45 Colt loads for brass frame Henry rifle

[kb1903]

I currently load 45 Colt for my 1873 Miroku Winchester. I have recently purchased a brass frame Henry which should be able to handle heavier loads. I am thinking of using it for deer in Penn's woods. Bullets are currently 255 grain hard cast Keith type. I would like guidance for Henry safe loading data. Thanks, Ken

 

[bigggbbruce]

As you say, modern gun. You don't mention a powder so just don't go over max. load data.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Technically, Henry doesn't allow hand loads in their guns, it voids the warranty. Realistically though, you can safely load them to 1400 fps at least. That's been my limit so far on my handloads for it and it performs without a hitch. I tried a batch, but since I load also for three .45 Colt revolvers, I just load the same rounds for them all and let the barrel length give me a bit more velocity in the Henry. I shoot a 4" M25-5, a 5-1/2" Uberti 1873 Colt and a 7-1/2" Uberti 1875 Remington plus the 20" Henry Big Boy with the brass receiver. I get around 850 fps in the S&W, and it ramps up to about 1250 in the Henry, using Accurate #5. I used Accurate #9 for the hotter loads and went by the Thompson / Ruger data in the Hornady manual, and chronographing the loads. It's funny, but the Hornady data for .45 Colt rifle loads is milder than the Thompson / Ruger handgun loads. I use a 250 grain RNFP plated bullet in all my loads.

 

[Rule3]

As mentioned it would help to know what powders you have?
The classic Unique load (if you have any) Or HP38

 

[71vette]

No 45 Colt Henry here, but I do have two 44's and a 357. With the 44's I've pushed 240's to 1300 and 300's to 1250fps. These are low end 44 Magnum loads. I know I can go much higher. I'd expect your 45 Colt to handle 255's at 1300fps easy. Just keep your COAL to 1.61" or less for reliable feeding.

My Henry's will feed SWC's without issues.