Henry Rifle Forums

Went to the range today with some of my latest 45 Colt loads. My goal was a good group size between my Marlin 1894 Cowboy and the Ruger New Model Blackhawk. Well I hit that goal nicely with the middle of my three loads. I started with 7.0 gr of Universal behind a Missouri 250 gr. RNFP coated bullet. Then moved up to 7.2 gr. and finally 7.4 gr.

The 7.2 gr load proved to be the sweet spot for the rifle and pistol. Great groups at 25 yds with the pistol and even better groups from the Marlin at 50 yds. Looks like I found a new keeper load for this combination rifle and pistol. Also, recoil with the Ruger was very manageable. It was about the same as shooting a 1911 with hardball ammo.

I had a few extra rounds of each load so I decided to chrono the 7.2 gr. load. Out of the Marlin this loads averaged just about 980 fps. In the Ruger it was running right at 775 fps. With a 4 5/8" barrel, the Blackhawk, produces a lot less velocity.

Great day at the range. The sun came out and it warmed up to about 54F before I left.

Next trip with these two firearms I will drag out the steel and bang away. Of course I have to make up a couple hundred of the 7.2 gr. Universal loads before I go.

Heck yeah, glad you found a good load, and sounds like ya enjoyed yourself.
Them ole 45's is fun, I'm up to 4 of them now.
Like to find a used original, Henry or Uberti, want a 24" barreled one now.

RP

I know alot of guys like that caliber but its never done much for me.

Another lost post! I'll try this again. That 7.2gr Universal/250gr rnfp load has become one of my favorites; whether in Henry or my 1873 Italian jobs.
It's as good as my 8.0gr Unique load, maybe a little less oomph, but, darn good load. And accurate. Glad you had fun.

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:46 pm

Heck yeah, glad you found a good load, and sounds like ya enjoyed yourself.
Them ole 45's is fun, I'm up to 4 of them now.
Like to find a used original, Henry or Uberti, want a 24" barreled one now.

RP

Like this one??

Sounds like a good load Headhog and maybe similar to a 7.3 load of Unique judging from your speeds. I might try some Universal if it ever shows up at my LGS.
I found a good load for the revolvers with 6.0 of Red Dot but it didn't group as well in the rifle. Use Unique for those.

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:46 pm

Heck yeah, glad you found a good load, and sounds like ya enjoyed yourself.
Them ole 45's is fun, I'm up to 4 of them now.
Like to find a used original, Henry or Uberti, want a 24" barreled one now.

RP

It's a classic and you can't have too many.

Paul

forty, does that one have the 24" tube?

RP

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:59 pm

I know alot of guys like that caliber but its never done much for me.

Al I've had 2 Rugers for a number of years, picked up the Marlin Cowboy about 3years ago, then the Rossi back in the Fall. It's right in there with the 357.
The 44's have become retired almost.
Probably haven't put 50 rds. through the Henry since gettin in back, and I don't remember the last time I shot either revolver.
The 45's.


RP

Ya I know Randy its just personal preference. Like me I like the 41 always have and always will. Thinning the herd big time now. I will be taking more guns for sale when I get home and then selling off the brass and bullets. I no longer own any 45-70's. Just gonna shoot my 38-55's. Those big shoulder pounders are for tougher men than me like the Grunt.