.44-40 vs. .45 Colt

[SlimGeezer]

I sure do like the New Original Henry Rifle. It's just a matter of choosing .44-40 or .45 Colt. I know that neither is the actual original cartridge, but the .44-40 would be closer. Which one is more accurate?

[RanchRoper]

I've never shot the 44-40, but my 45 Colt sure packs a whollup.

[CT_Shooter]

I sure do like the New Original Henry Rifle. It's just a matter of choosing .44-40 or .45 Colt. I know that neither is the actual original cartridge, but the .44-40 would be closer. Which one is more accurate?

Welcome to the forum from CT.

I'm sure someone will offer an opinion (lots of variables to consider) about which of these cartridges may be more accurate than the other. Whichever way you go, you're going to love that rifle.

[North Country Gal]

I think you'd be hard pressed to prove an accuracy advantage of one over the other. Lots of other reasons to to make a choice, but can't see accuracy as being a big deal. For instance, both cartridges benefit, greatly, from reloading. Neither is cheap to shoot, otherwise. In our area, though, much easier to find factory 45 Colt ammo, either standard 45 Colt or Cowboy loads. Can even find the Ruger only or bear loads at times. Very rare to find any 44-40 in our area and when you do, it's almost always the Cowboy loads. My vote is the 45 Colt for its versatility.

[JEBar]

My vote is the 45 Colt for its versatility.

in our area 44-40 ammo is pretty scarce, even Cabela's only list factory load .... that being HSM's Cowboy Action ....

[mlrifleNY]

I just spent the last few days looking at just that. The only advantage I could find for the 44/40 was if you were going to shoot black powder. It seals the chamber better they say. I just today bought a new Henry 1860 in 45. I don't reload and I can find the ammo for it. I won't see the rifle until later next week but boy am I stocked for it. I have wanted a Henry for many many years and finally I can afford it.

Jim

[Yornoc3]

Congratulations on "pulling the trigger", so to speak. You'll be happy with it, I'm sure.

[BigAl52]

I have owned both and really like the 44-40. I shot black in mine I had it in a Marlin and sold it quite a few years ago. I now have a 45 Colt Henry Carbine. I like it as well. As far as which one is more accurate that would be a toss up as I was able to get both calibers to shoot well. I reloaded for both. As others have mentioned the 45 colt ammo if you don't reload will be easier and more reasonable to come by. One thing that isn't mentioned if you do reload there are no carbide dies for the 44-40 because it has a slight bottle neck. I am one who likes to eliminate that lubing the case step if I can with a carbide sizing die. Just more info for thought. Al

[RanchRoper]

Enjoy your new 1860! Who says time travel is not possible? You will love it.

[JEBar]

I just today bought a new Henry 1860 in 45. I won't see the rifle until later next week but boy am I stocked for it. I have wanted a Henry for many many years and finally I can afford it.

Jim

from one Jim to another, congrats on your new 45, you have every right to be excited .... I have no doubt it will serve you well and am looking forward to your range and use reports .... please take a look at our How Many ? thread (at this link http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 590#p51590 ) and add your Henry to our community total .... after doing so, take a look at When will we hit 500? thread (at this link http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 703#p51703 ) where you can enter our latest contest