Henry Rifle Forums

What diameter cast bullets work best in the Henry 44mag. Big Boy? .430 -.431 - .432?

the specs on Oregon Trail cast bullets we use show .431

I've had success with Laser-cast .431 bullets.(240 gr RN)

Barrels could vary slightly. I suggest that you slug yours and get out the micrometer.

Here a quick way to check it . I take a case fired in that gun and take a new bullet and see if goes in and out of the case with NO DRAG . In revolvers you want the bullet should drop in and out of the cylinder with a slight to NO DRAG . That will work for cast or jacket bullet . I hope this make sense . The best way is to mike the barrel and go .01 larger . This is just a fast way and is a good way for a new loader or shooter .

tx gunrunner wrote:Here a quick way to check it . I take a case fired in that gun and take a new bullet and see if goes in and out of the case with NO DRAG . In revolvers you want the bullet should drop in and out of the cylinder with a slight to NO DRAG . That will work for cast or jacket bullet . I hope this make sense . The best way is to mike the barrel and go .01 larger . This is just a fast way and is a good way for a new loader or shooter .

Thanks!

larry7293 wrote:What diameter cast bullets work best in the Henry 44mag. Big Boy? .430 -.431 - .432?

What size bullet did you decide on?

This gun has a .429 barrel and .430 bullet slide in the cylinder and with a little pressure push thur cylinder . The same bullet in my 92 Rossi which is a .429 barrel , a fire case will allow a .430 bullet fit in case loosely . If the bullet is .432 it will not ALLOW the ammo to chamber in rifle .

I use Beartooth cast bullets in my .44Mag Big Boy. Initially, I ordered 1 box of .431" and 1 box of .432" diameter. I chose Beartooth because they gas check their bullets during the manufacturing process. Outstanding accuracy results from both diameters, in fact, no discernable accuracy difference
between either diameter. I have settled in on the .432" bullet over 17 grs of AA #9. From a bench rest set-up, I shoot 2" groups using the factory installed Marble open sight. Average velocity is 1,390 FPS. Absolutely no trace of barrel leading.

Pitchman1968 wrote:Outstanding accuracy results from both diameters, in fact, no discernable accuracy difference between either diameter.

I suspect that is the case more often than not

Pitchman1968 wrote: Average velocity is 1,390 FPS. Absolutely no trace of barrel leading.

Gas checked bullets should NEVER lead unless it over 1800 FPS .

I drive plain base lead bullets in my 32-40 target rifle at 1400 FPS and NEVER leads up .

SAAMI specs for .44 Magnum rifles are a groove diameter of .431. One of the techs at Henry confirmed to me that is their manufacturing standard. Whether every rifle comes out of the factory with a .431 groove diameter is another matter.

I have used .431 cast bullets in my Henry Big Boy with horrible results. I slugged the barrel with a fishing weight and it showed a groove diameter of .431. Since then I have only ordered hard cast in a .432 diameter and have had great accuracy results. Your safe bet is to stick with a .432 bullet.