I took the opportunity to take my 204 Handi to the range this morning. The weather could only been a little worse; it was 44 degrees, misting rain, and wind gusting between 15 and 25 mph in North Texas. Fortunately, the range is set up well, with baffles and overhead protection, and the wind was directly at my back.
I took 2 boxes of Hornady 32 grain loads, and a pre-cleaned Handi. After eyeball boresighting, I took 3 shots at the 50 yard line. I was amazed to see a nice 1-1/2" group just 2" high and 2-1/2" to the left. I cleaned the bore, and allowed to barrel to cool (which, obviously didn't take long) and fired the fourth shot. It was about 3" higher than the group! The next shot, 4 minutes later, was about 1" higher than the original group. I see a trend here- my 204 Handi does not like a clean bore! I fired 4 more shots and they were in the original group! I adjusted my point of impact, ran 3 dry patches through the bore and shot three more shots on a new bull; 1/2" group that was about 1"x1" high and left! Yee-Hah! I moved to the 100 yard range and set up. The temperature felt like it dropped a few degrees, but I'm sure it was just me losing body heat. I decided to not take as much cooling time, and proceded to fire 4 shots in about 6 minutes. It ultimately measured 1" with a called flyer (5/8" w/o the flyer). The group was a bit high so I cranked down the Simmons ATV (4.5x-14x) 4 clicks, and dry-patched the bore. The final four took about 7 minutes and was a stunning 11/16"! I am stoked about this 204! I would have saved the target and scanned it, except it was so wet that it was a mushy mess by the time I finished taking measurements.
I did epoxy and loctite the scope base. I also applied the dreaded O-Ring of Doom. Other than that she is bone stock, and I'm not going to change anything else. I am happy with the factory trigger and very happy with the performance of the factory Hornady ammo. As soon, as I get a chance, I'll shoot the other box of ammo I have; hopefully under better range conditions. I tried to pick up more 204 at the Gander Mountain in Corsicana this afternoon, but they were out (besides, BassProShops in Grapevine has it for $12.99/box, as compared to Gander's $14.99). I did find some Remington 270 Winchester in 100grain. I want to experiment with the lighter bullet in my 270 Handi this Winter.
Stay warm and dry,
cricman
Long Live the Handi-Rifle!
