New member here, have a few questions

[jon_7687]

HI, I recently bought a superlite handi rifle in .223. I have some concerns about the accuracy of the rifle. Its all over the page. I've shot about 40 rounds so far, cleaning every 5 or so shots so it will break in correctly. It seems like I get close to zero, it will shoot 2 or 3 shots in a nice group about an inch or 2 off, then out of nowhere the shots start flying off anywhere on the paper. Yesterday it was shooting about 1 1/2 low and left of center, then I took about 3 min to post up a new target and shot another 5 shots. None of the 5 shots ever hit the 6in center of the target. It would hit all around the center, in no predictable location. There has been up to an 8 inch spread between shots at times.

I've read the FAQ and some other posts, and will try those tips tomorrow. I've also tried changing scopes, remounting the base/rings, tried 4 different brands of ammo (all 55gr, will try lighter and heavier rounds tomorrow) all with the same results. I didn't think it was me, but I had a friend shoot the rifle just to be sure. It did the same thing for him.

What I would like to know is, is that spread the normal for the rifles that need some tweaking before they shoot correctly. I've had some guns that wouldn't hold decent groups without some work, but I've never had one with a spread like this. My friend has a bull barrell .223 handi rifle that will shoot 1/4in groups at 100yds straight from the factory. I'd appreciate any insight that someone can give.

Jon

[quickdtoo]

Welcome jon!! Some barrels take a bit more break in than others, my .223 Ultra Varmint didn't tighten up until I had about 80 round down range and that was after I polished the bore, some will take 200 rounds to settle down, but that would be an extreme. If you're still cleaning after a few shots, quit that, 99.9% of H&Rs shoot best fouled. If you can't get it to shoot good after trying the accurizing tips in the FAQs, give H&R a chance to fix it, they'll do right by you, they always do.

Tim

[jon_7687]

Thanks for the tips.  I'm going to academy tomorrow, so ill buy up about 100 rounds. I'm hoping its something simple like the forend or just needs to be shot. I dont want to have to send the rifle off since I was planning on using it this weekend, but I have always heard good things about the customer service at H&R.

I dont know much about these rifles. If it is the forend, will a simple swap fix the problem or is it more involved than that?

[quickdtoo]

The synthetic forend isn't as easy to work with as a wood forend, but you can still modify it to get where you want, see the FAQs info on it. The Superlight is the most finicky of H&R barrel contours, the 223 isn't as bad as the 243, but the barrel still heats faster than a standard contour, so it's imperative that you don't shoot too many rounds too quickly, keep the barrel cool and it should work fine for ya. As stated in the FAQs, shoot it without the forend, with the front rest under the frame which always works best for any break barrel rifle.

Some of the factory ammo that has a good reputation is the Winchester Whitebox 45gr JHP which is likely impossible to find now, Ultramax 40gr Nosler BT, Black Hills 52gr Match HP. I've shot all of these in mine, they all shoot very well, with the Winchester being the best, but I wouldn't count on finding any of it.

Tim

[95Road King]

 What rate of twist does that bbl. have. 1in9, heavy bullet's. i in 12 , light bullet's. This is usually the rule of thumb but i've seen differant. Reason I ask is I'm about to send my  Super-lite in for a .223 bbl. Would like a 1 in 12 if available.

[quickdtoo]

The only 1:12" twist 223 barrel that might still be available is the Superlight 223, all other barrels are only available in 1:9", if they used all the 1:12" Superlights that they had in stock in July when I last checked, there won't be any more, Marlin is only making 1:9" twist .223 barrels now.

Tim

[McLernon]

I have to believe that the bullets are shooting 'slick' if they are shooting an 8 inch pattern. Initially you should do better with lighter(and shorter) bullets like soft points that stabilize easier. The other thing to check is lock-up.

These rifles can be finicky especially when new but I am convinced that most can be made to shoot 1 MOA. Read the FAQ's and go from there.

Don't get discouraged!

Best Wishes for success.

Mc

[henry1]

I have had my superlight in .223 for bout 5 or 6 years now and when i first tried to punch paper with it it did the same thing. I had bought a bunch of wolf ammo for it cause i didnt know better at the time, but it took about 80 rounds for mine to finaly shoot well enough to start hitting prarrie dogs. now it can do .5" groups at 100. I also used a plastic washer/spacer on the forend. and even shaved it down a bit where the barrel rests in it. Its a good shooter and i wouldnt trade it for anything.

[jon_7687]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Now I know its not just my rifle, and other people have been able to fix this problem. I'm off to academy to get some ammo, and mabey another gun...... I just never know what im going to come out with when i go there  I'm going to buy some heavy and lighter ammo to get a feel for what the gun likes. If the weather holds up I'll have a range report later this afternoon.