Finally shot my new Handi today, some thoughts...

[BoneDigger]

Nearly 6 months ago i purchased a new Handi in 7mm-08.  Well, I finally got a chance to shoot it and I was very pleased with it.  I don't have it totally sighted in yet, but I hope for good things to come.

Now, a question.  After only four shots a casing got jammed in the barrel and would not extract.  I did not have a cleaning rod to get the casing out, so my afternoon at the range was over.  It seems I read somewhere how you are supposed to buff the receiver, but I con't find it.  Anyone have a link?

Why do these guns do this and why doesn't H&R fix the problem if it is so prevalent?

Todd

[quickdtoo]

Cleaning and polishing the bore and chamber should be SOP after buying a new Handi before shooting it. Use flitz or JB bore compound on a bore mop or tight fitting patch on a jag and lap the bore 30-50 full strokes to smooth the bore. Reapply the flitz or JB every few strokes. Use a chamber size bore mop with a patch wrapped around if you have to on the tip section of a cleaning rod chucked in a drill to polish the chamber for a couple minutes. Also, make sure the chamber is free of any oil or solvent before shooting, even after polishing the chamber, or you can count on a failure to eject.

H&R is aware of the problem with FTE, and is switching over to extractors that will insure no stuck brass.

Tim

[McLernon]

Hello Bonedigger:

A 7mm08 will probably become my second Handi so I'll be watching with interest any range reports you post. Could you fill in some details on your new rifle. Handi or Ultra, length and dia of barrel etc. Felt recoil, bullet weight and any other stuff that will guide my next rifle purchase. Thanks

McL

[BoneDigger]

Well, I haven't had a chance to shoot it very much as I noted above, but it FEELS like it'll be a good one.  It is the basic handi-rifle in 7mm-08, not the ultra.  The recoil was very manageable and to me actually flet very light.  I have had guns chambered for 7mm Mag and for .270 and this kicked MUCH, MUCH less than they did.  I am very pleased with the purchase, IF I can solve the sticking propblem with the casings.  I'll try the recommendations above and see if they help.  I'll post more once I get the gun actually shot in.  The bullets I was using were Remington Core Lokt in 140 grains.  I have heard bad reviews of these (after I bought them) so I also have a box of Winchester bullets.  I'll use the Remington to sight the gun in and then resight it with the Winchester and use them throughout the season.  The trigger pull was excellent, right out of the box.  I'm not sure what it's set at, but it is very light (maybe 3 lbs or so?).

I'll post more once I have it shot in.  Feel free to e-mail me at tylercyclist@yahoo.com if you want more information about the gun.

Todd

[kufford]

The Core-Locts aren't a bad bullet by any means. Like it says on the box, they've probably killed more game than any other bullet out there. I've shot everyone of my deer with 165 grain core-locts, and while I'm currently working up a Nosler Partition load, I'll defend the core-locts reputation until I'm blue in the face.

[poncaguy]

Which JB product do you all use? they have 3 or 4 listed? Thanks!

[quickdtoo]

JB Non-embedding bore compound

https://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1160&title=J-B~+NON-EMBEDDING+BORE+CLEANING+COMPOUND

Flitz, Simichrome, Maas or any fine metal polish will work, also. I've used the JB, Flitz, Maas and USP paste, all work the same as far as I can tell.

Tim

[poncaguy]

Thanks, quickdtoo