Product Spotlight: The 38-55 Henry

Shooting the Henry Big Boy in 38-55 Winchester

In this range session, Steve and Caleb from Brownells take the Henry Big Boy chambered in 38-55 Winchester out for some live-fire testing. This lever-action rifle pairs classic styling with a legendary cartridge that dates back over 100 years. Whether you're into vintage calibers, lever-action rifles, or modern interpretations of historical guns, this deep dive is for you.

Introduction and Henry Big Boy Overview

Steve and Caleb kick things off at the Brownells range, despite some heavy Iowa wind. The spotlight today is the Henry Model H024 — a Big Boy rifle chambered in 38-55 Winchester. Caleb calls it a cool rifle, mainly because of the caliber. The 38-55 is an old round, essentially a shorter version of a .375 Winchester with a blunt, heavy bullet.

What is 38-55 Winchester

This cartridge has been around for more than a century. It delivers big, heavy bullets at relatively slow velocities, making it ideal for moderate-range hunting and nostalgic shooting. Caleb and Steve compare it to a .30-30 in terms of feel, but with a bit more weight and punch — especially for those who appreciate vintage ammo.

Reloading Details and Ammo Prep

There was no commercial ammo on hand, so Steve handloaded some using Starline brass, cast bullets, powder, and primers. The bullets are powder coated, which may not please purists, but Caleb notes it helps keep cleanup easier — and no one wants to scrub out lead fouling after every session.

Model H024 Features and Finish

The Henry H024 comes with a polished brass receiver and beautiful stock work. It’s one of Henry’s newer production models but still keeps that classic lever-gun look and feel. The fit and finish are high-quality, and it offers that iconic lever-action silhouette paired with a cartridge that is a true throwback.

Range Time Begins

With everything loaded up and ready, they start ringing steel. Caleb takes the first shots and immediately comments on how smooth the action feels. Even with the wind, the 38-55 rounds are pushing cleanly downrange.

100 Yard Accuracy

Shooting from a rest, the team starts at 100 yards. Despite the heavy wind, Caleb places his rounds near the bullseye, with solid groups for such a classic cartridge. The rifle handles nicely, and the load proves effective.

Stretching to 200 Yards

They decide to push things further and go for 200 yards. Visibility becomes a challenge, and the small front sight starts to cover more of the target at that distance. Even so, both shooters are able to get rounds on or near the steel plate.

Wind Challenges and Target Visibility

With strong winds and limited visibility on the unpainted targets, hitting steel at 200 yards is no small feat. Caleb comments on watching dirt splash around the plate, meaning shots are just barely missing. The sight picture at that distance makes precision tricky, especially with traditional irons.

Final Shots at 200

Despite the conditions, Caleb keeps pushing, narrowly missing before finally landing a direct center hit. Both shooters are impressed that the round stayed stable and consistent all the way out to 200 yards, even in the wind.

Steve Takes Over

Steve takes his turn behind the Henry 38-55 and immediately notices the aggressive checkering on the stock. While Caleb wore gloves and a heavy coat, Steve’s gear gave him a bit more feedback from the rifle’s texture — a small consideration for those planning to shoot it bare-handed.

Zeroing and Adjustments

After a few rounds, Steve dials in his hold and uses paper to verify point of impact. He and Caleb work together to determine that holding slightly right gives them the most consistent hits at 100 yards, allowing for wind drift and the rifle’s mechanical offset.

Bullseye Hit and Wrap Up

Steve lands a solid hit dead center, confirming that the rifle and load are performing reliably. Both shooters agree the 38-55 is a pleasure to shoot. Its heavy bullet delivers satisfying recoil without being harsh, making it a great choice for hunters or fans of older cartridges.

Final Thoughts on Performance

The rifle feels like a modern 30-30 in terms of handling and recoil, but with a little more historical flair. The heavy, slow-moving bullet makes it ideal for deer-sized game, and it meets most straight-wall cartridge regulations for states that require them. The performance is impressive, especially considering the round’s age.

Velocity and Bullet Weight Discussion

The bullet Steve and Caleb are using weighs 275 grains, a massive projectile by modern standards. But with the 38-55’s moderate velocity, it feels manageable. The pair note that the round feels like it bridges the gap between nostalgia and functionality — a heavy hitter without the punishing recoil of something like a .45-70.

Hunting Use and Historical Significance

This rifle would make an excellent deer gun for those looking for something a little different. The 38-55 has real hunting credibility and has been putting meat on the table for generations. Its soft recoil and large diameter bullet make it very effective at typical hunting ranges.

Comparison to 30-30

Caleb mentions that the 30-30 is arguably the most common deer cartridge in American history, and the 38-55 feels very similar in the field. It’s easy to shoot, hits hard, and comes with that vintage-cool factor that sets it apart from more modern cartridges.

Conclusion and Viewer Comments

As the session wraps up, Steve and Caleb reflect on how fun the Henry Big Boy 38-55 is to shoot. It's a fantastic throwback to early American cartridges while still being functional and enjoyable on the modern range. They encourage viewers to share their own experiences with this cartridge or platform in the comments.