Henry Rifle Forums

So I recently bought a BBS in 357 and mounted a Leupold 2-7 scope on it using the Henry scope base. I have fired several hundred rounds thru it now including 4 different factory loads and 5 different handloads.
I'm getting very erratic 3-4 inch groups at 50 yards bench rested. I can fire the same ammo in my BBB rifle with Skinner peep sights and get most groups less than half that size and very consistent.
My first thought was the scope and/or mounts so I tried a different proven scope and triple checked all the mount screws with no change still 3-4 inch groups. The groups are so erratic I really can't even sight it in.
All loads tried were 158g bullets from 4 different manufacturers and included EXPs, JSPs and semi wadcutters.
Using the Chrony I was getting extreme spreads of over 100fps even from the factory ammo, but firing the same ammo in my BBB the velocities stabilized at less than 30-40fps.
I examined the crown with a magnifier and found no flaws.
I have 6 Henry rifles and this is the first time I have been disappointed with the accuracy.
Anybody have any suggestions or see anything I failed to try?

Have you tried slugging the bore by chance?

No, that I have not done. I don't cast bullets and plan to shoot jacketed bullets in this rifle.
If the bore is oversized for a .357 bullet that would be a big problem for its intended use.

I'm sure a call to HRA would solve the problem at little to no cost to you. My BBS in .357 with the Marbles semi-buckhorn sights will typically shoot 5 shot groups at 50 yards sub 2" CTC. I've shoot quite a few sub 1" groups as well. The worst 5 shot group I have ever shot at 50 yards with the BBS was either 3" or 3.0625" CTC (don't remember offhand) and that was with cheap Remington 158gr lrn. I'd say call HRA and explain the situation and see what they will do for you.

Edit, the REM load was also 38spl not 357 mag.

Just got off the phone with HRA. Because the rifle is made in Wisconsin they are going to contact Henry Wisconsin to send me a shipping label.

Sure seems strange. Keep us posted on what Henry does. Seems like maybe you got one with a bad barrel.

That's what I am thinking. Possibly an oversized bore or chamber.

Something sounds amiss. My .357 is a tack driver.

It's on its way back to Henry.

Please keep us posted, good or bad.

If you're getting better groups with iron sights than you are with a scope then it's a scope/ shooter issue. Since you're shooting at 50 yards my guess is parallax is messing with you. Try to keep your eye in the same position relative to the scope for each shot.

I believe he said that he was using a different Henry with the iron sights.

I was using a Brass Big Boy 357 with Skinner express sights that I also have to double check the ammo and loads.
The scoped 357 is my new BBS which has dismal accuracy with exactly the same ammo.

clovishound wrote:I believe he said that he was using a different Henry with the iron sights.

I missed the BBB. Sorry.

My BBS 357 went back twice for barrel issues. Second time they replaced the entire rifle. New rifle shoots OK but point of impact is far right of point of aim. Had to install a Weaver scope to get enough adjustment. Irons wouldn't move far enough to compensate.
My faith in the Rice Lake, WI made barrels is pretty low. Beautiful gun though and I don't regret owning it.

Per your last post, Owly, you've indicated you are still not satisfied with your .357 BBS. I see that particularly in your bolded comments.

May I make a suggestion? I'm certain you've already read and/or listened to Henry President Anthony Imperato's guarantee for Henry rifles. https://www.henryusa.com/the-henry-guarantee/ Why don't you copy your below post and email it to him? He will answer you, and pursue his promise that you will be 100% satisfied with a .357 Magnum.

BTW, my first Henry was a .357 BBB, and I also had a steel .357 Magnum. Out of the box, very little adjustment for spot on, accurate shooting with both rifles. I wouldn't hesitate getting the newer .357 Magnum carbine model next.

If you like my suggestion and pursue that route, it would be great to hear what further happens with your rifle.
Best to you.

Owly wrote:My BBS 357 went back twice for barrel issues. Second time they replaced the entire rifle. New rifle shoots OK but point of impact is far right of point of aim. Had to install a Weaver scope to get enough adjustment. Irons wouldn't move far enough to compensate.
My faith in the Rice Lake, WI made barrels is pretty low. Beautiful gun though and I don't regret owning it.

Does it seem like these problems tend to be mainly in the BBS models? I don't recall many complaints about the barrels on the Brass Big Boys, in fact mine is exceptionally accurate.

PT7 wrote:Per your last post, Owly, you've indicated you are still not satisfied with your .357 BBS. I see that particularly in your bolded comments.

May I make a suggestion? I'm certain you've already read and/or listened to Henry President Anthony Imperato's guarantee for Henry rifles. https://www.henryusa.com/the-henry-guarantee/ Why don't you copy your below post and email it to him? He will answer you, and pursue his promise that you will be 100% satisfied with a .357 Magnum.

BTW, my first Henry was a .357 BBB, and I also had a steel .357 Magnum. Out of the box, very little adjustment for spot on, accurate shooting with both rifles. I wouldn't hesitate getting the newer .357 Magnum carbine model next.

If you like my suggestion and pursue that route, it would be great to hear what further happens with your rifle.
Best to you.

Owly wrote:My BBS 357 went back twice for barrel issues. Second time they replaced the entire rifle. New rifle shoots OK but point of impact is far right of point of aim. Had to install a Weaver scope to get enough adjustment. Irons wouldn't move far enough to compensate.
My faith in the Rice Lake, WI made barrels is pretty low. Beautiful gun though and I don't regret owning it.

It seems as if I've hijacked this thread. For that I appologize. I was simply trying to relay my experience to the OP.

As for Anthony Imperato and the guarantee, I have no doubt Henry would continue to replace and repair my BBS until the end of time. Truth be told, it's already a replacement rifle for a rifle that went back twice and I REALLY don't feel like persuing this further. The rifle is perfect and beautiful... other than it doesn't shoot where it's pointed with the iron sights. Weaver K4 scope makes it hit where it should. I'd prefer not to need the scope, but such is life. My K4 is a vintage model and looks correct on my rifle. I'm happy... so all is right. No big deal

Hogstir wrote:Does it seem like these problems tend to be mainly in the BBS models? I don't recall many complaints about the barrels on the Brass Big Boys, in fact mine is exceptionally accurate.

given, the performance of a single rifle doesn't translate to representing others like it .... our BBS 357 has proven to be very accurate with a wide variety of ammo

I've had a BBS 357 for about a month and a half now. Pretty much shoot it every day....once you find the load it likes, its a tack driver...maybe you should let someone else give it a try...it may not be the rifle...just sayin'... BobGinVA