Old Stumpy
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- Joined
- Mar 3, 2019
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- 1,451
Since I am hand loading my own .45 Colt, I would expect that the Henry, at least the steel models (I know that the brass receivers are hardened to be as strong as their steel counterparts), could handle the same hot loads a Marlin would, due to their using an improved Marlin action.
Well, an "improved" Marlin action, strength-wise at least, is only an assumption. But, if you are referring to the transfer bar safety concealed in the hammer, some might call that an improvement.
Strength-wise, the same Henry Big Boy Steel in .44 Magnum will handle 36,000 PSI factory loads with ease. just as the Marlin 1894 will.
So there is no reason to believe that the .45 Colt version is any different.
Many do load up the .45 Colt version of the 1894 Marlin to .44 Magnum velocities.
Also, bear in mind that you will be loading to a VELOCITY equal to that realized with .44 Magnum class loads.
Because of the increased case capacity of the .45 Colt, a velocity equal to a .44 Magnum loading of around 35,000 PSI can be achieved with a pressure of around 25,000 PSI, with bullet type and weight being the same.
So, even assuming that the receiver / chamber area is a bit less beefy than the .44 Magnum version, due to a larger chamber, it should not make any difference in the .45 Colt version as long as you don't push pressures too high.