First time with handi at range

[rc51kid]

Well I have two barrels for my Handi and needed to decide which to use  for deer hunting.  I have a 243 and a 270 barrel.  So I bought one  box of 243 and a box of 270 Cor-locks and went to the range today.   I went through 14 rounds of 270 and didn’t even touch the 243. This was the first time I ever fired this thing or any thing close to a 270.  I was shooting off my rifle case with no sandbags.  I didn’t worry about were the rifle was supported, I just propped it up on the case  and squeezed the trigger.   I got the scope mostly zeroed in at around 50 yards and was getting around inch groups at 50 yards.  I would shoot a few mags in my 10/22 and let the barrel cool a little on the Handi.  When I moved to 100 yards, the groups opened way up, 5 rounds went in a 6 inch circle.  I know this was just me getting tired so I left good enough alone and packed up.  
   Some recoil charts I read show the 270 about equal to a 308 and about twice what a 243 is.  The only 308 I shoot is my heavy barrel which is about 12 pounds with scope.  I figured in a light rifle the 270 would really hit.  But it is not bad at all.  After 14 rounds I could feel it but it wasn’t bad.  I think I will go through a few more boxes of core locks for some cheep practice and see how good the groups get.  But over all I think this will be what I stick with for hunting.

[Norseman112]

Hi RC  
I would also try different brands of ammo if you don't reload. I would also look at the facts for cleaning and lapping our handi rifles. You may find with a good bench rest your groups will tell you more about your rifle.

Best of luck

Norse

[Mac11700]

Buy some good foaming bore cleaner now...completely clean out the bore of copper...and pick up a small tube of Flitz...polish the bore and clean it again...then pick up some Federal Fusion 130 grainers...give that a try...and I think you find your deer load right off

Mac

PS...next time...take along a few sand bags to shot off of something solid for sighting it in...it will make it a-lot easier :agree:

[rc51kid]

I know the report doesn’t sound good, but overall I am happy with it. The groups are tight at 50 and should be a lot tighter at 100 than I got.  I think I could cut the group in half with the same ammo by just using sand bags and a good night rest.  I was just getting tired, sore eyes, and hot.  Overall I am very happy with my Rifle.

[quickdtoo]

It sounds promising, but getting the rifle supported on bags will be a sure way of showing the potential of the rifle's accuracy. :wink: Without the support, you're only testing yourself in how still you can hold the rifle as in a field position.