243 Superlight...Keyhole"ing"?

[whiskey101]

Is keyhole(ing) a word?

Anyway, Earlier this year I bought a .243 superlight and only got to shot it a little. I got bad results, but the barrel was coming open after every shot. I came here and got advise about how to correct that. I fixed that problem and went recently to shoot again. Well, the action stayed closed, but I was getting 6 to 8 inch groups at 50 yards! I got frustrated and put it back in the truck. However, when I went to retrieve the target it looked like the rounds were keyhole(ing). I don't think I have ever experianced this, so I showed it to the range officer and he agreed that it looked like the rounds were keyhole(ing).

I am guessing that I should return this gun to H&R, but I wanted to check here first. There is not a phone number for H&R that I can find on the website. Do I just box it up, write a note and send it to them?

Thanks

BTW, I have a new .223 handi on the way.

[quickdtoo]

What weight bullets are ya shooting? If they're light for caliber, it may very well need to go back to the factory, but if they're heavy, maybe you should try some lighter bullets first. I have 3 243 H&Rs, one likes 80gr Remingtons, the other like 95gr and 100gr Federals, haven't shot the other one yet. No keyholes with either one tho.

Their phone number and email address is in the FAQs, but they're closed until July 30th. (866)776-9292.

Tim

[whiskey101]

Thanks TIm. I was shooting two brands of 95 grain factory rounds. I did try some 100's in it also.

[quickdtoo]

One more note that should help, the superlight 243 barrel is quick to warm up, so really take your time tween shots so the barrel doesn't get too warm.

Tim

[handi243]

The one i had shot the 90gr Remington's OK it shot the 85gr hp MUCH better the 90 gr would shot a couple inches at 100 but the group was half with the 85. Funny how 5gr's makes that much difference.