doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Alex Henry 450 relined to 405 WCF

Im considering an Alex Henry single shot that was originally chambered to 450 BPE relined to 405 WCF. I know that the barrel has only only about 1/2" of threads into the action. Can this gun be used with full power 405 loads or must it be reduced for safety? This gun has a hammer on the left side and long range rear sight, so it may be originally been sold to Africa or Australia. It is not engraved and shows lots of use but is mechanically solid.

That doesn't sound safe at ANY speed. I must be misunderstanding something but it sure sounds like there is nothing to support the back of the cartridge case.

Sounds like a rifle that might be worthy of restoration with a new barrel and or maybe an artful re-relining of the original bore by someone that knows what he is doing.

Being that you are in Tennessee, there is a very knowledgeable Alex Henry collector/shooter in Lenoir City. If you are in the area you might want to get together with him. I can PM you a contact email for him if you wish.

Vol423,
What is the problem, is the original barrel threaded 1/2" into the action, or is the rear of the liner(405WCF) threaded 1/2" into the original 450BPE barrel. Was the liner installed in the US or the UK. If UK, it should show proof marks for 405WCF.I would resist installing either a new barrel or new liner, unless I knew for a fact that the current liner is dangerous. Even if you don't want to use full power loads, this should make a great cast bullet rifle.
Mike

I have an Alex Henry with a left hand hammer, long range sights, etc. I think they were made 1869-1872. AH subcontracted the manufacture to at least two different firms. .450 BPE cases fit and eject and work fine after fire forming, but the chamber & bore are something else. I have shot mine about 100 times with 85 grains FFg and a 480 grain MH bullet.

It's a nice design and a fun rifle, but I would have my doubts about any modern load. Stick with BP & lead bullets. Call it a 40-70 Sharps Straight.

Okay,went down and checked my bunch of Alex Henrys, ....the OP means that there is only 1/2" of receiver to hold the barrel, that's it. But I've been shooting all of them in various .450's, one in 45-90, and a couple in 450/400, ...full loads and no trouble. I'd suggest just having the rifle checked out by someone that knows them and if approved, go shoot it, they are strong!!

Arctic has it right. The rifle was originally a two band musket sold to New South Wales. Later sporterized and then relined to 405. I have a Highwall in 40-70 Sharps Straight so I probably have most components.

I looked at the gun and decided to pass. It was a little rough and would need to be restocked to suit me. I don't need another project.

Probably a good move. Don't know about anyone else, but very hesitant to reline a barrel for any cartridge over 30,000 PSI.
Chuck