Henry Rifle Forums

I bought a Big Boy Steel 44 magnum in February of this year. I mounted a Redfield 2x7 scope using Henry Ring set. Numerous Factory 240 grain Factory loads yielded dismal 6-7 inch groups at 50 yards. I reload ammunition so I thought I would work up some WFN 22bhn gas checked bullet loads. I slugged the barrel at .4295, so I ordered some .431 bullets in 260 grain and another brand in 250 grain. Careful attention to proper new case prep,Large pistol primers and loads of 23.0, 23.5 and 24.0 grains of H110 yielded similar 6-9 inch groups at 50 yards. Velocity spread between shots was 75-90fps average.

At this point, I am pretty frustrated with this accuracy. I suppose the new scope could be bad? Might try removing it and shooting with iron sights? Have not shot any bullet weights below 240 grains or above 260 grains. I did also notice the barrel crown recess as cut from the factory is pretty rough, recut the crown recess?

Any thoughts? Indiana Deer Season is in November, need some solutions soon. Any help is much appreciated.

I've got a friend that has shot sub-moa with his 44 mag Big Boy. My personal 45 Colt BBS has gotten close.

His best loads use FTX bullets and H110.

I will say that from my experience that his and my rifles are kinda picky with loads.

interesting .... I'll be the first to say that I've never slugged a barrel .... I've always bought standard diameter bullets (in the case of 44 Mag it is .429) .... with both lead and jacketed bullets the .429's do a great job .... have you tried any standard diameter bullets ....

I had a similar problem when I first mounted a scope on my Big Boy 44. My scope had loosened up during my shooting spree. I had to use blue loc-tite on all the screws. After that it was right on.
If nothing seems to cure the situation, I would try using the iron sights at 50 yds. I no longer use a scope on mine, I just go with iron sights using a Skinner barrel mount peep sight on the rear.
I handload and use the Hornady 240 grain XTP JHP for this rifle.
Hope you get it figured out.

Ditto on the scope mounts.. I have a shooting friend with a BBs in 45LC that was having the same problem, the rifle just would not settle down. He could not get the scope to even give a hint of wiggle by hand. After a couple of frustrating shooting sessions he finally gave in and removed the scope and mounts locktited and torqued the base and rings let it dry and rezeroed . Very happy now after one big deer and a running coyote last season.

Some really good suggestions; .429 loads as well as scope mount loosening. I am pretty sure I loctited screws when installed but you never know. I have a few more loads to try. Might try iron sights first while the scope is off, then re-mount with loctite in screws.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Have a great holiday weekend.

looking forward to seeing what you determine