Safe loading of your Henry

[Mags]

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If I do that, the first round won't feed/lift to the chamber when the lever is closing.

I always load lever open with no worries at all. This also allow you to get one in the chamber too. It's never jammed or done anything out of the ordinary.

[Ojaileveraction]

I always load lever open with no worries at all. This also allow you to get one in the chamber too. It's never jammed or done anything out of the ordinary.

Yes you could do that, in the sport though all cartridges must be loaded through the magazine.

[markiver54]

At fear of sounding condescending, I think common sense comes into play here. Just be aware and careful of how you do WHAT YOU DO. ya never know what could happen...use C/S and be careful. Good thread though to help keep everyone alert!
SAFETY FIRST!!!

[dddrees]

With my 1860 I have a slight angle while I cradle in my right arm. Then the rounds are loaded with my left hand. The angle is enough they slide but no slamming into each other. Load same way every time. 12 rounds later, it's go time.

So I'm wondering how much force does a firing pin have to ignite the primer? Think you would get that kind of force from rounds siding down the tube?

All I am able to add is that I have read posts on other forums mostly on CASS forums where people have either experienced or have seen where accidents have occurred because people have been less than careful. It's possible this may in addition to how a particular primer is protruding from the case, who knows?? But frankly I think there are safe habit that make sense to follow. Regardless personally I plan on taking care because I have no need to test that theory. With the Original Henry that also includes making sure I don't let the magizine follow slam into rounds as well.

[Mistered]

it seems we're all in violent agreement about the basics: slide 'em in gently, no slamming of one cartridge into the next one.

I agree.
While the chance of a concussion or pressure detonation of a round (non-direct primer impact) is incredibly rare i had one once (fortunately not in a rifle) it is still NOT a good idea for rounds to fall unrestricted such as if loaded vertically.
There is always the chance of a slightly high primer that could be struck and detonate. While possible but not probable I'll stick with a slower, more restricted slide in of the rounds while loading.

[Omegaspeedy]

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If I do that, the first round won't feed/lift to the chamber when the lever is closing.

I always load lever open with no worries at all. This also allow you to get one in the chamber too. It's never jammed or done anything out of the ordinary.

Yes true if you don't drop one into the breach. Otherwise it's a double stroke to chamber one. My range requires the lever to be open if the rifle is not in use.

[RanchRoper]

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If I do that, the first round won't feed/lift to the chamber when the lever is closing.

I always load lever open with no worries at all. This also allow you to get one in the chamber too. It's never jammed or done anything out of the ordinary.

Yes true if you don't drop one into the breach. Otherwise it's a double stroke to chamber one. My range requires the lever to be open if the rifle is not in use.

Mine too.

[Mags]

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It jams. Loading with the lever open allows the first round partway into the receiver. It won't lift to the chamber because it's jams in place when closing the lever.

.
If I do that, the first round won't feed/lift to the chamber when the lever is closing.

I always load lever open with no worries at all. This also allow you to get one in the chamber too. It's never jammed or done anything out of the ordinary.

Yes true if you don't drop one into the breach. Otherwise it's a double stroke to chamber one. My range requires the lever to be open if the rifle is not in use.

[markiver54]

Have not incurred that problem. Guess I've always loaded with lever up, hammer down.

[Ojaileveraction]

Knowing that I can load my BBB with the lever open just like I load my Henry Octagon and Marlin 39 is kind of a relief. Its safe. Don't have to worry about the lever poping open.
I've got the double rack down already with the rimfires.
The grit my teeth 1895cb pops open on loading also, gotta hold the lever.

[PT7]

Interesting safety point for me are the thread comments re. loading with "action-open versus action-closed."
I follow the two Henry instruction manuals, which I got with my rifles. Keeps me out of trouble.

~~~H001TLP SGC .22LR: "WARNING: Do not load the rifle with the action open."

~~~H012MAW BB All-Weather .357 Magnum: "IMPORTANT -- when loading the action must be closed with the hammer in the uncocked position (fired down position)."

PT7

[markiver54]

Interesting safety point for me are the thread comments re. loading with "action-open versus action-closed."
I follow the two Henry instruction manuals, which I got with my rifles. Keeps me out of trouble.

~~~H001TLP SGC .22LR: "WARNING: Do not load the rifle with the action open."

~~~H012MAW BB All-Weather .357 Magnum: "IMPORTANT -- when loading the action must be closed with the hammer in the uncocked position (fired down position)."

PT7

Ditto PT

[Mags]

Interesting safety point for me are the thread comments re. loading with "action-open versus action-closed."
I follow the two Henry instruction manuals, which I got with my rifles. Keeps me out of trouble.

~~~H001TLP SGC .22LR: "WARNING: Do not load the rifle with the action open."

~~~H012MAW BB All-Weather .357 Magnum: "IMPORTANT -- when loading the action must be closed with the hammer in the uncocked position (fired down position)."

PT7

Ditto PT

Ditto for the .30-30.

[markiver54]

It just makes sense!!

[Mistered]

Hmmm... all this loading talk got me to wondering so for gits & Shiggles I tried loading my BBB .357 with the lever OPEN - and no problem.
Action closed smoothly.

[Ojaileveraction]

Hmmm... all this loading talk got me to wondering so for gits & Shiggles I tried loading my BBB .357 with the lever OPEN - and no problem.
Action closed smoothly.

It just makes sense.

[markiver54]

Guess it probably has everything to do with who is loading, how quickly and how safely. Again, if common sense is applied, then either method can probably be achieved safely.JM 2 cents.

[RanchRoper]

At my range rifles not in use are in a stand up rack with action open. When loading I have the lever closed.

[markiver54]

Best practice...this much I do know!

[Mags]

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So upshot of it all, seems to work for some models yet not for others...

Hmmm... all this loading talk got me to wondering so for gits & Shiggles I tried loading my BBB .357 with the lever OPEN - and no problem.
Action closed smoothly.

It just makes sense.