Henry Rifle Forums

Yep, back over to the barn for a guick test.
Couple days ago I mentioned that I hadn't found a cast load that mune liked.
Well a buddy here talked to a buddy of his and they suggested the Keith style bullet and a load.
Knowing that the bullet wasn't going to cycle through the Henry as it was supposed to be loaded.
I seated mine to 1.635, that's the longest mine will cycle, and probably should have backed off the charge a bit.
But I didn't and there were no bad results, actually this is probably the best group I have had with a cast bullet.
At least I have a pretty good starting spot, thanks Tom.
Ok, all shots 50yds all bullets were loaded with 19.5 grs 2400.
First pic the lower group were the first not bad huh?
With a slight rear sight adjustment is the next group, had one round not fire. Haven't tore it down but guess bad primer.
Second pic is a 245gr gc hp same load.
RP

Looking good.

Do you have a picture of one of those 250 gr. K bullets loaded? Nice group with that load!

Ya I like that group with that 250 Keith bullet Randy. Think Id load some more of those for sure. So do they cycle good when loaded that way or do you still need to work with the lever a bit?

Al, they cycle just fine, oh yeah I plan on loading more.
I will adjust the powder down some and even maybe up a couple tenths, and see what it looks like.

Hey, forty here you go, loaded just for you.



RP

Aint nothin wrong with the way that looks. Id like to try some of Leadheads 230 Keiths in the 41 and maybe the 270 gr Keiths in the 45 colt

I had a little concerns, not knowing where in the table that load actually fell.
But had already loaded them before it dawned on me, that I might have wanted to maybe back off a tenth or two.
After the first shot I stopped and looked and everything looked normal so I went on.

I will do a little adjusting and see what happens, but
like I said I believe those lower first 5 shots to be the best group I have had with any cast bullet or load.
So I definitely have a better starting place now.

RP

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:43 pm

I had a little concerns, not knowing where in the table that load actually fell.
But had already loaded them before it dawned on me, that I might have wanted to maybe back off a tenth or two.
After the first shot I stopped and looked and everything looked normal so I went on.

I will do a little adjusting and see what happens, but
like I said I believe those lower first 5 shots to be the best group I have had with any cast bullet or load.
So I definitely have a better starting place now.

RP

Well after you pull the trigger and the bolt is still in place...not in your eye.... you did OK !
I may try that with the one Al sent me.

Id like to see that forty with the 10 grain load. As I mentioned it wasnt at the top end of the load chart. Id be concerned if it was toward max end about seating a bullet deeper for sure. I remember the 180's that hornady had did have 2 crimp grooves on them.

Okay, a little more testing, same 50yds and bullet, just did a little ladder test with the 2400.
19.2
19.3
19.4
19.5
19.6

The rest

The ole rifle
RP

Man 19.4 looks real good to me at 50 yards. Thats some good shooting Randy

Kind of a toss up between it and 19.3, I sure that one straggler in the 19.4 was operator error.
But that's about all I can do without a scope.

Thanks for the kind words.

RP

Im pretty sure that those loads would be ringin steel at Randys house out dat barn

Great results with the 19.4 and 19.3 ! I will have to try those loads. Thanks for all that test work too!

I just did some measuring and found that...that bullet seated to 1.635 in the Magnum case has the same powder space as seated to
1.620 in a .44 Special case when seated to the crimp groove!
Interesting!

I don't have any special brass all mine are magnum.
I will be trying some more of those two.
Your right though Al, with either of those should work easily.

RP

In .44 Special case same as the famous Elmer Keith load but with 18.5 gr. of the old 2400 powder.
.44 Special case on left and .44 Mag on right with 250 K bullet seated at roughly 1.635

Dang Randy, do believe you have a load or two for that .44 now. That is some fine shooting right there. WTG!

Looks like we might see a Forty range report with some of the 250's in his 44.