Second barrel for my Handi: 280 Rem 26” / F280 Barrel ?

[tomtomz]

I bought a second complete new Handi-rifle in 22-250, and I'm considering what to do with the SB2
receiver if I sell the 22-250 barrel.

I bought a Stainless Steel 30-06 barrel for my other Handi, which came new with a 22-250 barrel.

So now I have two matching 22-250 Handis, the newer has never been shot. And I have other 22-250s, so I don't need another.

I'm looking over the "Barrel Accessory Program" listing, and  don't see a lot of options which appeal to me.
I prefer to have one factory fit since I'm not a gunsmith. I applaud the courage and ingenuity of those who have done this themselves, but I can't put this rifle into the hands of another person unless a gunsmith fits this for me.

The 45 colt carbine barrel is no longer available through the the "Barrel Accessory Program" if I understand the FAQ and the H&R website.

Has anyone used and/or liked the long 280 REM? The long barrel appeals to me for long-distance shooting with a slow powder.

I already have a 30-06 and a 270 WSM on either side of the 280 REM caliber.

The 280 REM case shoulder-to-base dimension is a tad longer than standard 270 WIN (I own the 270 WSM in a Vanguard/Howa, so no confusing those rounds.) I wonder if the 280 REM could be accidentally chambered into a 30-06.

Is there an interesting wildcat for the 280 REM?

Any suggestions what to do with this extra SB2 base? I have and reload 45 Colt, which is my only pistol cartridge. I don't need another pistol round.

Do others sell accessory barrels for the Handi? I'd love to have a 45 Colt / 454 Casull barrel for my Handi.

[quickdtoo]

All but the rim of a 280 round will chamber in a 30-06 chamber. 280 "Improved-Improved" is a good wildcat option. 

H&R is the only source for H&R barrels other than having a gunsmith stub a barrel or have a donor barrel rebored and chambered to your liking, I have a bunch of custom chambered H&Rs besides the 280Impr, 6x45(Thanks guys!!! ) 260 Rem, 376 Steyr, 9.3x62 and 50-140 Sharps being the latest I've had done.

Tim

http://www.oregunsmithingllc.com/Relining-Reboring-MuzzleBrake.html

http://www.35caliber.com/2.html

[tomtomz]

Tim,

Thanks for sharing that wealth of information. I called H&R about
the 280 REM barrel, and they are out of  stock.

Tonight I held a 7x57 Ruger #1 and I may just buy it instead. That
is my Dream Rifle.

[OldSchoolRanger]

Tim,

Thanks for sharing that wealth of information. I called H&R about
the 280 REM barrel, and they are out of  stock.

Tonight I held a 7x57 Ruger #1 and I may just buy it instead. That
is my Dream Rifle.

Why don't you put up a WTB ad for a .280 barrel.  I know that there was one for sale in the classifieds (don't remember when), try browsing thru the older ads, you might find one, there is also the ebay option, but that is a little more pricey.

I would also suggest one of the older calibers like the 30-30 or 45-70, both of these calibers seem to be super accurate out of Handi's.  If your heart is set on something in the .28cal range, how about the 7-08mm?  H&R has them in stock, ammo is easy to come by, so is brass (can be easily made from .308/7.62x51 brass).

FWIW, I own a 7x57 Ruger #1, (I also own or have owned most of the different model Ruger rifles, and some of their pistols over the years) and I love the way it handles, but truth be told, it's not the most accurate rifle I own, as a matter of fact, and I know most Ruger lovers are going to jump on me for saying this, but Rugers are: rugged excellent utilitarian rifles, good for what they were designed for; hunting, with pie plate accuracy, but not really super accurate rifles.  If your looking for minute of angle accuracy, get a Savage,  Remington, or even a push feed Winchester bolt gun, not a Ruger.

[quickdtoo]

Jeff just posted a 280 barrel and factory matched frame yesterday for not much more than an accessory barrel costs. 

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,268431.0.html

[tomtomz]

Thanks for sharing that wealth of information. I called H&R about
the 280 REM barrel, and they are out of  stock.

Brian56 disputed the "out-of-stock" status, so I'm hoping that he can point
me to a person "in the know" who can help me get one fitted at the factory.

As I said, I prefer to have this done by a gunsmith.