Henry Rifle Forums

What pressures are these rifles safe to reload to? Trapdoor? Lever Action? Modern Rifles?

They will take any of the factory ammo produced

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Not a very helpful answer. HenryUSA won't say anything about shooting reloads or provide test to failure data on their firearms. I also don't know of any owner who's done that either. Someone might share how far they've pushed it without detectable ill effects. But no one should be claiming exceeding SAAMI specs is actually "safe". There is risk involved.

Czy_Horse wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 05, 2019 7:50 pm

What pressures are these rifles safe to reload to? Trapdoor? Lever Action? Modern Rifles?

You may find this article at Chuck Hawks website helpful.

https://www.chuckhawks.com/45-70Govt.htm

Czy_Horse wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 05, 2019 7:50 pm

What pressures are these rifles safe to reload to? Trapdoor? Lever Action? Modern Rifles?

I'm not aware of any rifle manufacturer offering handload data, mostly they say "stick to factory ammunition". Henry appears to be going with the type of enhanced factory loads "safe in a modern Marlin" as a limit, which is where the "strong" factory loads live. That would make sense, since they're basically the same design. Somewhere out there I read about saami proofing pressures, maybe in comparison to European standards, but darned if I can retrieve it from my cluttered mind at the moment .

Yornoc3 wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 06, 2019 2:35 pm

I'm not aware of any rifle manufacturer offering handload data, mostly they say "stick to factory ammunition". Henry appears to be going with the type of enhanced factory loads "safe in a modern Marlin" as a limit, which is where the "strong" factory loads live. That would make sense, since they're basically the same design. Somewhere out there I read about saami proofing pressures, maybe in comparison to European standards, but darned if I can retrieve it from my cluttered mind at the moment .

I'm reloading my Marlin 1895GBL using Hodgdon data for 'modern lever actions'.
300gn Sierra Bullet, 55gs H4198 powder, Starline brass, CCI primers gives me an average 2154fps, approx. 3000ft lb Muzzle Energy, Hodgdon Data says about 30,000CUP. With a 4 inch target, my MPBR is approx. 146yds.
Which is less chamber pressure than these "strong" factory loads. http://www.garrettcartridges.com/4570.html

I'm going to check it out in the morning.

WOW, big bore change of plans, another LGS is showing a 1/2 doz. new Marlin 444's in stock. I'm going to be there waiting for the door to open tomorrow morning to get my pick of the litter.

Those Garrett loads look to be getting close, at 35,000 CUP, to max for the Marlins, Henry's etc. Interesting to see they do list Henry right there with Marlins. I'd be plenty happy with Czy_Horse's load at 30,000 CUP. Might even be too much of a good thing for me .

.
How did that go?

Czy_Horse wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:56 pm

WOW, big bore change of plans, another LGS is showing a 1/2 doz. new Marlin 444's in stock. I'm going to be there waiting for the door to open tomorrow morning to get my pick of the litter.

Happy owner of a new 444 Marlin

444 Marlin c/w Vortex Diamondback 2-7*35 BDC

Marlin 1894 44Mag/44Spl c/w Vortex Diamondback 2-7*35 Rimfire

Congrats on the 444 that's a great round. Had one at one time let it go like a dummie. Good looking Marlin

Yornoc3 wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 6:34 pm

Those Garrett loads look to be getting close, at 35,000 CUP, to max for the Marlins, Henry's etc. Interesting to see they do list Henry right there with Marlins. I'd be plenty happy with Czy_Horse's load at 30,000 CUP. Might even be too much of a good thing for me .

Actually misquoted the data it's 27,600 CUP.
Here is a scan of the 2018 Hodgdon Annual Data I'm using. Hodgdon's 2017 & 2019 Annuals have same info.
To the left of the red box is data for the same bullet in a "Trap Door"


I had issues with my first Marlin 1895G 45-70, when I got the loads warmed up the 'straight' stock would slide in my hand, jamming the hammer into the crotch of my hand. Traded it for a Marlin 1895GBL 45-70, it's a heavier rifle with a pistol grip butt stock, handles/feels much better with the heavier loads. Plus it holds 2 more rounds.
Marlin 1895GBL 45-70 Gov. c/w Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5*32 BDC


I set up the sights and do all my load development for all my rifles using and old Stanley Workmate(+10lbs) & Lead Sled(+25lbs). It does a nice gentle rock back with the heaviest loads from the 45-70, 300 Win Mag or 12 gauge with 3" slugs. I can shoot all day without developing an evil flinch.

Once scope is set up, then it's pound steel freehand, standing or sitting. I had my 3 AR500 gongs staged out in the field, ATM landlords freaking corn is in the way, only have a 45-50 yds range. .

From the horse's mouth:

"You’d need to confirm with the ammo maker that they are loading to 1895 levels.

If so, it’s a “go.”
"