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
45 Colt loads for brass frame Henry rifle
- Thread starter kb1903
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
bigggbbruce
Member
As you say, modern gun. You don't mention a powder so just don't go over max. load data.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
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.
As mentioned it would help to know what powders you have?
The classic Unique load (if you have any) Or HP38
The classic Unique load (if you have any) Or HP38
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.
My Henry's will feed SWC's without issues.
My Uberti Henry, Model 1866, and Model 1873 are over 25 years old, so no worry about a warranty. The Henry and Model 1866 in 44-40, but the 1873 is 45 Colt. The 1873 is the same action as the Henry, except steel frame. I load 255 RNFP, 8 grains Unique and that runs 1127 fps. Problem is you cannot get Unique anymore. I have substituted with 255 RNFP, 6.5 grains Red Dot and it runs 1030 fps. Do not know when I will see these powders if I run out.
My brass frame 44 Henry is a Classic from 2008. Bought it used two years ago. It had the old 1/38 twist barrel and was key-holing 240gr loads. I contacted Henry fully expecting to pay for a repair. They had me ship it back. Returned to me three weeks later with a new 1/20 twist barrel, bolt, and magazine. No charge.
Just an anecdotal story showing how they support their customers. I'd purchased two new Henry's prior to this (44 AW and a 357 X), but they didn't know that. The rifles are strong and the customer support is outstanding.
Just an anecdotal story showing how they support their customers. I'd purchased two new Henry's prior to this (44 AW and a 357 X), but they didn't know that. The rifles are strong and the customer support is outstanding.
Boxlock
Member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2024
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 52
Not sure, but I think the brass is applied over a steel frame but suspect I'm wrong.
Henry Repeating Arms and Uberti Model 1860 Henry is a brass frame rifle. All other Henry Repeating Arms lever guns are steel, some with brass plating.
The 'brass frame' guns are likely a Phosphor Bronze alloy I was told. Some of the many alloys in that group can meet and exceed steel alloy strength.
The look of brass, but superior.
I'm not metal-ologist , but that's what I was told about the stuff from a few people that should know what they were talking about.
The look of brass, but superior.
I'm not metal-ologist , but that's what I was told about the stuff from a few people that should know what they were talking about.
Some 15 years ago, an long-time SASS member Driftwood Johnson had a section of a Uberti Model 1866 frame X Ray Fluorescent Analyzed. He found that the Italian Henrys and 1866 rifles were 56% copper, 44% zinc. No phosphorous or tin detected. Original Henrys and 1866 rifles used "Gunmetal" was a bronze alloy consisting of 80-88% copper, 10-15% tin, and 2-5% zinc. The addition of zinc added strength to the metal which was needed when casting frames. Today, frames are cut from solid blocks, resulting in uniform frame strength with no weak spots that can be left in castings.
Last edited:
If I remember right, that analysis of the Uberti '66 was done of a small piece cut from one of the side plates and not the frame.
Maybe the same alloy?, maybe not.
It would seem that a mfg'r would strive to keep things simple though and use one matrl..
The newer repro rifles built on the old link-pin actions as the Henry, 66 and 73 were and now mfg'd in more powerful calibers (pressure) but still on what appears to be a '[brass' frame,,,I still believe one of the more modern alloys available like a phosphor bronze is used.
There are many high strength bronze alloys available now.
With the lawyers peaking around every corner of the industry looking for a free ride, it wouldn't seem likely that a modern mfg'r would place a firearm on the market with a simple old school bronze or cartridge alloy brass frame and then chamber it for something producing pressures exceding what that metal can handle.
I checked a little further myself just because the subjsect is interesting. The amt of phosphorus in the Phosphor Bronze alloys (of which there are more than a few different ones) seems to be less than 1% of the mix. Usually around .5% or so.
It's certainly not a major component but it seems to make a big difference along with how the material is work hardened and heat treated afterwards.
Interesting stuff.
Maybe the same alloy?, maybe not.
It would seem that a mfg'r would strive to keep things simple though and use one matrl..
The newer repro rifles built on the old link-pin actions as the Henry, 66 and 73 were and now mfg'd in more powerful calibers (pressure) but still on what appears to be a '[brass' frame,,,I still believe one of the more modern alloys available like a phosphor bronze is used.
There are many high strength bronze alloys available now.
With the lawyers peaking around every corner of the industry looking for a free ride, it wouldn't seem likely that a modern mfg'r would place a firearm on the market with a simple old school bronze or cartridge alloy brass frame and then chamber it for something producing pressures exceding what that metal can handle.
I checked a little further myself just because the subjsect is interesting. The amt of phosphorus in the Phosphor Bronze alloys (of which there are more than a few different ones) seems to be less than 1% of the mix. Usually around .5% or so.
It's certainly not a major component but it seems to make a big difference along with how the material is work hardened and heat treated afterwards.
Interesting stuff.
