.243 Handi - Vertical Stringing

[garandsrus]

Hi,

I have been reading all the posts here for a while and have picked up a lot of information.  I have also read the Handi Basics and FAQ.  I bought a .243 Handi and have found that is strings the shots vertically.  I get about a 1" wide by 10" tall "group" at 100 yards.

I believe that everything is tight and that the scope is good as I have used it in the past.  I will try another scope on the next outing though.

I am handloading for the rifle and have tried several different bullet weights( 60gr through 90gr), powder weights, powders (H380, RE-15), etc, and the stringing still exists. 

The forearm does touch the barrel at the end towards the barrel which I knew could be part of the problem so I temporarily "floated" the fore end with some paper strips near the bolt.  It didn't help at all.  I haven't tried the rubber washer yet.  I also forgot to take the forearm off and try shooting it without the forearm when I was at the range today.

Other than removing the forearm while shooting and changing out the scope, any other suggestions?  Have you seen this problem before with Handi's?  If so, what was the cure?

The rifle now has about 100 rounds through it.  I have not had problems with copper fouling so I think the barrel is smooth.  I noticed that on the lock up log in the receiver that the wear is not even, it is more on one side than the other.

Thanks,
John

[quickdtoo]

Everything you need to know is in the FAQs, one thing or another has worked for hundreds of Handi owners before you, it's just up to you to find out what to do, shooting without the forend is the first step in finding out what the problem is, or just making sure the front rest is under the frame will make a big difference in how a break barrel shoots, making sure the latch and latch shelf are dry,  oil/solvent there is the number one cause of inaccuracy, check that too. Please see Golfnut's thread down the page, I hate to keep saying the same thing over and over again, if you know what I mean.

Tim

[garandsrus]

Tim,

Thanks for the reply...  I did check the FAQ's prior to this past range session and they contain some great ideas. 

I did make sure that the latch and latch shelf were dry.  I wouldn't have thought that it mattered at all, but as you say, we can learn from folks that have been down the same road before us.

I'll report back what I find out after swapping out the scope and shooting it again without the forend.

I will check out Golfnut's thread, but I have probably already read it...

John

[snuffer#1]

I've had some old timers tell me that if you have the vertical stringin' you are using the wrong powder. I personally don't know if it's true, but I usually listen to them.

[super mario]

can you explain how the shelf having oil on it affects the accuracy, not doubting you just trying to vision it.

[quickdtoo]

Real simple, it's designed to be a friction fit, oil defeats the friction.

Tim

[Fred M]

Tim is right oil will let the latch slide, ten inch vertical stringing represents
0.010" movement in the breech. A poor fitting latch, a weak latch spring and a gap in the standing breeck will let the latch slide on the latch shelve.

Wrong powder may cause some vertical stringing but not 10" may be 1/4".

[greg916]

Last fall I bought a 25-06 that had bad vertical stringing. Turned out to be a problem with the springs, or transfer bar that caused erratic ignition. The barrel shot fine when I switched frames. Might be something to check.

[garandsrus]

I also have a 38-55 Target model that shoots well so I will see if the .243 barrel fit's it.  I hadn't though of that until earlier this morning!  It's nice to be able to mix and match...

John