.44 Magnum Big Boy

Hello all,

Long time lurker of the forum, finally registered and wanted to give my opinions and get some advice/thoughts on my rifle.

Got my first "Big Bore" rifle this year. A Henry Big Boy X chambered in .44 magnum/.44 special. ~200 Rounds thru it between 2 range days. So far I mostly love it, comfortable for me to shoot, easy to clean, and I'm a fan of the old school/Modern mix it has going on. Awaiting permit application process to get a side arm to compliment it, and plan on adding a .357 lever action/side arm combo in the hopefully near future. I don't really "long range" hunt or plink, so I really enjoy the handgun calibers.

With this year's ammo craziness I haven't been able to run a large selection of different brands/loads thru it but have gotten my hands on a handful and am saving all my brass with plans to begin handloading in the near future. I'm lucky it seems in the sense this particular rifle enjoys SWC rounds, feeds like butter and shoots fairly accurately.

I have noticed a few ejecting/feeding issues I'd like some advice on. First ejecting issue I ran across was with a box of Winchester 240 grain JSP. Of the 50 rounds 3-4 would hang up and not eject. With a little bit of lever manipulation and the occasional finger in the port the spent casings came right out. I've cleaned the rifle a few times and am positive its not a cleanliness issue. The same day I fired another 50 rounds of Federal 240 grain JHP ammo and had 0 issues. Fed and ejected flawless. Curious to know if operator error or rifles can be that particular?

Biggest issue I've had was today at the range. Fired 25 rounds of Choice ammunition 240 grain SWC and the Henry loved it. Fed smooth and ejected beautifully. However the rifle did not play the nicest with Magtech 240 grain .44 special FMJ. I had similar issues as the Winchester with ejecting however had bigger issues with feeding. Handful of times the lever would cycle but no round would chamber, and it also had a tendency to "jam up" on me. Appeared the round would get caught under the elevator and get the lever stuck in mid stroke. All the issues were resolved at the bench with no tools necessary. A bit of a bummer with the Magtech due to the fact it was a joy to shoot!

I have some more special ammo on the way (Choice 200 grain RNFP) and am going to see how the runs. Curious to know if these things are nature of the lever action beast and I should stick with the ammo that runs best (based on my research, the most likely solution) or if rifle needs a closer look from Henry? I plan on measuring OAL length of my rounds and keeping notes to verify things with numbers this evening.

I've also attached a photo of my bolt face, curious to know if it appears like normal wear? This photo was taken after the first 100 rounds during cleaning. I described it to Henry via phone call and they say its normal for some wear there, no response when I sent photos to there "info" email. Curious to know your opinions as well!

Last little "quirk" I noticed today was after firing a round of magnum, the lever would just barley "unseat" from full closed/locked position. Couldn't tell if it was my hand reacting a slapping it a hair out or of the round created enough blast to push back the bolt. Curious to know if normal of lever actions with big boy rounds. Again first lever action I've ever had and I'm still learning the firearm, its on my list of things to pay more attention too next range day (hopefully next weekend!)

Thank you again all, and I look forward to participating in your forum!

Wanted to post a follow up now that I've spent some more time with the rifle and experimented a bit more with all of my different ammunition.

1.) While an absolute joy to shoot, the big boy will NOT reliably feed .44 special, and if it does it doesn't enjoy ejecting the spent casings proper. I've only used 2 kinds, 240gr Magtech FMJ and 200gr Choice RNFP. The magtech feeds a tad better, but both are best loaded one at a time right in the chamber. The choice seems a lot more accurate tho.

2.) In regards to my "lever kick" quirk. I've spoken to Henry and they said try all my ammo. If only the Choice ammo kicks the lever back, stop using it. If all ammo did it then send us the rifle to take a look. Took 10 rounds each to the range today and the only "lever kick" I experienced was with 1 round of Winchester 240gr JSP. I'm leaning towards its a technique/control issue with myself. As in possibly my hand is flinching enough to cause the lever to "unseat" itself slightly. Today's shooting was firm and deliberate, and that 1 round was the first Magnum load of the day. I want to experiment more before I'm 100% satisfied with an answer but feel I'm on the right path.

3.) My eyesight isn't the best. I'm able to group my shots pretty decent but have issue seeing clearly down range. I'm thinking about adding a Vortex 1-4 magnification scope on top to help give me a clear sight. I've only been shooting at 25 yards but once I find a good outdoor range in my area, I anticipate going out to 100 yards maximum.

4.) Did I mention I absolutely love this rifle? Love the lever action, really enjoy the caliber (the kick isn't bad, but I'm used to .22 haha). I have plans an adding a .357 all weather Henry to the stable next year, done deal if they add the side gate. A Marlin 1894 in .357 or .44 is also on my short list.

Steve51 said:

Here is a picture of my Henry .44 bolt face. Don't see much difference between mine and yours.

View attachment 951375

Click to expand...

Yes!! Finally an upclose photo of a used bolt! The more I cycle the bolt and put rounds thru the smoother the edge appears. Just routine wear, but first time on many things I tend to er on the side of paranoia!


To those whom have switched to the skinner style peep sites, whats your opinion? Does it aid in just quick target acquisition? Or does it help give a clear view down range? I'm debating between the skinner setup or a Vortex Spitfire 1x red dot (the spitfire has etched glass, due to an astigmatism, I fear a traditional red dot won't be clear enough). Most my shooting is done at 25 yards, but would like to eventually expand up to 50/100.

Another update since the thread is still alive!

Sight wise, I've done some experimenting and have settled on the Ranger Point Precision peep sight. Quick target acquisition and has actually improved my grouping.

In regards to the "lever kick", I am convinced its due to technique. When I have a firm grip, no issues, when I relax a bit it happens occasionally, the bolt never pops out of its position, just the lever.

I have sent the rifle off to Henry for them to take a look. With all the sights I've tried, when fully adjusted left I'm still about 2-3 inches right. I know it's not just me because my other 2 rifles I can sight in and shoot poa/poi. And I've experimented with a rest and standing positions. I mentioned the lever kick to them as well and figure if its there it doesn't hurt for them to take a look. I am impressed, within 2 hours of submitting my warranty claim I had a shipping label in my email. And they have been nothing but friendly over the phone. Can't wait to get it back and dial it in!