Author Topic: Project 30-30  (Read 1112 times)

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Offline PineyCreek22

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Project 30-30
« on: February 18, 2013, 04:46:57 PM »
Now that my "Monoblock" project is about over (I still have to do a range report) I decided to buy a brand new Handi Rifle and go through a developmental project with reports at different stages.  First stage is to take the rifle as it comes from the factory, examine it, clean it then shoot it as is without any tuning whatsoever.  It came today and it was a mixed bag.  Fit and finish was overall pretty good.  I thought the finish on the receiver was better than I expected, the barrel had a good blue job but the  finish was about  60 grit.  The pallet wood stock had a very pleasant stain and finish along with some nice figure that could be developed later.  Butt portion had a basic recoil pad but was missing its screw in sling stud.  The forearm fit exceptionally well however the screw was loose and the plastic transition piece was installed 1/32 off center.   Lock up of the barrel and receiver was very tight and positive and the locking lug showed beginning wear evenly across its entire surface.  I really liked the sights as far as factory sights go, however, the front sight was so loose it wobbled. 
I am a great fan of the H&R Handi Rifle platform and I lay awake at night worrying about Remington jerking the plug.  Looking forward to what is instore for this little 30-30.  Piney Creek
 
 
custom .357 mag monoblock, custom 30-30 Handi

Offline hoytcanon

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2013, 05:09:08 PM »
So what are your plans... any idea?
Hoyt Handi's; Ultra Black .22 K-Hornet Shorty, Black Synthetic K-Hornet Shorty & Nickel .410 Combo (sons), Ultra Granite Grey .22 BR Rem, Ultra Nutmeg .223 & .30/30 Shorty Combo (sons), Ultra Forest .223/7mm-08 Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest .243/.308 Combo, Ultra Nutmeg .243/.308 Combo (sons),  Jacaranda/Cocobolo .30/30 & 7.62X39 Shorty Combo, Ultra Black/Stainless .260 Rem Stub, Ultra Black/Stainless .338 Federal Stub,  Ultra Grey .358 Win, Ultra Grey .35 Whelen, Walnut/Cocobolo Mannlicher .357 MAX, Buffalo Classic Mannlicher .44 Mag Shorties w/NDS-38 peeps (X2; Sons & mine), Ultra Grey Stainless .45/70 & .243 & 20 Gauge Combo, Buffalo Classic 26" .45/70, 9.3X74R Mannlicher, Synthetic Nickel .410 & .30/30 & Versa Pak .22 LR Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest/Cocobolo 12 Gauge 3.5" Turkey; Most scoped with DNZ or Dura Sight one-piece bases and Mueller, Hawke or Nikon scopes... several with Skinner Peeps and Williams Fire Sight ramps.

Offline PineyCreek22

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2013, 10:28:24 AM »
Hello Hoyt,  first is to slug it, add a scope and shoot it as is and record it.  Next will be to float the forearm, add a rubber ring or glass bed, re crown the muzzle and maybe hand lap depending how it feels when I slug it and do a trigger job.  Then shoot it - hopefully it will shoot better than before.  If it is a real shooter I will put a checkered walnut stock of my own design, similar to the one on my monoblock pallet wood stock design.  That's for starters.  Regards Piney Creek
custom .357 mag monoblock, custom 30-30 Handi

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2013, 02:17:37 PM »
Keep in mind that most of them take some shooting to break 'em in and settle down, though some just start out running well (and, sadly, some are pigs). Im pretty sure you can spot a pig right off.
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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2013, 02:34:36 PM »
The 30-30 is one of the best Handi's right out of the box!  I have an old Topper (slim barrel) and it shoots under an inch with 125 and 130 gr bullets.  I have not worked with 150's yet so I cannot comment on them.  The way this gun shoots with the lighter bullets, it may never see 150's!  I'm sure you are going to have a lot of fun with that 30-30!  Enjoy.  44 Man
You are never too old to have a happy childhood!

Offline PineyCreek22

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Re: Project 30-30 Update!
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2013, 04:58:52 PM »
Finally got a chance to work with my new from the box 30-30.  After cleaning, slugged the barrel and it measured .307 in the grooves and .300 bore.  Felt pretty smooth so I didn't think lapping was an issue.  I then did the 10 shot break in procedure, shoot clean, shoot clean ........  Since I put a Bushnell scope on it the comb was too low and had to put a leather lace on comb on it.  Left the recoil pad on it.  Both the leather comb and  recoil pad are issues that will have to be dealt with, the reasons will be obvious soon.  I bore sighted it by putting it in a vise looking thru the barrel and zeroing on an object about 20 ft. away.


At the range today at 25 yards shots 1 & 2 almost right on, made sight correction 3 was in so didn't waste any more ammo.  Went to 100 yards 1 was 5-1/2" high, made correction and the next 6 were in.  The 2 low verticaly strung shots I believe due to an inability to achieve a consistent cheek weld and proper eye relief with the scope.  Primarily the result of short neck-arm syndrome caused by years of shooting heavy cal. handguns with a steel helmet on. ::)


This project at this point validates a long held opinion by me and many others on this forum that the H&R Handi rifle is the most solid, accurate and economical shooting platform in the market today.  If used responsibly within its design limitations will meet and excell in competition with other platforms costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars more.


Next step in the project is to create some fine furniture for the 30-30 to wear.  Along with an action job, glass bedding of forearm and recrowning.
custom .357 mag monoblock, custom 30-30 Handi

Offline 3030guy

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2013, 05:45:51 PM »
Just picked up my 30/30 handi yesterday, anxious to see what it will do. What kind of ammo were you shooting?

Offline Dinny

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Re: Project 30-30
« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2013, 06:07:40 PM »
Shoot some Hornady LeveRevolution ammo through that rifle and you'll likely see the groups shrink even more. ;)

Thanks, Dinny
Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

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