30-06 Handi ?

[Saloon slug]

I have been thinking long and hard about a Handi in 30-06. I have been lurking around for awhile and like what I hear about the Handi's. I just wanted to know what the going opinions of the 30-06 model are. How is the recoil, normal accuracy and the like also what is the going price these days? Is it a heavy bbl or more like a sporter contour? How on average do they do with the 180 Barnes triple shock?

Thanks.

[tony212]

   I've had a .30-06 synthetic handi for about 3 years now, It shoots fairly well. Its a little on the heavy side, which makes recoil manageable, but it's not a light weight rifle by any means.  Mine has a Simmons 3x9x40 scope on it. I normally shoot 165 grain remington PSPCL bullets over IMR 4350 powder.  Last spring a had a .223 barrel fitted to it and have been using that more than the .30-06.  You really can't beat the versatility of one rifle covering those two chambering.  If you're looking for a single shot rifle and don't want one with a price that will send you to the poor house then the H&Rs are hard to beat.
Hope this helps;
Tony212

[EVOC ONE]

You may want to look here.   

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,136446.0.html

[MS Mule]

I had H&R fit my synthetic Handi with a 30/06 barrel thru thier accessory barrel program. Total cost to me was $127 including shipping and ins. Some of the best money I've ever spent on a firearm. I worked up some handloads for this rifle using 165 gr. Hornady interlocks. Shot a .31" CTC group with that combination. It wears a Nikon 3-9X40 Monarch using Burris Med. Zee rings. Took a nice eight point white-tail last month with it at 125 yards. One shot " boom flop". Deer didn't move a muscle.

[quickdtoo]

  ... but it's not a light weight rifle by any means.  Mine has a Simmons 3x9x40 scope on it.

You can reduce the weight by removing the steel bar in the stock IF it has one, mine did. 

Tim

[Saloon slug]

Thanks for the link.

Not to worried about weight. I drag my enfield No4 around hunting all the time and that thing weighs 9 1/4 # empty. 

The reason I asked about the Barnes 180's is Ca passed a lead ban that goes in to effect this coming summer and I like to hunt open country were shots can be 200 or more yards and it is usually windy. The longer bullet just gives me extra wind bucking ability. Also I want to use it for target shooting at longer distances.

I have seen y'all mention thumb hole stocks. Where are you getting them from and do they make a big difference in recoil management?

Thanks for the info guys.

[quickdtoo]

Laminated t-hole stocks are made by Boyd's exclusively for H&R, they're 122.50 shipped, order them from H&R directly at the toll free number in the FAQs. They also come on several rifles and slug guns, they help reduce felt recoil some but I can't say how much, I've only used them on a 22-250, 243 and 7x57.

The skeletonized Choate Varmint stock is also available from H&R and Choate as well as other retailers.

Tim

[AZHoosier]

Here is what I have. I got it from www.gunstocksinc.com I am pleased with the product and feel it came out well. I may well go to the H&R thumbhole stock as Tim has in his photos next time. Their nice looking and are very functional from what I've read on the posts here.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=iaycf46.c3qp77e&x=0&h=1&y=o1nie8

Bill

[fish280]

i've had 2 '06 handis and both shot very well. both prefered 180-grain loads.

[Saloon slug]

Awesome pics gents.

[Dillohide]

My Handi 30-06 shoots 150 and 180 grain bullets very well but have never tried the Barnes bullets. Mine is one of those barrels that doesn't like to be real clean so I mainly run dry patches through it unless I'm out in wet/humid weather then it needs at least 5 rounds to get back to its group. Kinda hard to believe a buzzard would be getting enough lead from remains to cause harm isn't it? Even round balls normally pass right though. It's a heavy barrel, they don't make a bull barrel. Don't need it.

[Sourdough]

I shoot Speer 125gr TNTs for varmints, out to 500 yards.  Sierria 165gr for Caribou, Black Bear, and wolves, again out to 500 yards.  Nosler 180gr partition for Caribou, Moose, and Grizzlies, not to exceed 200 yards.  Recoil is moderate.

[Saloon slug]

Thanks for all the info. Think I will go by my local store tomorrow and put one on order.

Tim
one last question. How is that varmint stock when used with the bigger cartridges? I went on the choate site and $53 bucks cant be beat for a stock I may get one just for the heck of it.

[quickdtoo]

I've only used it on the 22-250, but Poncaguy has several rifles with them including a 45-70, he's got a bad shoulder and loves the Choate Varmint stock, maybe he'll chime in on it for ya.

Tim

[poncaguy]

I put one on my 308 and 45-70, they make a huge difference for me with the recoil. Before, I could hardly bear to shoot the 45-70 standing up, but after installing the Choate, I can shoot it without discomfort from the bench. Plus, the forearm improves the accuracy...............

[Saloon slug]

So it works well with the .308 good. I put a .308 survivor on order this morning I need to get over to the store this afternoon to make the deposit and get the paper work started. I know I originally was looking at the 30-06 but I saw the survivor and just couldn't pass it up.   The store owner says he should have it in on Wednesday but Ca has the 10 waiting period.

Now I need to find a load for .308 to shoot a round ball so my kids (8 & 6) can bust Pepsi cans with it. 

[quickdtoo]

Unless you cast your own, this gas checked bullet from Western might be cheaper to shoot. 

Tim

http://www.westernbullet.com/cbip/b311359.html

[Saloon slug]

That is a neat bullet I may have to try it.
I have a bunch of .310 RB's my boys have .32 ML that they love to shoot.

[handirifle]

I shoot Speer 125gr TNTs for varmints, out to 500 yards.  Sierria 165gr for Caribou, Black Bear, and wolves, again out to 500 yards.  Nosler 180gr partition for Caribou, Moose, and Grizzlies, not to exceed 200 yards.  Recoil is moderate.

Sourdough
How well does the '06 do on moose?