Henry Rifle Forums

Along with the new Big Boy carbine, got some new news-to-me tonight.

I just read some interesting info in my Henry instruction manual (always read the manual cover-to-cover whenever I get a new firearm). I've had two Big Boys before this carbine, but this manual has an ammo update not published in the other Big Boy manuals. I recalled CT_Shooter made a comment (in the thread titled "Just Curious") about ammo use for his .357 BBB, but never saw the info he referred to. So I'm sorry if I'm duplicating any info already in some other thread.

CT_Shooter wrote:Because of information here, I'm not going to be shooting any of my 130 grain FMJ bullets in my Big Boy anymore.

Anyway, here is what is in my manual:

The .357 Magnum Big Boy is primarily 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.

Hope this 2 cents worth is helpful.
Take care, Everyone!

All straight wall brass in ramp type feed guns need to be set up differently on 357 and 38 spec to be 100% positive feed . I found loading 38 spec loads in 357 brass makes the gun feed 100% in ramp type . Elevator feed guns like 1860 , 1866 and 1873 Winc rifle don't have that feeding problems . Bottleneck brass is perfect in ramp type feed guns like 92/94 Winc .

PT7 wrote:

CT_Shooter wrote:Because of information here, I'm not going to be shooting any of my 130 grain FMJ bullets in my Big Boy anymore.

Anyway, here is what is in my manual:

The .357 Magnum Big Boy is primarily 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.

The warning for using FMJ bullets extends to .357 caliber, as well as the .38 spl caliber, because of the hard surface of the bullet.

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... ine#p43291

Even though I've already fired hundreds of them in my Big Boy, I will now only use them in my revolver.

Appreciate the info, CT. I am planning to go to the Parma Woods MDC range this afternoon to sight in my carbine. I'm taking some .357 magnum cartridges to shoot (Remington Golden Saber 125gr JHP). I thought I'd also try some .38 Special cartridges based on the Henry instruction manual info --- PerFecta 158gr FMJ ammo.

Now I understand the warning as it focuses on FMJ bullets, not only .38 Special caliber. I'll leave the FMJs at home, and may try some of my HSM 147gr JHP .38 Special bullets. I just wanted to test how this carbine handles the .38 Specials. But I also agree with Henry when they published that the Big Boys are primarily designed to be .357 Magnum caliber. Thanks again!

CT_Shooter wrote:The warning for using FMJ bullets extends to .357 caliber, as well as the .38 spl caliber, because of the hard surface of the bullet.

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... ine#p43291

Even though I've already fired hundreds of them in my Big Boy, I will now only use them in my revolver.

"While you can use .38SPL loads, you must ensure they are 158GR with an overall length that closely mimics the .357 Magnum cartridge"

The overall length of the 38sp cartridge should be the same as a .357mag cartridge? Are they saying that the OAL of the 38sp cartridge should be the same as the 357mag cartridge??