Henry Big Boy Steel side gate 357

[Jimi Jah]

I'm picking one up Wednesday from Martin Retting in Culver City. I finally found one semi-local (they had 3) and got to pick out the best one.

What's good target ammo for this rifle? Don't need self defense handgun ammo, just something not hollow point that might be accurate to 200 yards.

The steel Big Boy is much lighter weight and seems better balanced without the front heavy octagon barrel. I paid $30 over retail but feel it was worth it to avoid shipping charges plus I got to pick out the best one. They have two left.

[Garbcollector]

I already have a tube fed case harden Henry a side gate model is next on my list

[lastinline]

Is that the place where the legendary “Pony Tail” was? I haven’t heard much about him lately.

[golfish]

PennStater has the brass Receiver model. I know we were both using 158 coated RNFP from Missouri bullets but I think he's using 180 RNFP now. We both like the heavier bullet.

https://missouribullet.com/details.p...y=10&keywords=

[Imageview]

If I'm just target shooting I tend to reload 38s, since a pound of powder lasts forever. If you don't reload, choices will be limited to whatever you can find (357 still seems scarce to me) but I would consider something like blazer 125 gr fmjs. Lighter bullets should generally shoot a little flatter, and 200 yards isn't crazy far but 357 does have some drop at that range.

[FNGGlock]

Congrats!!
I recently got a Model X and they are a lot of fun. Only took it out to 100yds and even the X sights are a bit rough for that distance. Put on a red dot which helped.

My experience with the 357 carbine is that my heavy load 180gr Buffalo bore has been the most consistent and accurate @ 100yds. I have used Norma, Remington and Aguila 357 - 158gr as well. The Remington was second best. Have not tried lighter bullets in 357.

I zero at 25 and still see some drop at 100, expect to see it drop like a rock at 200. See the drop Lucky Gunner got as well.

I would not expect 38 to do well at 100yds and beyond. Will likely drop way too much and also expect wind to push the slow bullet around.

Hot 125gr may be the ticket, but getting any 357 is hard these days. I’m still resisting the reload bandwagon, but this may be the cartridge to consider. Though I’m OK with the performance out to 100yds.

[plumbum]

From my experience, the 158's reach out better to 200 yards in .357, i also shot a lot of the Remington 125 +p specials at 100+ yards, but the .38's really dropped off by 200. They weren't cheap, but the 180 Federal loads were consistent from a 16" barrel.

[Kerplow]

Nice. I recently ordered a 45-70 side gate CCH from gunbroker.

I was just checking out that gun shop, too bad it’s in Culver City. I live way closer than you and I hate driving to west LA.

[smittty]

Originally Posted by Jimi Jah

I'm picking one up Wednesday from Martin Retting in Culver City. I finally found one semi-local (they had 3) and got to pick out the best one.

What's good target ammo for this rifle? Don't need self defense handgun ammo, just something not hollow point that might be accurate to 200 yards.

The steel Big Boy is much lighter weight and seems better balanced without the front heavy octagon barrel. I paid $30 over retail but feel it was worth it to avoid shipping charges plus I got to pick out the best one. They have two left.

Any 158 gr semi wad cutter you can get your hands in.

Even if you don’t reload save your brass, because eventually you will end up reloading!

[tigerpan]

That’s great deal, it’s much better than 2k Marlin

[Jimi Jah]

Originally Posted by Kerplow

Nice. I recently ordered a 45-70 side gate CCH from gunbroker.

I was just checking out that gun shop, too bad it’s in Culver City. I live way closer than you and I hate driving to west LA.

I only went there because I could pick the best of 3 rifles. I tend to like pretty walnut stocks. I got a beauty. I knew I was in enemy territory when I saw the rows of homeless tents off the 405. It's like visiting a poor third world country. Retting has a decent supply of Henry's in stock, unlike around here where they won't even order one for you.

I would have paid more on Gunbroker as there are CC fees and shipping costs on top of FFL fees. I've been looking for that rifle for months, I pick it up tomorrow.

[Rizzo]

Originally Posted by Jimi Jah

I'm picking one up Wednesday from Martin Retting in Culver City. I finally found one semi-local (they had 3) and got to pick out the best one.

What's good target ammo for this rifle? Don't need self defense handgun ammo, just something not hollow point that might be accurate to 200 yards.

The steel Big Boy is much lighter weight and seems better balanced without the front heavy octagon barrel. I paid $30 over retail but feel it was worth it to avoid shipping charges plus I got to pick out the best one. They have two left.

I have a 357 Big Boy Steel (no side gate) and found the Fed. American Eagle 158 gr. JSP to be the most accurate at 100 yards.
I have not shot at 200 yards.

[pennstater]

Originally Posted by golfish

PennStater has the brass Receiver model. I know we were both using 158 coated RNFP from Missouri bullets but I think he's using 180 RNFP now. We both like the heavier bullet.

https://missouribullet.com/details.p...y=10&keywords=

Yep! Some 2400 and those Missouri coated 180 rnfp and away we go. Accurate as heck and they hit HARD!
Also found another 158 load: said cast coated and 6.0gr[6.0gr] of Universal is outstandingly accurate in my Henry. Can't wait for the deserts to cool. I need to empty more brass.

MLC

[200Apples]

Hey jj, if your round trip to Retting n back is going to include a lunch stop before you depart on your return, there are at least four places close to the shop worth eating at.

1. Johnny's Pastrami
2. Tito's Tacos
3. Metro Cafe - a really great Serbian guy owns this place. Been going there for over 10 years and/but haven't been there lately because of the distance from our new digs.
4. A nice, clean, newer hole-in-the-wall for Greek/Mediterranean food.

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by pennstater

Can't wait for the deserts to cool. I need to empty more brass.

MLC

You said it! Tom.

Can't wait.

[BB1776]

I only have a year and change of experience with a .357 lever gun but it’s my favorite gun to shoot. I have 158grn .38 flat nose Magtechs completely dialed in at 100 yards or less. The .357 Buffalo Bore I have shot (125grn lead free, 140 grn lead free) shoots way, way flatter than anything else I have tried.

But you gotta take what you can get these days. Buy a whole bunch of whatever you can find (preferably of the same thing) then save yer brass!

[Jimi Jah]

I got some Winchester 38 special 130 grain. Then I get home, read the manual and it says any 38 special under 158 grain may not feed well. Wish I read that.

Anyway, off to Iron Sites range today to run it. I hope they have some 357 reloads to shoot. Finding 158 grain is a project all it's own. I'd trade for some 9mm, 223, 5.56, 7.62x39, .22lr, got plenty of that here.

[FNGGlock]

Yep, finding 357/38 has been tough. Can get some online, but it is pricey.

[pennstater]

Originally Posted by Rizzo

I have a 357 Big Boy Steel (no side gate) and found the Fed. American Eagle 158 gr. JSP to be the most accurate at 100 yards.
I have not shot at 200 yards.

I had forgot about those Fed. American Eagle 158gr JSP. They are very accurate out of my Henry BB brass. Thanks Rizzo, I had totally forgot those and still have eight boxes of 'em! Yea!!

MLC

[golfish]

Originally Posted by FNGGlock

Yep, finding 357/38 has been tough. Can get some online, but it is pricey.

What? I've got a few thousand out in the shop

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by golfish

What? I've got a few thousand out in the shop

Oh, here! Let me help you shoot it. :laughing:


Tom and I will have you covered in .45 Colt, though I know you're building some of that too.

[Jimi Jah]

The Henry ran perfectly at the 25 yard indoor range. I got some of their 357 158 grain reloads. It's pretty much dialed in from the factory with the 357's, at least as good as my old eyes can see.

Those 130 grain 38 specials shot high, maybe because it's lighter? Those also fed flawlessly, their rounder tip seemed to feed pretty good.

Out to source more 357 ammo, they make you shoot all the range ammo you buy.

[golfish]

Originally Posted by Jimi Jah

The Henry ran perfectly at the 25 yard indoor range. I got some of their 357 158 grain reloads. It's pretty much dialed in from the factory with the 357's, at least as good as my old eyes can see.

Those 130 grain 38 specials shot high, maybe because it's lighter? Those also fed flawlessly, their rounder tip seemed to feed pretty good.

Out to source more 357 ammo, they make you shoot all the range ammo you buy.

Come on now....you know you have to post some pictures

I'll keep my eyes open for some. I've got maybe a couple hundred. 357/38 factory ammo, your more then welcome to it if your ever up this way.

[smittty]

Originally Posted by BB1776

I only have a year and change of experience with a .357 lever gun but it’s my favorite gun to shoot. I have 158grn .38 flat nose Magtechs completely dialed in at 100 yards or less. The .357 Buffalo Bore I have shot (125grn lead free, 140 grn lead free) shoots way, way flatter than anything else I have tried.

But you gotta take what you can get these days. Buy a whole bunch of whatever you can find (preferably of the same thing) then save yer brass!

In my rifles 158 gr prints 3” higher than the 140 gr lead free stuff.

And the 140 gr lead free works just fine on deer.

[pennstater]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

Oh, here! Let me help you shoot it. :laughing:


Tom and I will have you covered in .45 Colt, though I know you're building some of that too.

Roger that Chris! I've got loads of .45 Colt loaded up. Not to mention .357.
Wiping down the Henry's and revolvers today.

MLC