Henry 'Steel' Big Boy 45 Colt: Feedback Request

[Sarge]

Hi folks,

I'm requesting feedback specifically on the Henry Big Boy 45 Colt 'steel' lever action, though comments on the brass-alloy frame guns are welcome too. I'd very much appreciate the input of actual owners/users of these rifles or information attributable to reliable sources.

What I'm not looking for here is alternatives to the Big Boy. I've been down that road with Brazilian 92's. No more, thank you. 20” Marlin lever actions in this caliber are good, but like Winchester Trappers, are all “Rare, discontinued and unfired!!” and priced over what I'll pay for one.

My inquiry relates to-

1. The max OAL of 45 Colt factory or reloaded ammunition which will reliably feed through these rifles, and
2. Any successful modifications to the stop surface of the carrier which facilitates OAL's suitable to 300-325 grain reloads.
3. And generally, what loads you are using and the chronograph/accuracy results you're getting.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Sarge]

Just for anyone reading this... I hunted the internet and found a couple of posts from people who are using the Lee C452-300-RF in 45 Colt Henrys with perfect function, so long as they crimp it in the top groove. While I use lots of the Lee 452-255-RF, I haven't used their 300 grain GC bullet. I did see where one reloader was using 22.0 grains of WW 296 with the 300RF, crimped in the top groove. I haven't dug through my loading manuals yet to confirm the load, but I'm sure it would leave a mark on anything it hit.