Cimarron 1860 or Henry Arms 45 colt?

[Idaho Slim]

Hello, new to these forums, not new to firearms. For many years I have been wanting a "Henry" in 45 LC to go with my side arm LC for both hunting "deer" sized game, firepower upon the chance I encounter wolves that are frequent where I roam, and possible CAS down the road.

I have been mainly intent upon a Henry Big Boy, but came upon an ad here locally for a Cimmarron 1860 Civil War replica in 45 LC for $800. My search of prices show this to be a good deal, and I do like the image appeal of the Cimmarron to the original 1860.

I would prefer to shoot the same loads I shoot out of my ruger 45LC revolver, "Cor-Bon" 45 Colt+P 300 gr JSP, 1300fps & 1126 ftlbs.

You thoughts?? All comments would be greatly appreciated since if the Cimarron fits the bill I dont think it will last long.

Thanks for your help. Slim.

 

[CraigC]

The 1860 simply is not strong enough for the loads you suggest. It must be kept to standard pressures.

The Big Boy has zero in common with the original but it is stronger.

If you want to shoot Ruger-only loads, you need a Winchester 94, modern 1892 (or replica) or a Marlin 1894. Although Brian Pearce suggests that modern 1873 replicas, which have steel receivers versus the brass 1860 and 1866, are safe to around 20,000psi.

You don't need 300gr bullets for deer sized game. Standard weight bullets, preferably cast, will do the job nicely and usually exit from near about any angle. You can also kill any deer that walks graveyard dead with standard pressure .45Colt loads which will run around 1100-1200fps from a rifle-length barrel. So a 'real' Henry 1860 replica would do the job nicely out to 100yds.

 

[DPris]

As Craig is politely hinting, you'd be very ill-advised to shoot that load in a replica 1860 Henry. It certainly won't last long if you do.
CorBon would tell you the same thing.
The action is just not built for what are essentially .45 Colt "Magnum" pressures.
Denis

 

[VA27]

What everyone else said.

If you want to use the high pressure stuff stay away from the 1860.

But if you reload and want a fun gun, buy an 1860. It's long and it's heavy, but it's amazingly accurate.

After I got my Henry I sold my 92 because the Henry was such a hoot that I wasn't using it any more. Now I want a '73.

 

[CraigC]

Glad I'm not the only one going backwards.

 

[goon]

For the loads you're using, I'd skip both and get a Marlin 1894 Cowboy or Cowboy II.
If you are dead set on one of the choices from your original question, I'd choose the Cimarron Henry just because it's so freaking cool, then stick to standard loads. A standard .45 Colt will kill the hell out of a wolf or a deer at a reasonable distance and be excellent for CAS shooting. In a world where money was no object, I'd have at least one!

 

[ironhead7544]

For high power loads the Big Boy would be the one to get. The 1860 is a toggle action and is OK for standard pressure loads only. One shot with your load would probably ruin the 1860.

 

[Idaho Slim]

Thanx for the replies! I must clarify, I use the Cor-Bon loads in my sidearm in September when I am in Grizzly country during archery season elk hunting. We quite often horse pack in and sleep under the stars. Hunters in this area have had at least one run down from a grizz in each of the last 4 years and wolves are very prevelant in the area as well. I would suppose in the rare event of needing the high power loads, I would most likely not have the 1860 rifle along. I do normally shoot standard pressue 45 LC ammo, So when out during the summer I can still slip a 1860 into the scabbard. I understand the Cimmaron won't take the pressure's of the Cor-Bon loads at all, thanx!

So the next decision is; the Cimmaron or the Henry? Anyone with experinces with knockdown effects with standard 45LC loads on mule deer, coyotes, etc? I would assume a maximum effective range of 100 yds with standard loads.

I surely do like the Cimarron being more traditional in appearance, but also like the Henry Big Boy's smoothness in shooting reputation and being made in the USA.

 

[Idaho Slim]

Moot point now, I called and it was sold, damnit :banghead:

Thank you for everyones help anyways.

 

[Onmilo]

Just the same, I have to add that I own a steel frame Uberti Henry and even it isn't strong enough for bear killer loads because it still uses the fairly weak toggle link action.
Great and fun shooter with the right loads none the less.

 

[rogertc1]

I have a 45C Big Boy. Brass frame and Pretty gun however kinda heavy. My Marlin 45-70 guide gun is lighter.

 

[dprice3844444]

i hope you not using hollowpoints for grizzly,they expand in the fat and may not hit the vitals

 

[Idaho Slim]

i hope you not using hollowpoints for grizzly

lol, no that would just piss him off

The Cor-Bon 300+P is a jacketed solid point, it blows clean out the other side of a 4 ft earthen berm.