Henry New Original 44-40 vs 45LC

[Deacon]

I am looking at purchasing a Henry New Original and am not sure which caliber to choose. I was leaning toward the 45LC for no particular reason but now I am divided. My research on line says it is really a “Ford vs Chevy” type question. I will use the gun for range shooting and basically for one of my 3 grandsons. I have a Henry Frontier 22LR and a Henry BB 44 magnum and I want a third so they each get one. My two granddaughters will each get a Glock pistol. Any help on the caliber, I want the ammo to be readily available and I don’t reload.

[RanchRoper]

Can't speak for the USA but easier to find 45 Colt in Canada than 44-40. Mine is a Uberti in 45LC. Nice rounds to shoot, recoil manageable even for kids. I shoot either 250gr lead or 200gr lead. And who doesn't like great big cowboy bullets?

Whatever you choose, enjoy! Shooting an 1860 Henry is a trip back in time, you'll love it.

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[BigAl52]

First question I would ask is do you reload and if you do are any of the children interested in reloading. 45 Colt ammo over the counter will be much easier to buy. I like 44-40 and have own both calibers. I still have the 45 Colt but I sold the 44-40 sometime back. I wish I would have kept it now.

[JEBar]

I want the ammo to be readily available and I don’t reload.

agree with RanchRoper ====> you can still find 44-40 ammo .... when you do, it will be more expensive than 45LC .... abour $10 a box higher at Cabela's

[Mistered]

I have no 'dog in this fight' but .44-40 is a round that is bordering on the necessity of reloading.

.45 Colt I see plentiful with the other typical revolver calibers but not .44-40. My LGS may have it but it is probably in the 'less plentiful' ammo section and it's a large store.

[RanchRoper]

The Cabelas here carried 2 boxes of 44-40 but lots of 45 Colt. And the 44-40 was more expensive.

[MarkB]

Dang, Deacon. I didn't know Kentucky had mountains like that. The .45 Colt is more available here in Delaware.

[Frontiersman]

If you handload, it doesn't matter. .44-40 is closer to the original cartridge. .44-40 was designed to be a rifle cartridge. .45 colt was made for a revolver.

Not that it matters in today's setting, but it feels more historically correct.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

.44-40 is closer to the original cartridge. .44-40 was designed to be a rifle cartridge.

Another reason why I would lean 44-40.

Although expensive Ammo is not fun, lol.

If I had one and shot it a lot, I would invest into re-loading equipment.

[Mistered]

If I ever happen to stumble across the Henry I want it will be in .44-40 and I will have to tool up to load for it but I am not actively looking for this particular rifle right now.