need reloading help for an 1860 henry

[chaindrive]

just got a 1860 henry (uberti) and want to reload for it.

I've been a reloader for some years now so that part is not new to me.

i'm looking to make a safe middle of the road load for this rifle.

not a cowboy shooter myself, I mostly will be shooting at 100 yards at reactive targets, punching paper and general plinking.

i'm thinking that a 255 gr. bullet will work well for this.
x-treme bullets has a 255 gr. flat point plated bullet with a cannelure that looks interesting.

I've got plenty of Unique powder and CCI L/P primers.
my go to brass is starline.

would 8 grs. or less of Unique be a good starting point for this rifle?
i'm aware of the limitations of the henry design and a brass receiver.

any advice would be much appreciated.
thanks.

[nativeshootist]

The henry will shoot any ammo loaded with in the SAAMI specs. I'd refer to your reloading manual if you believe you loaded it hot.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I'm assuming that this rifle is chambered in 45 Colt from the bullet weight you mention?

If so, 7 to 8 grains of Unique would be a good mid-range load.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I like Unique, also.  It works very well in .45s (45 ACP, .45 Schofield, and .45 Colt).  I load 7.1 grains with the 200 grain bullet in a 45 Schofield.

[chaindrive]

yikes, talk about asleep at the wheel.

yes it is indeed chambered in .45 colt.

I couldn't find any reload data for plated bullets using Unique powder in any of my manuals.
it was all for jacketed or cast bullets.

i'll start at 7.5 gr. and chronograph the results, working up as necessary.

just curious, is the 255 gr. bullet best for the type of shooting I want to do?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

There I were! Thinkin' you had an 1860 Colt replica. No matter, welcome to cascity. (And I still invite you to check out the Darksider's Den.)

The only comment I'd make on your plan is to start as you say but don't write-off a lighter bullet for future shooting tests, as long as it has a flat nose. (Recoil will be less but the heavy bullet will carry with a bit more authorityu at 100 yds.) I don't know NM very well, but do know that Las Cruces has a SASS club.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

255 is good for what you plan, and you might try something in the 225 grain range also.  200 would work, after all, the 44-40 uses a 200 grain .430 bullet to good effect. I don't think a .452 diameter 200 would lose too much.

[Abilene]

Make sure that your proposed cartridge isn't over 1.6" OAL.  Open the lever so the carrier rises, turn the rifle over, and if your round will fit into that carrier opening in the frame, it should feed!  Rounds that are too short are another issue, but you will not have that problem with 45 Colt.