I was doing exactly what you are doing a few years ago after I got a S&W model Pre-27. I researched a LOT and bought the Marlin. Henry is never but a cowboy gun needs to be loaded like a cowboy gun, though the side port not down the barrel. Winchester’s are nice too but I don’t like the top ejector. For whatever reason I can’t explain I have never been partial to the Rossi. It’s just me I am sure
I reload too and have worked up a single load for the pistol and rifle that works well. If you get full copper for the rifle it will knock down pigs just fine even though you will have to suffer through the “too light”, “your nuts” and other comments but let me assure you it works just fine.
The carbine is what i have because I stupidly passed up the chance to buy the 18” octagon barrel. If I found another one I would be hard pressed not to get it.
And you can do the Wild West guns loop lever which is nice.