New Here & some Questions

[KT13]

I am considering an H&R in .223 but as I have been reading on other forums I keep seeing stuff about twist rate, light bullets being overstabilized (not sure what that means), etc.  I do not handload and have no intentions of doing so.  In Ohio, where I live, most of my groundhog & coyote shots will be under 350 yds.  I am thinking about the .223 because it is the most readily available .22 cal. centerfire ammo around that is inexpensive.
Most of the stuff that I see is between 45-55 grain.  I don't think I have seen a heavier factory load...but I don't yet have a .223 so I haven't looked real closely either.  Is this ammo sufficiently accurate/stable in this rifle for the ranges I am talking about?  I am not overly concerned with trying to put 3 under a dime at 100 yds.  Eventually, this rifle will go to my daughter.  I just want to know that it is a reliably accurate gun.
I am also considering the synthetic handi-grip configuration in the .204 Ruger.  Anyone have much experience with this particular configuration?  If so, how do you like this gun/caliber combo performance?
How are the triggers on these guns?  I have not had a chance to shoot one of these rifles and thought I might do something like put on an e-z pull assist rather than spend a bunch on a trigger job.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[dangerranger]

 if you are going to use 50 to 55 gr bullits any of the handi barrels will do the job. if you wanted to use 70 to 90gr bullits you would need to go to a 1:9 barrel. I think all the new guns have 1:9.  but most will still shoot lighter bullits .  you may find that you like it well enough that you tell the daughter to get her own! DR

[Lon371]

  First off; Welcome to the forum.

  Secondly;

I have been reading on other forums I keep seeing stuff

      Forget the other forums when it comes to H&R NEF. The guys here have gotten ALL of the handi's to shoot well.

 Thirdly; I have an older .223 bull on one of mine. 1-9 twist. I will shoot 1" at 100 yards. I have done nothing special. I did work on the forend a bit. The FAQ in the top of this forum has tons of the minor and extreme modification tips. Most are simple and work.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,26264.0.html

 Fourth; Forget the ez assist trigger. The trigger job is a do it yourself. Or have it done, I think last I heard it's only about $40. That said, some triggers come stiff and some ok.

 Fifth; If you buy a Handi rifle it is not our fault if you end up buying another and another and another

Lonny

[cwlongshot]

1) I am considering an H&R in .223 but as I have been reading on other forums I keep seeing stuff about twist rate, light bullets being over stabilized (not sure what that means), etc.  I do not hand load and have no intentions of doing so.  In Ohio, where I live, most of my groundhog & coyote shots will be under 350 yds.  I am thinking about the .223 because it is the most readily available .22 cal. center fire ammo around that is inexpensive.
2) Most of the stuff that I see is between 45-55 grain.  I don't think I have seen a heavier factory load...but I don't yet have a .223 so I haven't looked real closely either.  Is this ammo sufficiently accurate/stable in this rifle for the ranges I am talking about?  I am not overly concerned with trying to put 3 under a dime at 100 yds.  Eventually, this rifle will go to my daughter.  I just want to know that it is a reliably accurate gun.
3) I am also considering the synthetic handi-grip configuration in the .204 Ruger.  Anyone have much experience with this particular configuration?  If so, how do you like this gun/caliber combo performance?
4) How are the triggers on these guns?  I have not had a chance to shoot one of these rifles and thought I might do something like put on an e-z pull assist rather than spend a bunch on a trigger job.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

1) Don't be concerned with "over" stabilization.....for the average shooter its not anything to worry about. UNDER on the other hand IS a concern.

2) As a NON loader, try the bullets you can get your hands on. Not all will shoot well. many here like the white box 223 available at Walmart.

3) I had a 204, but never even shot it. I got it as part of a trade deal and flipped it to something I wanted. nothing against it. Many here have one and like how it shoots. For me, my 17's, 22Hornet and 223 does everything I need.

4) Triggers have made a vast improvement is the past number of years. They are not match quality, but good enough to not be debilitating to the excellent accuracy these guns are often capable of.

CW

[gcrank1]

+1 on the 'over-stabilization' myth and you will find a factory load it will like. In shooting the different offerings you will break it in and the trigger will only get better. I always 'test' triggers for feel, but they do feel different to me when testing in a shop and when live firing. Maybe its because in live fire Im concentrating on the sight picture rather than the trigger pull.

[44 Man]

Please remember if you buy a new one, that they often shoot better after you put a couple of boxes of shells through them.  Also, clean it good when you get home, then leave it alone unless you really think it needs it.  The Handi's seem not to shoot as well right after cleaning until you get a few rounds down the barrel again.  So most of us pretty well leave the barrel alone unless it gets wet in the woods or the accuracy seems to drop off, then clean it.  I'm sure you will enjoy your Handi.  44 Man