.243 & .45/70- A rifle for anything

[graheim]

After reading many posts and examining the NEF line pretty thoroughly, I think I've come up with the ideal NEF rifle & extra barrel for the kind of hunting I do.

I live in MA but hunt in Western PA (family farms owned by cousins and uncles).  Right now I'm only hunting deer, but I'd like the option to hunt varmits (groundhogs mostly) if I'm ever there in the summer.  The deer hunting is in fields & woods. The brush isn't usually too dense because if you're hunting in the woods it's typically from a stand looking into a relatively clear patch.  Most deer are taken at under 30 yards but 150-200 yard shots are possible.  Finally, I'd like to take advantage of living in the Northeast and hunt the really big stuff at some point:  moose & bear.  Maine's only a hour away from my front door, afterall.

So here's the rifle:
-Stage 1- Purchase Ultra Hunter in .243.  Personally, I think this is one of the best looking NEF rifles and .243 works for groundhog through deer.

-Stage 2- Send it in for a .45/70 barrel.  That works for anything in Maine and areas where the brush is thick in PA.

I'd love to hear your opinions.  Anybody have a reason why this wouldn't work? Bad experiences with NEF rifles in either of those calibers, Bad experiences with the Ultra Hunter etc.

Thanks

[Mac11700]

Sounds good to me...since these are 2 great calibers in a Handi...except I would add a 280 rem barrel to it...for some longer range punch if the need would arise in your hunting areas

Mac

[graheim]

...except I would add a 280 rem barrel to it...

Thanks, Mac.  Can you put any number of barrels on one receiver?

Do you have to send it in to the factory each time?

[quickdtoo]

I'll answer that for Mac, since he's at work now. As I recollect, one member here sent a frame in for over a dozen barrels at one time, so yes they'll fit as many barrels as you want to order as long as your frame fits their critera. They charge $10 shipping per order and $15 fitting fee per barrel.  And yes, factory fitted barrels require shipping the frame and stock to them, they won't fit used barrels that we buy and send in, used barrels must be fitted yourself or by a gunsmith.

Tim

http://hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

[PartsMan]

 :(Only one barrel at a time.

I know other people are thinking it to so I'll say it.
why not somthing faster.
say 30-06, 308,280,270 to go with 223.
This would get your range on out there a little.

[graheim]

I like the range of bullets available for the .243.  Not many calibers go from 55 gr. to 100 gr.  And the range would be 200+ for deer (farther for varmits) which is more distance than I'll ever need in PA or New England.

If I ever hunt out where the ground is flat, I'll get me a .280.

[MSP Ret]

graheim, I also live in the Peoples Rebublic of Mass and my wifes family is from Western PA and I have hunted there. I have a .280 and you DO need one!!! It would be a great PA deer rifle....<><....

[milkman]

Greheim
I have Handis in 243 and 45-70. I hunt in Arkansas at yardages that are similar to what you have there. Most shots are less than 50 yds, with the potential to more than 200 and I have never felt under or over gunned with either rifle.  The deer that I have shot with the 243 have died every bit as dead as those shot with any other cal., and I also use it to shoot prarie dogs at a relatives place in Utah. Those 58g hornadys scoot and the dogs just kinda explode!!!   The only thing that you can really be sure of is that if you carry the 243 you will have a deer in the brush at 30 yards and if you have the 45/70 you will see one at the far side of the field.  No matter what caliber you carry there are going to be shots that you have to pass up.    I like your choices, and I think you will too.

milkman

[Woodbutcher]

 I have a Handy in 45/70, and it suits me fine. No complaints from any deer I've shot with it. Down and done, on the spot. The new Hornady ammo is very impressive!
 The .243 interests me for a slightly less considered purpose. I've asked on this site about the .243 as a turkey rifle, for the fall season. The responses have been favorable. It reaches out, it stops them on the spot, and there is minimal meat damage. This is reported using factory deer loads.
 I have my heart set on the Ultralight version.
                                                                                 Woodbutcher

[myarmor]

Sounds like you have your setup figured out. Personally I agree a in between caliber would complement those 2 as well, like a 280, 270, or 30-06.
Hummm....then you got to think about a muzzleloader to hunt a wider season.....and of course everyone needs a shotty of some sort... Ok I'll stop now


-Aaron

[jritter]

Thats what my handi is.  Originally the bull barrel .243, and I purchased a 45/70 barrel.  Great combination.  Here is Missouri is the same kind of hunting, but both barrels I have are sighted in to be interchangeable in the field and I don't feel undergunned in any situation.  Before I leave the truck I screw on the best barrel for the area.

[FLNT4EVR]

Come on now. Every one needs a 30-30, it fits right in the middle.