Copper mine and modest calibers

[Muddly]

Bought a Handi at Cabelas the other day. They were clearancing them out for $200 so I couldn't pass one up. All they had were 243's( not my first choice, never had much luck with that round...) and when I got it home and cleaned it I noticed the tops of the lands kinda looked like a file.Firing proved that file like finishes can result in EXTREME copper fouling andd generally poor accuracy. The buttstock was also a trifle loose and tightening it up brought improvement. I've used quite a bit of JB trying to lessen her appetite for copper... Anyway, I'm planning on more barrels. I've had several Handi's and my 1990's production with a 30-30, 45-70  and rifled 20 ga were all extremely accurate and didn't mind alittle shelf latch oil.I even had NEF fit their steel guard and spacer...Wish i stilll had that rifle... Anyway, I'm thinking about a 22 Hornet, 30-30 .35 Remington ( if available) and maybe a 45-70 tube.I was wondering if the more modest pressured calibers deliver more accuracy and are easier to get fine accuracy from than the more intense caliber such as th 243, 7-08 25-06 270 etc. Any opinions? Might stub that 243 into something alittle different. .303 British maybe...

[Jimbo47]

I would shoot it and see what the verdict is then!
 
Just might be a shooter, you never know, and it sounds like you had a perfect candidate for some polishing compound and elbow grease.
 
Personally I'm not a fan of polishing, and like to shoot my barrels in, but if it's as you describe I would probably even made an exception.
 
I like the .303 idea also.

[cwlongshot]

Mornin Muddy,
 You have named most all of the handi favorite calibers... You missed a 22 Hornet and 357 Magnum. These combined with the  30-30 & 45-70 all generally shoot great. Some after a bit of tinkering. But in my experience not nearly as much tinkering as with any of the higher powered rimless rounds. Because of the rims and lower pressures, there is no "stuck case" problems. With less pressure and recoil there is less problems associated with the lockup and shelf.
 
I have a couple rimless chambered handis I do very much like. But the older I get the more I prefer the lower pressure chamberings in this platform. Its not a safety pressure thing as they are plenty safe with these chamberings. its simply they root form a older time. Where such pressures with unfathomable. I have taken one of my favorites and added a rim... making a 308 a 307. Then loading it just above rthe 30-30 and its responded with a delightfully accurate plenty powerful chambering.
 
As for your 243, take it out and shoot it!! You will know pretty quick what you have there.
 
Good luck,

 CW