Looking for Henry Lever Action caliber advice

[Kelon32]

Hey guys and gals. I am looking to buy a Henry Rifle and am torn between 44 Mag and 45-70. Any advice? I have not shot either one before.

[Wes Sage]

Each has its place for sure.
what is the intended use for the rifle?
How recoil sensitive are you?

[Kelon32]

Hog Hunting and maybe some lever competition.
I am not overly recoil sensitive, but I would like something I can do 100-200 rounds in an afternoon and not regret it the next day.

[Wes Sage]

Go with the 44mag. Cheaper components, easier to shoot, and would be exactly what you need for what you described

[Ledslnger]

Go with the 44mag. Cheaper components, easier to shoot, and would be exactly what you need for what you described

I agree, especially when you mention "competition". The 45/70 is a big caliber to use in comps. My uncle Quickdraw Art does Cowboy Action shooting and loads pretty light loads. They just don't need a ton of power for that type of comp. I am guessing that with a lever you might be doing Cowboy Action. If you are going to dial the 45/70 down you just as well go with the .44 mag which you would also probably dial down. Good luck!

Darn, didn't see the 2nd page of posts. Lol, already got the .44 mag. Well, good deal.

[Kelon32]

Thanks Wes!

[Robertlumpkin]

I go with wes 44 cheapcomponents easy to find ammo easy on the shoulder

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[RonW]

I have the .45-70 it is more expensive to shoot initially, once you have a stock of brass, bullets are cheap and plentiful, lots of different loads from mild to dang, that hurts to shoot. My favorite load for the Henry is 50 gr. Varget under a hardcast flat nose .300 gr bullet.

[RustE]

Only negative that I’ve read for the .44Mag Big Boy is about the 1:38 twist rate.

I don’t have a cheat-sheet or chart in front of me, but I’m thinking the 1:38 twist rate is good for 240gr bullets and not much heavier.

[Kelon32]

Thanks for all the tips!

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