Author Topic: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223  (Read 756 times)

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Offline Drollerindy

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New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« on: July 31, 2009, 11:31:52 AM »
I just bought a new Handi Rifle, my first, in .223 with a a thumbhole stock and a 24 inch Bull Barrel. I wanted a small caliber center-fire and it just felt good in my hands.
I mounted a 3X9, cleaned the bore, and went to the range. It took about 6 rounds to get on the paper. Then I was able to keep the next 14 within about eight inches at fifty yards! :'(
I hope this is just because it is new and needs broken in.
What kind of groups should I expect?
Any advice is appreciated.

Doug

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2009, 11:53:26 AM »
Welcome! Read the Handi Basics 101 sticky first, then spend time in the FAQs and Help sticky, they're there for H&R newbies like yourself to help with those kinds of questions.  ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline awp101

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2009, 01:42:09 PM »
Also, what grain .223 are you shooting?  It may not be the ideal weight for the twist.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2009, 02:11:29 PM »
Thumbhole 223s should be 1:9" which should shoot anything from 40gr to 65-70gr, some heavier, I suspect oil on the latch/shelf or loose scope mount/bad scope for that kind of pattern.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Drollerindy

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2009, 03:55:29 PM »
I am shooting Remington 55 gr. FMJ. The mount was already on the gun from the factory and seems solid. I will check the latch/shelf next time I'm out.
About what size group should I expect when its broken in?

Doug

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2009, 05:17:59 PM »
The factory standard is 2" 3-shot groups at 100yds with factory ammo, but with the right ammo or handloads, you'll get under 1" easy, mine does it with the Winchester white box 45gr JHP.

Tim


"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2009, 05:53:32 PM »
Second thread today with this same subject, must be a run on 223 heavy barrel nef shooters!
“Owning a handgun doesn’t make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.”

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Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2009, 06:19:14 AM »
Go to the FAQ'S check out barrel break in and you'll be shootin this or better. 1st one is 100yrd second one is 200 yards .223 Blackhills 55gr soft points I got some hand loads that are a little better if I'm right in good days but these are minute of Prairie Dog off the shelf. Check THE FAQ'S. Kurt
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Offline trkyman1

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2009, 03:24:42 AM »
I just bought the same gun and I am getting 3/4 inch groups (after cleaning the barrel)out of the box. I'm shooting hornady 50gr v-max on top of 24gr reloader 10x.

Offline ndindy

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Re: New Thumbhole Handi rifle in .223
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2009, 06:06:00 PM »
I had my 45-70 re barreled to .223 heavy and added the thumbhole stock at the same time.  Started with remy core-lockts and it didn't shoot that well, but leaps and bounds better than what OP posted.  Switched to sierra matchkings and it groups very well.  No where close to being broken in yet.  16MOA... that's just ain't right.