44 Henry Resurrection

Published on June 5, 2024
Duration: 17:40

This video details the process of 'resurrecting' the 44 Henry cartridge by modifying modern lever-action rifles. It explains the historical context of the 44 Henry Rimfire and Centerfire rounds, their performance characteristics, and the limitations of modern reproductions. The core of the instruction focuses on using a modified carrier to reliably feed shorter, straight-wall cartridges like 45 Cowboy Special or cut-down 44 Special in rifles originally designed for longer cartridges, enabling a more historically accurate shooting experience.

Quick Summary

To modify lever-action rifles for shorter cartridges like the 44 Henry, a special carrier with a spring-loaded plunger is required. This component prevents double feeds by stopping subsequent rounds from the magazine tube, ensuring reliable chambering of shorter, straight-wall ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The 44 Henry Resurrection Project
  2. 00:16History of the 1860 Henry and 44 Henry Cartridge
  3. 01:14Deficiencies of the 1860 Henry
  4. 01:59The 1866 Winchester: An Improved Henry
  5. 02:55The 1873 Winchester and 44-40 Cartridge
  6. 04:04Availability of 44 Henry Rimfire Ammunition
  7. 04:30Transition to 44 Henry Centerfire
  8. 05:17Modern Reproductions and Chambering Choices
  9. 06:25Why 44-40 is Not a Candidate for 44 Henry Reproduction
  10. 06:53Straight Wall Cartridges: 44 Henry vs. Others
  11. 07:14Choosing a Cartridge for 44 Henry Simulation
  12. 08:39The Importance of Cartridge Length in Lever Actions
  13. 09:37Mitigating Short Cartridge Issues with a Modified Carrier
  14. 10:56Headspacing and Safety with Rimmed Cartridges
  15. 11:43Origin of the Modified Carrier: The Smith Shop
  16. 12:03The 45 Cowboy Special Cartridge
  17. 13:13Easiest Path to 44 Henry Reproduction: 45 Colt
  18. 13:44Extravagant Approach: Using 44 Special
  19. 14:43Achieving 44 Henry Performance
  20. 15:17Historical Significance and Practicality
  21. 15:59Why 44 Henry Fell Behind
  22. 16:37Conclusion and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I modify a lever-action rifle to shoot shorter cartridges like the 44 Henry?

To reliably feed shorter cartridges in lever-action rifles, you need a modified carrier with a spring-loaded plunger. This carrier prevents double feeds by stopping the next round from the magazine tube, allowing shorter cartridges to be chambered safely and effectively.

What are the key differences between the 1860 Henry, 1866 Winchester, and 1873 Winchester?

The 1860 Henry used the 44 Henry Rimfire. The 1866 Winchester improved upon it with a loading gate and handguard. The 1873 Winchester introduced the 44-40 Centerfire cartridge, a more powerful round with reduced magazine capacity and a steel receiver.

Can I use modern cartridges like 45 Colt or 44 Special in a 44 Henry reproduction?

Yes, by using a modified carrier, you can adapt rifles to feed shorter straight-wall cartridges like 45 Colt (cut down to 45 Cowboy Special) or 44 Special. When loaded with a 200-grain bullet and appropriate powder, these can replicate 44 Henry performance.

What is the 45 Cowboy Special cartridge?

The 45 Cowboy Special is a shortened version of the 45 Colt cartridge, designed for cowboy action shooting. It uses less powder and reduces recoil while maintaining adequate performance, and its brass is now available from manufacturers like Starline.

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