New to forum- barrel swap advise

[texag06]

Ive owned my handi (.223- Serial number NK267448) for about 12 or 13 yrs.  It was given to me as my first rifle but havent really used it much the last few years due to it being a smaller caliber.  Anyways, have killed many critters with it, but am looking to upgrade to a larger caliber for a little more knock down for some bigger deer.  Anyone have comments about swapping for the .270 or .308 for a deer rifle?  Range is almost always <150 yds.    The website says that the 22" barrels come with open sites.  Are they tapped for a scope too or is there a way to get them to do this when you send it in for the swap?  Thanks! 

[texag06]

I was just looking through the FAQs and the thread about the serial numbers suggests mine was made in 1999 (NK in the serial number).  It says that they will only swap for original barrel or .357?  Is this still the case.  Am I just big time out of luck?

[mechanic]

If you are handy (Handi) with tools, you can trade for a barrel on the forum and fit it yourself.  Many of us old dummies have done it.  Or you could have a gunsmith fit it.

For under 150 yds. that 357 barrel might do you well anyway.  Mine is a tack driver, and a 180 grn. 35 cal. bullet should be a deer stopper.  I'll know this fall...

Welcome aboard, and read up on the FAQ,s.  There is a lot of accumulated wisdom there gleaned from experience of members here!

I learn something new everytime I re-read them.

Ben

[texag06]

Why wont they swap those years? 

[texag06]

And if I choose to pick up a barrel and try my hand at gunsmithing, any particular specifics on the barrel I should look for?  I am thinking .308.  And correction to my earlier post.  Mine was apparently a 1996 manufacture. 

[spikehorn]

Because the frames were outsourced and due to liability they wont fit high preasure chamberings to those frames, because they don't know how strong the frames are. At least thats my understanding from having read other threads about this. 357 & 44 mag are both good deer rounds. I popped a deer at 134 paces with a 357 mag 125 gr jsp double lunged him and blew out the left shoulder he dropped right where he stood.

[S.E.Ak]

I have been very lucky. I have four recivers and nine barrels and everything will work on everything and I did zero fitting. I do have to make sure a 243 don't get stuck on a shotgun frame or older 45/70 frame.

[bikerbeans]

Depends if you want a scope or just iron sights.  I think most of the rimless centerfire cartridges that are bigger than your 223 Rem will only have scope bases.  The rimmed centerfires, 30-30, 45-70, etc. usually have sights and are drilled & tapped for a scope base.  The larger pistol calibers used in the handi rifle, 357 & 44 Mag, 45 LC I believe have both iron sights and are drilled & tapped.  My experience with handis is you had better check as none of the rules seem to apply 100% of the time. 

If you decide to fit a barrel yourself it isn't that big a deal.  Just study what is written in the FAQs and take your time.  You do need to make sure you have proper barrel/frame fit, headspace and latch engagement to prevent an unpleasant surprise. 

BB

[texag06]

Thanks for the replies.  Very helpful. 

[Spanky]

A 223 is plenty for deer. Use good bullets and proper shot placement and you won't have any problems.



Spanky

[Datil]

 Texag06 Back when I lived in Austin I knew a bunch guys hunt deer with 222 rem.
 I don't where you are going to hunt but in Texas I would use the 223 or my 222 Rem
 In barrels I have one that will not fit on 2 action, but will on the other 6 action'
 All others barrels will all actions. I am a Handi-holic.  Datil

[S.E.Ak]

You could rechamber the 223 to 22/250 for better factory bullet selection but if you handload its mute

[petemi]

I have 10 Handis, and I only had to shim the pivot on one of them when I was starting out.  After I got a few more, I swapped barrels and frames around, and Bingo...they all fit well, no shims, proper headspace and positive lockup.  So.....the obvious answer is just get a bunch of Handis

Pete

[texag06]

Oh Im not concerned about the .223 not being good enough for deer.  My first deer was killed with a 218 bee.  If I dont have a good shot, then I wont risk it.  Ive killed at least a dozen hill country deer with it and will continue to occasionally use it.  I mainly just wanted to do a swap just to have something else in the closet, but wanted to determine if the .357 or 44 is still going to be a deer gun, or just something in my collection.  Make sense? 

And back to the .223.  What all have you used for ammo for deer?  Ive killed deer with the Winchester 45 grain JHP and Federal 50 grain JHP.  Ive never lost an animal with either load.  Any other recommendations? 

[texag06]

(And yes I realize that 45 grain is a light load- this was being shot when I was a teenager and someone else was buying ammo for me) I am looking to get a 60+grain load to start using.

[Spanky]

I like the 45gr. hp's in the 223 and my 22-250. I shot a buck once with my 22 Hornet using a 45gr. hp... took him through the lungs and it looked like a grenade went off in his chest cavity. The faster 22's would really scramble things up.
If you are wanting a 357 or 44 though I say it's a wash between the two... either one is great in a Handi. Lot's of folks swear by 'em both. I have a 44 mag and had a 357... the 357 shot great but I like the idea of shooting a heavier bullet so I sold it and stuck with my 44. The 357 Max is pretty good medicine for most things though and will shoot the heavier bullets quite well. There is alot of talk on here about the Max if you do a search.
Good luck with your choice... they are all good.



Spanky

[gcrank1]

A good RF, a good shotgun, a Handi .223 and a swap barrel in .357 or .44 (or .45Colt) would be a nice 'all round' outfit

[jeepmann1948]

 I have literally seen  the results  thousands of Texas deer shot with 22 cal centerfire bullets .These deer were shot by kids from children's home under the supervision of seasoned guides (operationorphans.org).The most common cartridge used is the 222 Remington (camp has 21 of them), but other various cartridges are used. The results are very positive, a dead deer and a very happy youngster and believe it or not a happier guide.
 I will not hesitate to use a 222, 223, 22-250, or even a 22 Hornet for a properly placed shot on a Texas Whitetail deer.No they will not have an exit hole but they are DRT or within a few steps so  why do you need a blood trail ? As far as bullet choice goes, use one that shoots well in your rifle.One well placed shot and it is time to get out the knife and go to work!
  357 in a Handi is a great choice but it will NOT kill a Texas Whitetail any deader than a properly placed 224 bullet. I own a 357 and a 357 max in Handi's , they are great guns but they are not a better deer killer , after all dead is dead .
 A 308 (or any other 308 based case is a good choice) if you desire a larger caliber.
  As Pete says Get a bunch and make it difficult to decide which one to carry