Henry 44 mag accuracy

[Sgt H]

First post on this forum and I do not presently own an Henry. I am considering the purchase of a Henry BB in 44mag, the case hardened octagon barrel version. Primary use will be Cowboy lever action silhouette (rifle caliber) where I am presently using a Browning 1886 rifle in 45-70. As I have gotten up in years with worsening arthritis the 10# 1886 is getting a bit much to hold up off hand for a 40 shot match. I know the most popular round is the 30-30 but a 250 grain 44 started at 1100fps has about the same momentum as the 170 grain 30-30 at the ram line. Not to mention the 44 loaded to this level has very low muzzle blast and recoil is less than half the 30-30 in equal weight rifles and much cheaper to load. I have searched for reports/post on the accuracy of the Henry's and they seem to be all over the place. Some reporting sub 2moa at 100 and others 5-7 inches at only 50 yards. I use a Marlin 1894 in 357 for the pistol caliber match and it does 2-2.5" at 100 with cast bullets which is adequate accuracy for this game. Thought I would ask on the Henry forum what owners experience is with the 44 mag Henrys.

[Mags]

First post on this forum and I do not presently own an Henry. I am considering the purchase of a Henry BB in 44mag, the case hardened octagon barrel version. Primary use will be Cowboy lever action silhouette (rifle caliber) where I am presently using a Browning 1886 rifle in 45-70. As I have gotten up in years with worsening arthritis the 10# 1886 is getting a bit much to hold up off hand for a 40 shot match. I know the most popular round is the 30-30 but a 250 grain 44 started at 1100fps has about the same momentum as the 170 grain 30-30 at the ram line. Not to mention the 44 loaded to this level has very low muzzle blast and recoil is less than half the 30-30 in equal weight rifles and much cheaper to load. I have searched for reports/post on the accuracy of the Henry's and they seem to be all over the place. Some reporting sub 2moa at 100 and others 5-7 inches at only 50 yards. I use a Marlin 1894 in 357 for the pistol caliber match and it does 2-2.5" at 100 with cast bullets which is adequate accuracy for this game. Thought I would ask on the Henry forum what owners experience is with the 44 mag Henrys.

Welcome to the forum!
I have the 45 colt CCH octagon version of the BB. My shooting has been consistently under 5" from 75yds. Weight-wise it's same as the 44mag CCH octagon, a little over 1.5lbs lighter than a full length Browning 1886 45-70. But only slightly lighter than the carbine version of the 1886. In posts I've read, Henry occasionally produces a bad bore barrel - maybe part of the stories you see about accuracy.

[parson48]

The one (actually 2 counting replacement) that I had was in the 5"-7" at 50 yards category with an occasional 3" group. It was sent back twice. First time barrel was replaced; no better. Second time rifle was replaced, same story, no accuracy. Others have had much better success, but that was my experience with the .44 mad big boy.

[Hatchdog]

No 44 mag on hand but here are the results of my 41 mag and 357 mag Henry’s at 50 yards. Do note these groups were shot from a rest with a 7x scope. Both Henrys are the round barrel versions, 16” on the 41 and 20” on the 357.

IMG_2460.jpeg

IMG_1377.jpeg

[220]

Mine seems to be a little fussy on what it shoots and what it doesnt, brass with octagon barrel.
This was the original testing with a couple of different cast, 210gr Lee and 310gr Lee. The 210gr I was after a plinking load so only tested at 25y the 310gr were at 50y. I wouldnt say it was outstanding but found loads with both that are a least usable for the intended purpose and subsequent testing has both shooting under 4" at 100y.


I started my kids shooting rifle lever action silhouette with a 30/30 using 125gr loads at only around 2200fps on chickens pigs and turkeys. Recoil is like a 357 and no trouble knocking down targets. On rams using 150gr full power loads, so only 10 shots a match which they found fine.

[BigAl52]

Have you considered a 38-55. I use to shoot levergun silly wet with one and that caliber did a fine job.

[The Wiz]

Welcome to the forum. As you can tell there is a lot of knowledge here.

[Sgt H]

Thanks for the replies. The results posted by 220 look encouraging for the subsonic loads. Were those shot with a scope or irons? The groups posted by Hatchdog are impressive. Was looking at the case hardened octagon for the bit of extra weight out front for off hand. My Marlin 1894 357 was too light and I solved that. The front 2/3rd's of the mag tube contains a brass tube filled with lead, shortened mag spring and only holds 3 rounds now. May have to consider one of the new Ruger made Marlins in 44, they seem very consistent on accuracy based on reports I have read. They are a bit light also but I could give it the same treatment as the 357. Thought about the 38-55 but don't want to add another caliber to cast and load for. Have multiple rifles in 45-70 already and the 1886 shoots 2moa sometimes a little better. At the Quigley a couple years ago I was holding a 2 moa group on the 600 yard target with a 10-15mph wind which always seems to blow on the MT plains.

[220]

I do all my testing scoped off a bench, I am after all testing the loads not the shooter so try to eliminate as many of the variables as I can.
What load are you running in your 45/70? I have used the 340gr Lee at around 1300fps with good results, it will shoot around 2moa and very mild for a 45/70 load. I loaded a batch for another shooter to use because he was finding the recoil of 45/70 punishing over a full match. Even without testing them in his rifle he shot his best ever score first time out and said it was the first time shooting the 45/70 he finished a match and was keen to shoot another straight away.

[Vaquero]

I have a older 44 BBB, it's from '07. Long before the loading gate was added, and before the receivers were drilled & tapped.
I pretty much only shoot mine at 50-60 yds. as I can't see bullseyes at 100 very well without a scope.
Eight to ten inch gongs I'm good with. I also mainly shoot cast from 250-325+ and can manage some reasonable groups when I try.

RP