Henry Rifle Forums

Hello All,

Proud new owner of a 357 Big Boy; I've been surfing the web for info on what ammo works and what doesn't; In as much as short 38 special wadcutters aren't recommended, I loaded three in the mag tube and they cycled without jamming; curious if others have been shooting wadcutters in there 357 without any issues?

I have order Missouri Bullet Company's Ranger #1 with Hi-Tek coating, 158gr RNFP, BHN18.

I've never loaded wadcutters so I don't have a basis for judgment or comment. I load 158 gr Nosler bullets.
Jake

Well my 357 rifle is a Rossi and they load and shot fine.
I have a BBS in 41 mag., and a BBB in 44 mag., and have shot SWC's in both with no problems.

RP

When I first got mine, it cycled 357 better, but that was before I stripped it down, cleaned and lubed the action. That dramatically smoothed everything, but by that time I had loaded 300 rounds of 158g lscw for the big boy. Didn't try the 38 length again.

Welcome to the forum. I too have a new 357 but have yet to dial it in. Let us know how the Missouri Bullets work out.

we've run about every type of bullet through our Henry and so far as loading, firing, and ejecting, its handled them all .... we've settled on 158 JHP's as our first choice .... for practice we use Zero Turn ===> http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... de=ZBJ-38S .... for hunting we use Nolser 158 JHP's .... she has handled 125 to 180's

I am glad to hear you are not having problems feeding 38 wadcutters. The only problem I think you will run into is in accuracy. The .357 Henry barrels I have checked the free bore on were .20" with 158grn hollow points. With 38's that will increase to .35". Though every rifle shoots different maybe not.

I've run some 38 Spl. wad cutters in my BBS and they worked just fine. If they cycle you should be good to go. I'd just avoid pushing that bullet too fast. That may leave lead behind in the bore. I see you also mention the Missouri Ranger #1 158 grain RNFP. Those are my favorite bullet for my BBS. I load those in both 38 Spl and 357 Mag cases. Just follow the recommended load data for that bullet, powder and case combination and you will see excellent results.

Paul.

JEBar wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 04, 2021 6:36 pm

we've run about every type of bullet through our Henry and so far as loading, firing, and ejecting, its handled them all .... we've settled on 158 JHP's as our first choice .... for practice we use Zero Turn ===> http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... de=ZBJ-38S .... for hunting we use Nolser 158 JHP's .... she has handled 125 to 180's

That's my go to as well. My BB .357 does really well with my Hornady 158's and HS-6. Deadly accurate combo :-)

If you ever want a heavier bullet, the HBC's 180 gr. Pugnose is a fine bullet, it's a RNFP.
Does right well with around 11.5 grs. of 2400,
several the Henrys on here shoot 'em quite well I've heard.
So does the Rossi.

RP

Welcome to the forum. To each their own but I dont think a SWC is a good choice for a levergun. JMHO. While it may cycle just fine its nose shape just isnt a desirable for smooth cycling.

Not specific to your question but my BBS in .357 shoots Hornady 158 XTP over Win 296 very well.

Thanks for the replies especially the recommendations for different bullets.