case length is 1.290"

MLC

[golfish]

Over All Cartridge Length

[Jimi Jah]

Sounds odd. My Henry 357 shoots anything, including any 38 special and crappy range 357 reloads. I'd call Henry and ask about that.

[VonRyan209]

Originally Posted by pennstater

'209, did you mean 1.590" for OAL? Max case length is 1.290"

MLC

Yes you are right I meant OAL not case length

[Tom-ADC]

I have a 1979 version of a Marlin 1894 in 44mag I can’t recall a problem with it I shot both 44 spl & 44 mag of all types it just works.

[lastinline]

Originally Posted by Tom-ADC

I have a 1979 version of a Marlin 1894 in 44mag I can’t recall a problem with it I shot both 44 spl & 44 mag of all types it just works.

You have a rare bird there.

[FNGGlock]

Henry CS is great. Got it send back and returned in a few weeks over Thanksgiving. They polished the feedramp and replaced the lever. Running really smooth now with JSP and SJHP ammo.

[pennstater]

Good on Henry and good for you. Enjoy that Henry.

MLC