It took a week but I ran up to the range at lunch to put the first few rounds through my new Henry BB Steel in .45 Colt. It's the 20" octagon barrel. Shooting loads I had made for my Blackhawk they were 250 gr MBC RNFP over 7.8ish gr of Unique the rounds felt "light-ish" for a rifle of this weight. I think if I hunt with the rifle I'll up the load a bit. The rifle is a bit heavy for what it is, but its balanced well. It's not too much to carry to the deer woods, but a 16" might be a better choice if you are really brush busting. Alternatively you could opt for the standard steel without the octagon barrel.
Everything cycled well. Loading via the side gate or the tube was non-eventful. Everything works as it should. I actually think I prefer the tube loading option, and I never thought I would say that, but to each their own. The fit and finish on the rifle is as good as or better than anything I own.
I ran about 10 rounds at 20 yards to see where I hit on paper. Adjusted and tried about 5 or so more. Then lastly ran 10-15 at 20-25 yards just to see how it went. Everything was offhand no rests, stock open sights. I think the rifle is a keeper. I wish I could see the sights better
Its going to need optics if I'm going to hunt with it, but I wanted to shoot it open sights first just to see how it shoots.
Upper left is the end result for an old man free hand with open sights.
All in all I think it is a keeper. Should be a lot of fun plinking with light loads or use it for medium game within reason with a little stronger charge.
-Jeff
Everything cycled well. Loading via the side gate or the tube was non-eventful. Everything works as it should. I actually think I prefer the tube loading option, and I never thought I would say that, but to each their own. The fit and finish on the rifle is as good as or better than anything I own.
I ran about 10 rounds at 20 yards to see where I hit on paper. Adjusted and tried about 5 or so more. Then lastly ran 10-15 at 20-25 yards just to see how it went. Everything was offhand no rests, stock open sights. I think the rifle is a keeper. I wish I could see the sights better
Its going to need optics if I'm going to hunt with it, but I wanted to shoot it open sights first just to see how it shoots.Upper left is the end result for an old man free hand with open sights.
All in all I think it is a keeper. Should be a lot of fun plinking with light loads or use it for medium game within reason with a little stronger charge.
-Jeff
