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Henry Big Boy Steel Range Report

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  • garryj

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    This is a range report on my Henry Big Boy Steel in .357 Magnum. I just installed a Skinner Big Boy “Express” rear sight (pictures added) because I cannot stand buckhorne sights. I was only working with handloads to find out what it likes. So far, the most accurate short range (25yds) is a 158gr lead round nose flat point (Oregon Trail Laser Cast) under 4.2 gr of American Select powder. I got two 3” or less 10-shot groups at 25yds with this load. The most accurate long range (100yds) is a 158 gr FMJ (Armscor) under 6.0gr of W231 powder. With this load, I was consistently hitting an 8” steel plate at 100yds until all of the paint came off of it and I could no longer see it (~30 rounds). I had some loads with H110, but this rifle does not like them. I may have to try less H110 to see if that works, but only time will tell.

    This rifle is just what I was looking for—a .357 rifle to compliment my Dan Wesson .357 revolver. It will perform at 100 yards which is something I couldn’t get my .45 Colt Henry to do (which is why I traded it for the .357 Henry).

    All said and done, I love this rifle!

    Garry
     

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    garryj

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    No leading, mainly because the lead bullets I use are hard cast. Also, I'm not pushing them very hard.

    This is the 20" barrel, not the carbine. So far, I've only been able to get 158gr bullets. As soon as I can get them, I'm going to try some 125gr and 180gr bullets and 2400 powder. I may do a follow-up report when I do.

    Garry
     

    joraca

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    Out of my contender, the bulk 125 gr Remington jacketed soft point (with Bullseye) and the bulk 180 gr Remington jacketed hollow point (with Accurate #9) shoot well.
     

    dvr6

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    I have the same rifle and it is definitely one of my favorites. 20" barrel.

    I can shoot it fine with the buckhorn sights so will probably stick with them for awhile. I've read good things about the Skinner peep sights though so may give them a try in the future. Haven't shot it much past 25 yards yet. With the buckhorn sights I am able to get my home cast 125 grain bullets sized at .358 to group less than 1" at 25 yards. These are 38 special loads for plinking, 750fps from my blackhawk and 1180fps from the Henry. I will be casting some 160 grain swc in 357 mag next to try out. No leading as I powder coat all of my cast bullets.

    It is a fine rifle and 100% made in the USA.
     

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