Henry 45 Colt Deer Hunting

You don't need to jack up the loads for deer or hogs. 8.5 grains should get you around 950 to 975 fps in the Henry that will go through length wise most any deer or hog. That is within normal pressures.
 
What does Henry say about loading over SAAMI spec?
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A quick web search indicated that Henry has stated on many occasions that the Big Boy CAN handle the "RUGER ONLY" loads out there.

But if I owned the rifle, I'd call Henry and hear it from the horses mouth.
 
Old post guys but as a follow up here is what I went with.

Henry Big Boy lever action in 45 Colt
Lee 452 255gr RNFP mold
Unique powder 9gr
Ghost Ring Sight

Took two deer one after the other.
The lever action and ghost ring allowed for fast acquisition and shooting.
Two shots, two deer in the freezer. Both under twenty yards so effect at range is still uncertain and will have to wait for next season.
I recovered one of the bullets. You could see it bulging out the opposite side of the hide.
The bullet mushroomed exceptionally well and seemed to dump all its energy into the deer. Double lung. Went 60 yrds and dropped.
The other one went clean through so no telling but the deer dropped on the spot. Also a double lung but a smaller deer than the first.

Thanks for all the help gents!:)
 
dahermit said:
Two points here. If you are not an experienced bullet caster, why are you giving casting advice? Also, it is not 20% Zinc that the friend is likely using. It is more likely (up to) 2% Tin...a big difference in the result.
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Keep zinc out of lead alloys....it contaminates the mix and ruins a pot of metal. The bullets cast from zinc contaminated lead never fill out properly and have wrinkles.

An excellent hunting bullet alloy is Clip on Wheel Weights and scrap lead 50-50 to enhance the castability 1% tin can be added but may not be needed.
I've cast a lot of bullets without adding tin .

Congratulations on the two deer....you can't argue with success !
Gary
 
Just my $.02

I shot a deer this season with an old Ruger SA in 45 Colt. First hunt with this revolver. Load was a 250gr RNFP cast at .454" (this 1973 vintage SA has oversize cylinder openings) on top of 16.5gr of 2400. Don't have a chronograph, but it should be near 1000 fps out the 7.5". Very accurate from the bench so once in the field its up to me to perform. He didn't go more than 50 yards. Quick clean kill.
Should make a nice rifle load as well. My next "toy" will be a lever in 45 Colt.
As always reduce any load by 10% and start there.
Good luck.
E.
 
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