1860 henry conversion

[Bunk Stagnerg]

Cuts if this is in the wrong place please put me where this belongs

I want to convert my .45 Colt 1860 Henry replica to shoot .45 Cowboy Specials.

I think that when loaded with real Gun Powder it would be about the ballistic equivalent of the original .44 Henry rim fire cartridge.

Can any one point me I the direction of a source for the modified lifter. I presume that is all that is required.

Thanks
Bunk

[Cliff Fendley]

It seems to me the 45CS would be anemic compared to the Henry.

The Henry round carried 28 grains of black powder under a 200 grain bullet so it seems the 45 Schofield round would be more of a ballistic equivalent.

[Pettifogger]

All you need is the carrier modified to work with the shorter cartridge.  Since this is a Henry and it loads from the front a simple screw in the existing carrier and a notch in the bolt head will do the job.

[Coffinmaker]

I will answer this two ways.  In answer to the OP's question, the Carrier Block for C45S cases can be ordered from "The Smith Shop" in
RI.  This carrier requires a flat to be filed on the side of the Breach Block.  (no, it does not make it weaker).
However, Plus One to Pettifogger.  You have the option of marking your carrier block at the base of your chosen round.  Drill and tap the
side of the carrier block in the center of the cartridge channel.  Cut a slot in the side of the Breach Block to clear your set screw (no, it will not make it weaker).   I suggest using a 200Gr bullet.

If the prime idea is to run a round "close" to yesteryear, the C45S is pretty close in velocity and if the end game is to Play CAS, "anemic"
becomes academic.

Coffinmaker

[Bunk Stagnerg]

Thanks for the answers. Right now I am using .44-40 cases blown out to .45 Colt to keep the inside of the 1860 Henry action clean.

The rifle gets a compressed load of FFFG and a 200 grain DD bullet. Yes I know I should use a heavier bullet and bills allowing, DD will be getting an order in the future.

I shoot the .45 CAS in my revolvers with 1.3c/c of FFFg GOEX or DuPont depending on what is on top in the bunker with a 180 or 200 grain DD bullet.

There is essentially no blow back on either cartridge so I figure the .45 CAS load should shoot bout the same in the rifle as it does in the pistol.

I will give the Smith Shop a look.
Again thanks
Bunk.