Author Topic: First range trip with new Maxi (Read 1080 times)

tc scout · « **on:** February 16, 2012, 09:59:22 AM »

Just got back from my first range trip with the new Maxi that I bought from dave29. I am impressed to say the least.
Dave did an excellent job on the chamber.
My first shots( after sight in) were with loads I had been shooting in my contender. All shots today were at 50 YDS, just wanted to sight the scope in a little and start breaking the barrel in.
My last 3 shots were the best of the day. Just a load I picked for no particular reason, but looks like a good starting point.
Very glad I decided to try a Handi.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2012, 10:17:24 AM »

That first target isn't a bad starting point I guess, but get back with us when you can make a smaller hole

dave29 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2012, 10:44:29 AM »

If I knew it was gonna shoot like that, I wouldn't have sold it.

Just kidding! Nice shooting bud!

dave29 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2012, 10:46:10 AM »

By the way, did you happen to Chrony that 21.5 grain load?

tc scout · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:06:06 AM »

Quote from: dave29 on February 16, 2012, 10:46:10 AM

By the way, did you happen to Chrony that 21.5 grain load?

No I didn't Dave, don't have one. Next thing on my list.
Ballpark 1800 out of a 14" Contender in TC loadbooks.

Just threw a cheap scope on it to see how it shoots, now that I know its a shooter, going to get a better scope for it.

dave29 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:20:47 AM »

I don't have a chrony either. That's the next thing on my list!

LedLobber · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:48:16 AM »

Quote from: bigvarmnt on February 16, 2012, 10:17:24 AM

That first target isn't a bad starting point I guess, but get back with us when you can make a smaller hole

LOL!

I am Jealous!

Deerhunter#1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2012, 12:06:16 PM »

Great shooting. That first load is great.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2012, 01:04:20 PM »

I'm jealous too, I shot my 444 today and, Well you don't see me posting a target

tc scout · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2012, 01:38:04 PM »

Needless to say I am very pleased with my Handi.
Just need for Michigan to pass the law allowing pistol caliber rifles in the southern zone
so I can use it for deer hunting.
That passes and my contender 357 Maxi barrel will probably be history and get me a better scope
for the Handi.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:04:08 PM »

Looks like you got it shooting neal nicely!!

Enjoy,
CW

mechanic · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:52:20 PM »

Looks like some load workup is needed. No need to be satisfied with sub moa......

you might get one hole! Good shooting and congrats on a great caliber.

Ben

tc scout · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2012, 03:02:15 PM »

Quote from: mechanic on February 16, 2012, 02:52:20 PM

Looks like some load workup is needed. No need to be satisfied with sub moa...... you might get one hole! Good shooting and congrats on a great caliber.

Ben

Just took a stab at a book load, will have to work from there. 18.5 grs was the best my contender would do.
Figured I would start above that, lucky guess .

On a side note: Hey, ALL you guys have been great, makes me feel real welcome to the Handi crowd.

thejanitor · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2012, 02:01:26 AM »

Don't forget to ask the Maxi guys about the secret hand shake

( it was a rumor once that they had a secret hand shake.) And as excited as they get, I kind of believe it. I want one.
thejanitor

Deerhunter#1 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2012, 02:41:12 AM »

After looking at that first load again. you were at 21.5. Hornady if correct lists 21 as the max load. did you have any signs of pressure. I am looking at using the same bullet but with w296 which hodgan has told me is the same.

OSOK · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2012, 04:01:24 AM »

I don't see what powder you were using, I suspect H110. I shoot 21.0 gr. of H110 out of my Maxi Trapper behind the Hornady 180 gr. SSP, and I am getting 1885 fps.
I am trying to find some load info for the Hornady 140 gr. FTX in the Maxi, no luck so far. I'd really like to get a good load for that bullet to use as a long range (relative) varmint load in the Maxi. I am envisioning an Armadillo going "POOF!" at 150-175 yards...

OSOK · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2012, 04:05:08 AM »

OK, my bad, I see your load info on the target now.
Would one of the long time Handiholics with Maxi fever please tell me, is focusing on groups size and speed reading text a symptom or side effect of the disease?

tc scout · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2012, 07:26:31 AM »

Quote from: Deerhunter#1 on February 17, 2012, 02:41:12 AM

After looking at that first load again. you were at 21.5. Hornady if correct lists 21 as the max load. did you have any signs of pressure. I am looking at using the same bullet but with w296 which hodgan has told me is the same.

Primers slightly flattened is all. That load is listed in TC Loadbooks for contenders, Volume 2, Sixth edition.
Sierra lists 21.5 as max for 180 Gr. bullet , Lyman actually goes to 21.7 for 180 Gr. bullet.
I don't intend to test past 21.5 Grs.

I am hoping that once the barrel is broken in and I get a quality scope on it, this or slightly lower will be the "magic load".

mechanic · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2012, 10:10:34 AM »

I'm shooting the same bullet with 19gr. even and a crimp on the bullet...great accuracy.

Ben

burntmuch · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2012, 10:49:53 AM »

Quote from: tc scout on February 16, 2012, 01:38:04 PM

Needless to say I am very pleased with my Handi.
Just need for Michigan to pass the law allowing pistol caliber rifles in the southern zone
so I can use it for deer hunting.
That passes and my contender 357 Maxi barrel will probably be history and get me a better scope
for the Handi.

Same here. If Michigan passes that law I wont have to spend big buck on them sabot slugs, Cause I love my 17 inch max handi

cwlongshot · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2012, 02:25:16 AM »

Just yesterday I discovered my own 17" handi maxi Ioves 170g bullets and H110 powder!! It was cloverleafing it's shots at 50 yards.
My bullet is seated long, is 10g lighter and about 3/16" out past canalure W/no crimp. I'm using 22g Of powder.

CW

tc scout · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2012, 03:08:45 AM »

Quote from: cwlongshot on February 18, 2012, 02:25:16 AM

Just yesterday I discovered my own 17" handi maxi Ioves 170g bullets and H110 powder!! It was cloverleafing it's shots at 50 yards.
My bullet is seated long, is 10g lighter and about 3/16" out past canalure W/no crimp. I'm using 22g Of powder.

CW

After reading some on the pressures of the max, I am wondering about the ability of the SB-1 to hold up with 21.5 grs of H110 behind a 180 Gr bullet.

Whats your take on this CW ?

cwlongshot · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:08:08 AM »

My first maxi was a 258 frame. It was made before there was a SB1 or SB2 receiver...
I have shot a pile of near max AA1680 loads with a 180g bullet. No problems at all. Currently, have both my maxi's on SB2 frames

I cannot comment on that loading. Until now AA1680 powder has given best accuracy.

CW

EDIT:
BUT what I will say is any factory loading will be with in SAMMI specs and there for is perfectly safe on a SB1 frame.

revbc · « **Reply #23 on:** February 18, 2012, 09:27:29 AM »

Had a maxie on an SB1, shot max loads of 1680 all the time, with no problems.

dave29 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 18, 2012, 09:45:02 AM »

Quote from: revbc on February 18, 2012, 09:27:29 AM

Had a maxie on an SB1, shot max loads of 1680 all the time, with no problems.

Same here. I have H110, but haven't tried it in my Maxi because the 1680 shoots so good.

tc scout · « **Reply #25 on:** February 18, 2012, 05:40:12 PM »

With contenders being rechambered to 357 Max and factory 357 max barrels for contender frames, I guess my thinking was a rifle should certainly be able to handle anything a contender can.
Being new to the Handi rifles, I never gave it any thought that a SB-1 frame could be borderline for the 357 Max.
Certainly likes 21.5 grs of H110 with the XTP, would hate to not be able to use it safely.
Don't ya just love a newby Handi user with all their questions and concerns .

tacklebury · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2012, 05:49:28 PM »

Quote from: tc scout on February 18, 2012, 05:40:12 PM

With contenders being rechambered to 357 Max and factory 357 max barrels for contender frames, I guess my thinking was a rifle should certainly be able to handle anything a contender can.
Being new to the Handi rifles, I never gave it any thought that a SB-1 frame could be borderline for the 357 Max.
Certainly likes 21.5 grs of H110 with the XTP, would hate to not be able to use it safely.
Don't ya just love a newby Handi user with all their questions and concerns .

I know one thing, I shot .357 Maximum out of a Contender once. I'll never do it again. Had a broken knuckle at the end of the session. I HATE that little pointy crap TC puts on the bottom of their trigger guard. It's worse than the Flattened dragoon style trigger guard on the Super Blackhawks!