FTF problems with a new Big Boy .357

[dharmabum]

Took our new rifle to the range.  Odd day.  I couldn't get a single round to feed.  Not one.  I shot Winchesters at first and as I was literally having to hand feed rounds, after 3 magazines of this I shifted to American Eagle.  BTW these were all .38 specials.  I wanted to try them first.  After a bad start the Eagles seemed to want to feed so I got off a half magazine of shots.  Got a nice group for my first time out and with stock sights.  I don't think my eyes will do me well anymore using peep sights so will probably go with the scope idea.
However this feed problem bothers me to the extent that I'm not sure of the solution.  I'll scrub it down good, including the available are inside the receiver,and lightly oil it and try again tomorrow.  I was jacking the rounds with, I think, sufficient force that they should have fed OK.  The gunsmith at the range tried some federal .38's and he said they seemed to feed OK for him so I'll try a box of those in.38 special tomorrow.
Anybody else have this issue with a new Big Boy?
(BTW, this in no way sours me on Henry Big Boy.  This baby and me are joined at the hip.)

[Swampman]

Rounded nosed flat point bullets will feed better.  SWC may not work.  In my experience, many .357 Magnum leverguns won't feed .38 Specials at all.

I shot lead round nosed bullets in my Rossi all the time but some say this is dangerous.

[mnh2obuff]

I have feeding issues with my Big Boy when I'm too deliberate in working the lever. It does fine when the action is briskly worked. I shoot mainly reloaded .357. I have not notice any difference when shooting .38's. It certainly is a fun gun to shoot and accurate to my ability. I'm using the open sights and only shooting at 50 yds.

[dharmabum]

Thanks to both of you for the input.  Went back to the range this am
after scrubbing and oiling the Big Boy.  This time about 50% of the rounds fed
so that is a step forward.  (American Eagle.38 specials)  I emailed Henry and got a very prompt reply
from a nice person who said I should send it to them for evaluation.  I hate to be without it for a week or two,
but the person I spoke to echoed my sentiments that this isn't representative of the Henry quality and name.
So I'll ship it back.  While it's gone I plan to start learning to do my own reloads so I can shoot all the
fine rifles and pistols and revolvers I own and not break the bank.
PS: I do jack the lever fairly hard when using the rifle.

[Swampman]

I'd try to find some .38/.357 158gr. Round Nose Flat Point  .358” dia. hard cast bullets.

[dks7895]

Henry's customer service is second to none.  I bet that Big Boy will work like a champ when you get it back.  I only shoot reloaded .357 Mag in my Marlin 1894C.  I'm using the following recipe with great results.

Hornady XTP 158gr HP
15gr of H110
CCI 550 primers
OAL of 1.58"

These loads are within published specs, but use at your own risk.

[GRAMPS 94]

I bought a Big Boy for two reasons. Its American made and their warranty is super. I too had problems, it jammed about every 3-5 shots. I tryed the type of ammo Henry suggested but it still jammed. I hated to send it back cause it was dead on accurate with a Skinner peep site. It went back twice at no cost to me. The last time they sent me new gun. This one hasn't jammed on anything Ive run thru it. I'm now working up a good handload for it. It may not be quit as accurate as the first one but still very good for a peep site at 100 yards. If yours jams or fails to feed, send it back and be patient and they will get you fixed up. Its a hoot to shoot.

[dharmabum]

I agree Gramps.  When It did chamber a round I was happy with the groups especially since I was grumpy about the FTF issues.  I do like henry and think they are a fine fine rifle.  One I'll be shooting for a long time.

[dharmabum]

Got my .357 Big Boy to the factory and they returned it quickly.  At the range today I shot .38 special American Eagles (same box I had trouble with before) and I still had FTF and this time I also had stove piping as well.  I could jack it quite hard and then attempt to fire and there was no round in the chamber.  Then I would turn it upside down and shake it until the round fell down, then point the barrel down and shake it until the round was chambering.  Then I'd close the lever and fire.  It shoots nice once I can get a  round in there.   I was shooting 30 yds indoors and without trying hard was getting 3-4 inch group.  I can see if I aimed carefully, watched breathing, trigger etc I'd get a tighter group.
I have a gunsmith friend who does cowboy action so I'm going to give it to him for this weekend shoot and see if he and/or his buddies have better luck.  If it works well for them then I'll know it's a user error so to speak and get some help re how to jack a round correctly.
HOORAY!!!  My gunsmith friend found the problem.  I now have a Henry Big Boy that feeds .38's or .357's like a champ.  Thank goodness.  I knew this was a good rifle so was really puzzled over the hassle, but it was a learning experience.  Off to the range for some fun.

[AEA]

Well, Good to hear you got it fixed.......

But......how about telling us exactly what your gunsmith did?

I just purchased this same rifle today and sat in my easy chair cycling 10 rounds of .38 special Winchester White Box FMJ with no problems at all. Hopefully mine will stay that way.

Please let us know what your problem turned out to be.

Thanks!