Loading for Henry .45 Colt

[at_liberty]

Do you have Lymans #49? If so turn to page 439 look at the 240 gr data.

That gets close, doesn't it? I had checked before and didn't find anything at 1500 fps.

Let's review the OP, to which I expressed a concern about following load data with credentials:

Just picked up a new Henry .45 colt and loaded xtreme's 255 with 23.5 gr of H110 velocity was 1541-1580 fps. Recoil was moderate. Does anyone have other data a little less mild? Using 2400 or maybe Unique etc? or a plinking round they'd recommend?

He wants to go even higher (a little less mild).

[MongooseV8]

Ok we are getting really close I think. So looking at the Ruger/Encore PISTOL data, the OP is under the minimum load listed in my manuals. He can go up quite a bit. His velocity gain over the books comes from the load data is using a 6-10" barrel depending on what manual you are looking at. He is shooting a 20" barrel, and every gun/barrel is different. He is well within safe load numbers.

My issue in the start of the thread was the bullet selection. Cast lead, or plated soft lead bullets dont hold up very well to either velocity or pressure. Some guys run them hard and dont have any leading issues, but many of us do. I have shot jacketed bullets out of my junk much faster than 1500fps, still under the listed max.

But the OP was looking for a lighter load, I just brought up the plated bullet velocity as a side note.

[MongooseV8]

He wants to go even higher (a little less mild).

Actually he was looking for something lower. He wanted a light shooting plinking load, such as found in the Colt SA data. Even a max Colt SA load is very light and fun in a rifle, I have shot literal thousands of them.

[VooDooV]

Just throwing this out there though irrelevant for use in the Henry.
Sierra 3rd ed rifle
Shows 45colt 240gr jhc 22.3gr H110 at 1500fps
Book also reads tested with Win 94AE 16"
Good for Blackhawk and Contender, Not for Colt revolvers and replicas

[at_liberty]

Actually he was looking for something lower. He wanted a light shooting plinking load, such as found in the Colt SA data. Even a max Colt SA load is very light and fun in a rifle, I have shot literal thousands of them.

"Less mild" is the same as "more hot". He did ask for a plinking round at the same time as wanted something "less mild", so we should be forgiven for interpreting that differently than he seemed to imply in an ambiguous context.

[MongooseV8]

Did you read my other post? Or did you just stop by to nit pick another topic?

[at_liberty]

Did you read my other post? Or did you just stop by to nit pick another topic?

I read it and am again puzzled by your implying that the OP's 23.5 gr H110 is any MIN load, when Speer shows a load as high as 23.5 only for the 300 gr UCSP. Hornady again shows nothing for a charge as high as 23.5 gr H110. I found no reference to H110 in Lyman's.

Notice I am now focusing on the powder charge rather than the velocity, accepting your point that velocities in heavy loads must be projected from hand gun data. I also accept Jagerdogs guidance that the Speer and Hornady 45 Colt rifle section is for COWBOY in the 255 +- gr bullet.

Maybe you should cite Title, edition, chapter, and page number for your citing of these loads as existing in "manuals".

[MongooseV8]

Ok, my Lee, Hornady, Lyman, and Nosler books are all current editions. In the handgun load section there are 2 separate sections for 45 Colt in all 4 books. The first section is for Colt SA loads. The very next section is what we refer to as Ruger Loads meant for redhawks blackhawks encores contenders ect. I dont have the page numbers handy atm. Hodgdon online data is the same.

Past the Ruger loads there are even stronger extreme loads that can be found in articles and online testing, but these are not what we are discussing here.

[at_liberty]

I revisited Hodgdon online and did finally find where there is a separate section for Ruger, T/C Contender, Freedom Arms... and sure enough, 23.5 gr is shown as a starting load with H110 and a 260 gr NOS PART. There is a separate "cartridge" selection for that level of 45 Colt. That doesn't include modern Henry rifles, so it comes down to how Henry is quoted re the 45 Big Boy's capabilities.

[MongooseV8]

Woooohooooo!

Now that we are on the same page we can discuss actions. The sand cast alloy receivers on the Henrys are not what I consider strong. The strongest lever actions are the falling block 1892 design. They can handle just any load. The Marlin 1894 is the minimum strength I would shoot Ruger level loads through. Then you have your Ruger revolvers and the single shot Encores.

[Na-vah-duh]

I revisited Hodgdon online and did finally find where there is a separate section for Ruger, T/C Contender, Freedom Arms... and sure enough, 23.5 gr is shown as a starting load with H110 and a 260 gr NOS PART. There is a separate "cartridge" selection for that level of 45 Colt. That doesn't include modern Henry rifles, so it comes down to how Henry is quoted re the 45 Big Boy's capabilities.

My original intent of this post was to find some data in the "middle ground". There is plenty of data on cowboy loads (Too soft) and then on the opposite extreme end of ruger / contender loads. (Too hot)

by "A little less mild" I was looking for data less powerful than the 23.5gr of H110 which was the minimum starting load which I tried.

[JagerDog]

My original intent of this post was to find some data in the "middle ground". There is plenty of data on cowboy loads (Too soft) and then on the opposite extreme end of ruger / contender loads. (Too hot)

by "A little less mild" I was looking for data less powerful than the 23.5gr of H110 which was the minimum starting load which I tried.

Less mild = more hot. It was apparent it was a mis-speak.

In std pressure i like my 12.6 blue dot behind a 255 lead RNFP. I'm getting right at 1200 fps with that in a 16" Marlin. A bit less in the Circuit Judge.

H110 typically isn't recommended for reduced loadings. It needs pressure to burn right and if it doesn't burn right it can produce squibs and stick bullets. Many have been succesful reducing a bit, but be aware of this shortcoming.

If you have access to a chrono, you can pick a velocity to shoot for using various "+P" loadings as a reference.

Might take a look here:

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/?Caliber=45+Colt++P&Weight=All&type=Handgun

Caveat being some have no reference support, so use your head.

IME add about 200 fps for fast'ish powders and about 400 fps for slower powders in the lever rifle vs. revolver.

[JagerDog]

Woooohooooo!

Now that we are on the same page we can discuss actions. The sand cast alloy receivers on the Henrys are not what I consider strong. The strongest lever actions are the falling block 1892 design. They can handle just any load. The Marlin 1894 is the minimum strength I would shoot Ruger level loads through. Then you have your Ruger revolvers and the single shot Encores.

Henry reports their Big Boy is capable of these loads. In general if the same gun with similar metalurgy is available in 44 Mag, (considerably more than 30 kpsi), I wouldn't be concerned with 30 kpsi loadings. Buffalo Bore's website includes several. They don't list the Henry for whatever reason. The Puma is mfg'd in 454 casull (way beyone 30kpsi), so I sure wouldn't have issue with "+P" Colts. Despite the skeptics, significant testing hasn't resulted in excessive wear considering.

I think the most beat up gun I've seen was a Smith 29 with a steady diet of 44 magnums. Different animal for sure, but a mental data point nonetheless.

[VooDooV]

Speer #10 45LC 8gr unique behind a 260gr JHP, should be fine for 255gr
I use 11gr unique behind a 185gr HP for 45LC plinking
Also 8gr unique behind 180gr for my Win 1873 44-40,
Your Henry should be able to handle those.

The only listings I have for 2400 are for Blackhawk and contender, Also denotes magnum primers.

[MongooseV8]

Henry reports their Big Boy is capable of these loads. In general if the same gun with similar metalurgy is available in 44 Mag, (considerably more than 30 kpsi), I wouldn't be concerned with 30 kpsi loadings. Buffalo Bore's website includes several. They don't list the Henry for whatever reason. The Puma is mfg'd in 454 casull (way beyone 30kpsi), so I sure wouldn't have issue with "+P" Colts. Despite the skeptics, significant testing hasn't resulted in excessive wear considering.

I think the most beat up gun I've seen was a Smith 29 with a steady diet of 44 magnums. Different animal for sure, but a mental data point nonetheless.

Yeah I know Henry says its ok. But looking inside a Henry receiver and shooting Ruger loads make me nervous. My ugly mug is ugly enough as it is lol. Not saying anyone should do the same, just not for me.