Henry Rifle Forums

I have read all the opinions regarding loading round nose ammo in a tubular magazine. I undertand what could possibly happen. But in real life is there any issue with firing .357MAG or .38SPL FMJ out of my Henry? I called Henry and asked about ammo restrictions. The only thing they mentioned was that .38SPL must be 158gr. nothing about FMJ or round nose.

I'm curious to what some responses will be. I have round nose .38 lead and a few FMJ magnum rounds but I think I've only used that in revolvers but now I'm not sure. 158's because of feeding issues, right? My .357 FMJs are flat nose Federal or I reload Hornady XTP HPs

I don’t think soft lead bullets are an issue, but I would not risk it with jacketed bullets. You could always make your soft nosed ones flat by whacking them lightly with a small hammer

John Davies
Spokane WA

I have shot all types in my 357BBS. My understanding is that the only danger is in loading the tube. I hold my rifle only at enough of an angle so that the rounds will slide down the tube with little impact on the previously loaded round/rounds. Furthermore, I don't see recoil as an issue. Lastly, I have had no feeding/cycling issues. Cannot say I have tried everything, however, that's just my experience. Maybe I just have a happy rifle.

John E Davies wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 03, 2022 12:33 pm

I don’t think soft lead bullets are an issue, but I would not risk it with jacketed bullets. You could always make your soft nosed ones flat by whacking them lightly with a small hammer

John Davies
Spokane WA

You'd make a fantastic dud checker John! lol

I don't really see the FMJ being a problem, as they are not Pointy.
Never shot any in either of my cf Henry's, but I wouldn't have a problem doing so.
YMMV

RP