Henry Rifle Forums

I have recently acquired a Big Boy Carbine in 45 Colt. Since I hunt in Maine, that involves mostly closed in brush type hunting. Can the 45 Colt carbine be used effectively in deer hunting? I reload so I can work something out, if its worth pursuing. Much appreciated in advance.

a Henry 45 Colt can most certainly be an effective deer hunting rifle .... reloading will allow you to maximize its potential .... work up some loads you are confident in and take her to the woods

Thank you! I was just wanting to confirm what I thought.

I don't hunt but I can tell you my Big Boy 45 Colt has some serious punch. I pack it horseback inn the back country.

Original black powder colt pistol loads were developed to completely through a cow at 100 yards. 45 colt is one of the best cartridges out there and can be loaded to close to 44 mag pressures.

Thanks everyone. The missus tried it at the range and wanted to use it for deer hunting rather than lugging her X-bolt through the woods. I got the feeling it'll be her gun before long.

Hospitaler, welcome to the forum. You bet the .45 Colt would be effective & you don't need to run it to the redline either.
I've taken game with ctgs in the .45 Colt catigory without problems. I've used a hard cast lead bullet at just under or at 900fps & get complete pass throughs on deer. This is with a handgun. A Henry in .45 Colt would be very effective at the distances you are talking about.
Let us know how it's going. Good shooting.

The misses has good taste. I have one of those carbines in 45 colt and love the way it handles. I cant wait for the 41 to come out in the carbine model I know one will be at my house. Al