handi 303?

[mt3030]

Mac:

I had a SB2 30-30 rechambered to 30-40 and later to 30-40AI. Long ago I decided the 165 gr Sierra was going to be my go-to bullet for the Krag, so worked with it and several slow powders. When I got to 51.5 of IMR 4831 I started getting stuck cases, but no other pressure signs. Obviously if I want to hot rod the AI it will need to be in a stronger action with better extraction. Would one of the newer 30-30s with the new extractor work better? I don't know. I'll leave that to another, because if I do another 30-40AI it will be in a Ruger #3. Still have and love my Handi 30-40, this one rechambered from a early SB2 with cut riflings. My favorite load is still the 165 Sierra, over 48 gr of I-4831, win or rem case, CCI 200 primer.

The above mentioned AI was traded a couple years ago. It fireformed factory loads just fine, and reloaded with dies marked 30-40 Krag AI. I have also had other Toppers and Handis rechambered to 30-40. All shot into 1.5 inch, several under one inch, when shooting factory loads or factory equivalent reloads. The 30-40 is an excellant game getter as designed. I think the low operating pressure of this round makes it a very good caliber for the Handi, just like the 30-30 Winchester.

[silver surfer]

Hi All,
  Its been a long while since I've been able to get back to the forum, but this is one of my favorite topics.  The .303 is one of those special calibers that legends are made from.  30-30, 45-70, 7x57, and 30-06 just to name a few.  I have a 1950 Canadian Long Branch Mk 4 that I absolutely adore.  I would'nt trade that rifle for anything, but if my eldest son is reading this; Boy you had better give my rifle back or your little brother is getting ALL the inheritance!
  Back to the subject.  I think that H&R should chamber this classic!  Everyone of those guns that I have shot has shot very well without the equivalent recoil of the 30-06, 308, or .270.  I am aware that ballisticly this round is less powerful than the American standards, but of all the deer, wild boar, and predators that have been shot with my rifle not a single one has needed to be shot a second time. 24 of 27 animals have hit the ground where stood none have run more than 25 yards.  I know this is'nt proof positve of the rounds effectivness but I am very confident in the caliber.
  Another great benefit of this caliber is the lack of felt recoil vice power produced.  Neighther of my sons are large boys but both will shoot the .303 over their own guns.  Nothing other than a scope has been added and I hunt with a maximum load of AA2520 under a 180 Speer round nose in .311.  these are chronied at 2545 fps consistant.  All I know is that caliber/combination works without shaking out your fillings.
  I for one would be a life long customer if H&R would make a 25" version of this old reliable classic.
  Have a safe and blessed hunting season.

[HillBillyFarmer]

The industry definitely has some certain trends set in motion. In the last few years there's been a huge trend towards magnum rifles and the incrediable ballistic numbers that they achieve. On the other hand there is also a trend that resists the magnum rifle trend and not only have they stuck with or went back to their good old dependable standard cartridges, they've jumped back in time and favored calibers that haven't been seen in mass production in 50 years or more. Whether it be a 303, 30-40, or some other great old caliber I think H&R should pick up on this. I think they could really fill a niche in market that no one seems to be addressing. Does anyone else feel this way?

[Datil]

 HillbillyFarmer Welcome among the die hards, I agree with your statement
 about The old tried & proven cartiages.  In fact I had a 25-35 bored & canbered from 223.
  My ,02 Marv.

[silver surfer]

  This is a subject that I think deserves some discussion.
  I have been in the military for 20 years now.  I work with most of the weapons in todays arsonel and to be honest when I'm at home or in the woods a magazine fed black plastic rapid firer is not what I want to be carrying.  (To much like work!   The single shot rifle or a good double barrel is my idea of a good day off.  Bigger, Better, fasTER, MORE is just getting played out with me.  Hunting with a weapon that would scare the devil out of Teddy Roosevelt just takes the sport out of hunting for me.  I am fully aware that this is my opinion and I stand behind it.  That is not to start an argument, my point is I prefer to test myself, not modern technology. 
  Every single time I have brought out one my "antiques" at the range, or hunting with others, to a person everybody has shown interest.  From the .270 SB2 of my sons to the "ancient" .303 to my new found hobby the BC 45-70 every one has shown real interest.  I think more and more people are turning back to "the good old days".  The new guns are works of art, but they dont have character like the older models. IMHO.  A classic design with a wood stock just has "class".
  If H&R were to offer more older calibers I think people would by them.  I really like the .303 its got tons of history and it shots well.  30-40, 7x57, and 405 have tons of history too.  If you read about the golden days of hunting these are the calibers the greats got the job done with.  From what the more experienced guys have posted on here it sounds like these would be great rounds to chamber in a handi in.  If as HillBillyFarmer said H&R want to "fill a niche" now would be a good time to start fillin'
  Have a safe and blessed hunting season.

[Fred M]

silver surfer.
H&R is not out to fill a niche, they are in business to make a profit and pay dividends to its shareholders.
A 303 or some other oldies would not sell well. They very reluctantly made the 35 Whelen, which was a surprise. How long this caliber will stay in production is a matter of conjecture. As it is chambers and ammo are not very compatible.

303 ammo varies so greatly in dimensions it would really open a can of worms. I know I fired enough of the stuff. A rim thickness of 8 thou variation were nothing unusual. A Handi will misfire with less head space.

There are a few people that would buy a 303 or a 30-40 or a 25-35. Most of the younger generation don’t even know this caliber let alone buy one. As it is they already produce more calibers than what really sells well.

Another point of note is that in the general hunting circles the H&R Handi’s have a bad name because of the poor quality control.  Adding odd ball obsolete calibers to their present line is not going to change that general opinion until they pull up their socks and produce better quality.

Now I suppose that is not what you want to hear, but the 303 and others are dead issues in a factory chamberings.

[HillBillyFarmer]

Sadly enough Fred it right. When it comes down to money and profits it's not going to happen. Despite what the rest of the younger generation is doing this youngster (I'm 26 yrs old) is still hunting full time with his handi and will always favor the great old calibers over the new magnums any day of the week. Just my opinion, nothing against the new calibers, they just don't do it for me.

[silver surfer]

Fred M,
  I understand that money does the talking in the corparate world but a fella can dream cant he?   A few months ago I ordered a set of squire stocks for both of the handi's at the house.  The customer service reps that I talked to were the most helpful people I've done buisness with in a long time.  I had a long talk with a young gentlemen and he asked what types I had and how I liked them, if i had ideas for improvement etc.  Not a topic I expected to have with a gun manufacturer, could have been personal curiosity, he sounded genuine. 
  Part of my reason for this pipe dream is because of recent changes in Mississippi's primitive hunting regulations.  In a nutshell if a single shot weapon was designed and manufactured before 1900 it is now legal to use for primitive only hunting season.  Try and find an H&R 1871 after July in MS, LA, or AL and you are in for a long search.  They are selling off the shelves!  It took my wife three months to find my BC and that was just super good luck.  I dont know if other states allow these as "primitive firearms" but in the case of Ol' Miss they are the #1 seller in the state. A quality firearm at an affordable price helps also.  A limited production of some of the old classics might sell very well there. 
  Read your post on "No handi for deer" sorry about the .257 but congrats on a great trip and a happy birthday.

[Fred M]

silver surfer and Hill billy Farmer.
Thanks for the Birthday wishes.

I whole heartedly aggree with using primitive weapons for hunting. Or any caliber that you like large or small. I never got into BP shooting. I have nothing against the 303 I shot thousands of rounds with them.

I am not knocking older calibers I use one myself the 257 R. in a Handi,  Also I have no illusions H&R will ever produce any one of them. The 25-06 is established and will outperform the 257R. Same goes for the 7x57, the 7mm-08 and the 280Rem will take precedence.

You may ask why H&R has choosen the 243 instead of the better suited 6mmRem for the Handi? The 243 outsells the 6mm Rem hands down. Who still makes a 6mmRem?

If anybody wants an odd ball caliber, a Handi can be reworked to most anything if you are willing to spend the money. So the option for your anteque rifle is there.

Yes you can dream, I do a lot of that myself. I also dream of a good quality Handi, for lack of that I turn to other single shot rifles that give no trouble.

[T2133]

Hello

In my earlier post I mentioned problems priming Winchester 7.62 X 54R Brass. My friend does not have problems priming his so I followed his advice and started using a small slotted screw driver to clean out the pockets more completely. I also turned a primer crimp remover inside a couple to see how well it worked but I doubt it is necessary. I am now firing reloads in the NEF with a bountiful supply of brass from the range.