Henry Rifle Forums

Hey guys I don’t want to beat a dead horse I read through another post that was similar, but there were mixed answers.

1. Just need to know what 38 special factory ammo works best in the big boy 357 side gate? (I do not load my own and I already have some 357s that I run fine). Please be specific with grain/type/brand! Please and thanks a lot guys.

My advice would be the Federal American Eagle 130 grain FMJ or a different brand with a similar bullet. That being said, I haven’t used that exact ammo in my rifle but have used hand loads loaded very similar to this load.

My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:35 pm

My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP

Cheaper? Alternative when I can’t get a good deal on 357s? Better for my kids to learn with?
Here’s my question now. Why stir the pot when you already know the obvious answer? Wanna compare what types of rounds we shoot for a pissing contest next lol?

M38357 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 04, 2022 12:30 am

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:35 pm

My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP

Cheaper? Alternative when I can’t get a good deal on 357s? Better for my kids to learn with?
Here’s my question now. Why stir the pot when you already know the obvious answer? Wanna compare what types of rounds we shoot for a pissing contest next lol?

The difference between the two in a rifle is Neil as far as I'm concerned.
But do understand that at the present time one needs to grab what one finds.
I myself load my own and don't have that to worry with.
I gave all my 38 spl brass away some years ago, as I don't see time to waste on them.
I don't have any 38 spl specific firearms any longer.
And the only difference is just a little less powder.

Good luck in your search, I'm sure there's a few that have shot at least a little bit in their rifles.

RP

Anyone else have an actual answer to my question?

I have read here on the forum that Henry suggests 158 grn bullets for use in the .357 bigboy. I have used some Georgia Arms 158 grn in mine and it shot well. These are reloads that they produce in their facility.
You might want to call Henry customer service at 1-(866)-200-2354. I don't think the brand will matter as much as the bullet weight.

I have to say wolf's 130grain steel cased do very well.

Top shot was my sight in shot at 75 yds.

M38357 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:39 am

Anyone else have an actual answer to my question?

You could actually buy a couple different boxes and see for yourself. Provided you can find some.
As for your post above, temper your responses a bit, and you'll more than likely get helpful replies.

To Dave's point. This from the owner's manual.

The calibers and capacity of the H012G models are as follows:
.357 Magnum/.38 Spl - 10 rounds, Carbine - 7 rounds
.357 Magnum is designed with .357 Magnum cartridges in mind. While you can use .38SPL loads, you must
ensure they are 158GR with an overall length that closely mimics the .357 Magnum cartridge. Due to the
shoulder location on the carrier, the gun will not feed: 110GR,125GR, 130GR, etc. .38 special loads reliably.

Thank you everyone who offered helpful suggestions!

Rifletom wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 04, 2022 5:18 pm

M38357 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:39 am

Anyone else have an actual answer to my question?

You could actually buy a couple different boxes and see for yourself. Provided you can find some.
As for your post above, temper your responses a bit, and you'll more than likely get helpful replies.

If you read my original post and then read Vaquero’s reply; you’d see I don’t need to temper my responses. Maybe people don’t need to make useless remarks about the caliber I’m asking about. Doesn’t seem like a helpful/courteous forum member, but that’s just me. No offense intended.

I have used several different brands of 38 special in my BB Steel. 158 grain runs beat but all worked as long as you were careful and deliberate with the lever.

I've only used 158gr .357 in mine.
Haven't been able to find any 158 gr .38 Sp.
.357 recoil is so mild, I'll probably just stick with that.

I can agree with RifleTom. Most people responses are based on experience. I recall the statement that Mags posted. I can understand the desire to want to shoot .38s. I had a similar desire when I bought my Marlin 1894CS. But, I have not shoot .38s in it for awhile. Because, it not a load that I plan to use in it. So, I try and practice what I plan to use.

I can understand wanting to use it for training. Yet, .357s are so mild. I probably would start off using that caliber. But, that is just me.

By the way, welcome to the forum! People are willing and able to help. Very few people will try and give you a hard time. You may not agree with them. However, tolerance will go a long way. Happy shooting!

I've used plenty of Federal American Eagle 130 grain fmj in my Big Boy Brass. It shot well. Have only shot reloads in my Big Boy steel. Pretty much same results when I have shot same reloads in both. It's seems both like just about anything it's feed.