Help deciding on a Henry

[Old Stumpy]

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.

 

[Big D]

I won't be looking for super high velocity, but I expect it should be easy to work up a load around 1400-1600 fps, which would be one heck of a thumper.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Whatever you get, the 16" barrels are so much more fun.

My opinion of course. But let's call it a fact

 

[Old Stumpy]

I won't be looking for super high velocity, but I expect it should be easy to work up a load around 1400-1600 fps, which would be one heck of a thumper.

Yup. Really pushes you back at the shooting bench.

And, the more appropriate 1:16 twist of the Henry .45 Colt will stabilize heavier 300 grain bullets a lot better at magnum velocities for these loads, as well as factory 250 grain loads and cowboy slowpoke loads.

With a maximum 300 grain bullet and careful attention to pressures, a load similar to an old school .45-70 factory loading should be possible.

The Marlin 1894 twist of 1:38 for .45 Colt is really too slow for a factory .45 Colt / 250 grain load, but it works okay with the 225 grain factory loads that I have tried.
Their 1894 / .44 magnum has the same twist, but the magnum velocity allows better accuracy at 100 yards anyway.

The Henry .44 magnum has a 1:20 twist which should allow for heavy bullet magnum loads and .44 Special velocity and cowboy loads accuracy as well.

 

[FlSwampRat]

Have you considered the Rossi's? They seem to be available again, make a nice light gun.

I have an older Rossi lever in .357. Good shooter, nice looker.

 

[courtgreene]

I’ve got a big boy steel carbine in .41mag. The 16” handles like a dream. I like my marlin a lot, but I love my Henry. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Obturation]

Henry has delivered. I thought it was a gimmicky knock off thing when they started selling guns but it seems pretty unanimous, folks who actually own them think very highly of the guns. Me included. You'll find Henry haters, just like with any brand but it's just how the world is. To be honest you'd be better off bad mouthing ruger in front of me than henry, and I'm a known ruger semi-fan boy. Just a great company that makes traditional guns the right way.