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Author Topic: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?  (Read 1856 times)

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Offline Downeaster

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What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« on: September 05, 2007, 07:10:40 AM »
Hi,

I picked up a very good condition used 243 Handy with the bull barrel last year.  However, all I had was a crappy Tasco scope to put on it.  I am getting a new Bushnell this week.   Hopefully, I can get some good groups out of it.  I'd like to use it for some deer hunting this year and maybe some coyote hunting this winter.

Anyway, if the 243 works out for me, I may get another barrel to put on it.  What is the best all around caliber that works on the Handy? I'm looking to add some more punch to my hunting arsenal.  How is the 30/06 barrel - accurate?  How about the 45/70 or even 500SW?

I already own a 44 magnum Marlin so my brush (Deer) caliber choice is covered for now (44 magnum is perfect for close cover deer hunting) , but my 44 (and 243 Handy) are a bit light for Moose should I ever get picked for the Maine lottery.

I heard about the ill fated 35 Whelan.  That would have been a sweet caliber to have if it didn't have problems.
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2007, 07:22:10 AM »


Moose...?

That's easy...get a 45-70...

Mac
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Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2007, 07:35:14 AM »
Although I don't own one (yet) the 30-06 if you reload there is not really much you can not make a bullet to shoot . But the 45/70 is just as versatile so it will probably come down to personal preference or the old stand by answer get them both. Kurt
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Offline eskimo36

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2007, 07:37:44 AM »
The least complaints seem to be about the 30-30, 30-06, and 45-70.... and those will kill most anything you want to kill.
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Offline wcf3030

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2007, 09:23:57 AM »
06.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2007, 12:10:26 PM »
If I had to choose between the calibers I have it would be a VERY tough choice.  MOST moose are shot at close range..HOPEFULLY close to a road. I would have a VERY hard time leaving my 500 S&W in place of my 45-70. I am glad I do not have to choose!!!!

To change it up a bit, If I where to have to buy one, I would choose the 45-70. From a purely versatility stand point.

 But the EXACT same could be said for the 30-06.

 From a ballistics on paper stand point, any and all of the ones mentioned (243 included) will do the job.

My choice for you would be the 45-70.

CW ;D
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2007, 01:19:58 PM »
I'll stick to my standard answer to this question, ALL of em, just figure out which to get first, the 45-70 would be the first on your list for me, it's fun to shoot too, besides being very effective. ;)

Tim
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Offline dw06

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #7 on: September 05, 2007, 01:41:44 PM »
 :D :D I knew Quick would say that!And he is right get them all,but get the 06 first  ;)
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #8 on: September 05, 2007, 01:52:43 PM »
45-70, or look for an early 26" .35 Whelen barrel, a .280 Remington, or a 30-06, any of these will suit your purpose well....<><....:)
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Offline 10ga.

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #9 on: September 05, 2007, 02:46:18 PM »
30-06 ;D
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Offline 30-06man

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #10 on: September 05, 2007, 02:53:20 PM »
easy 30.06. i had a 243 handi like yours as you describe it i even had a cheap tasco on it. it was shooting 3/4in at 100 yards. i sold it a year ago for a remington 700 in 30.06. i still miss that gun
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Offline Swampman

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #11 on: September 05, 2007, 03:19:52 PM »
The .30-06 has no bigger fan than myself.  That said, in a Handi I'd get a .45-70.  I don't do rimless cartridges in the Handi.
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Offline Dillohide

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2007, 05:08:45 PM »
The 45-70 and the Handi just go together, don't they. Yes, I have a 30-06 Handi but the 45-70 is by far my favorite Handi rifle.
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Offline Shawnee Gene

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2007, 05:49:14 PM »
45-70! I have three of them. ;D
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2007, 05:57:52 PM »
Me too, plus a 45-120 BC, and they're all H&Rs, no Marlins in the bunch, sorry Mc, couldn't resist!! ;D But to be fair, I also have two 30-06 Ultras too!! ;) Everyone needs at least one 45-70!! :D

Tim
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Offline PartsMan

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #15 on: September 06, 2007, 03:39:02 AM »
 ???
The 243 is the best all around handi caliber.
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Offline mgeorge

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #16 on: September 06, 2007, 04:01:03 AM »
Quote from: PartsMan on September 06, 2007, 03:39:02 AM
???
The 243 is the best all around handi caliber.

Isn't that one of the more problematic chamberings?  At least in the Handi...

I'm not clear on whether the Ultra Hunter/Varmint have the same problems, but since they all come from the same factory, I'd guess they do...
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Offline handi243

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #17 on: September 06, 2007, 04:49:14 AM »
If you reload the 444 marlin or the 45/70
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #18 on: September 06, 2007, 05:48:40 AM »
Quote from: mgeorge on September 06, 2007, 04:01:03 AM


Isn't that one of the more problematic chamberings?  At least in the Handi...

I'm not clear on whether the Ultra Hunter/Varmint have the same problems, but since they all come from the same factory, I'd guess they do...


I have three 243 H&Rs, 2 Ultra Varmints and a Superlight, the 243 Superlight is the most problematic of any H&R, except for the overbored .44 Mags, I've had no trouble with any of them, no stuck brass in the older Ultra, the others are extractors, moot point for FTEs with them. The Superlight with the right load shoots plenty good for deer/coyote hunting, I wouldn't consider any 243 as the best All around chambering when you throw moose into the mix, many don't consider it a viable chambering for deer even, but I think it would work fine for them too with good bullets and reasonable shot placement.

Tim
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Offline Downeaster

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #19 on: September 06, 2007, 09:18:29 AM »

Actually, I like the idea of a 45/70, and I do reload.  How are the iron sights on those?  Probably better off sticking a Fixed Power Scope on it, but are there decent peep sights/ghost ring sights that fit the Handy?  Will NEF put the same fiber optic sights that they use on the Huntsman/Sidekick on them?  I have a sidekick muzzleloader and I like those sights just fine.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #20 on: September 06, 2007, 09:33:20 AM »
I don't know if the Huntsman sights are the same, but you could always call and ask if someone doesn't respond with the answer, or use the Williams shotgun shorty ramp and Firesight as shown in the FAQs and Help sticky topic, "Peep and Firesight". ;) The WGRS H&R is available direct from H&R for $18, mounts to the two rear scope base holes, can be used as a ghost ring without the aperture insert, or Williams offers a ghost ring replacement for the aperture carrier. You really need to read thru the FAQs, that's what they're there for, it will enlighten you immensly on all things H&R, grasshoppa!!  ;D

Tim
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Offline hunterwinco

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #21 on: September 06, 2007, 02:37:46 PM »
Hey, haven't seen you at ScarFG lately.  Its been a kinda tough summer with all the construction.  I think I saw you last fall while I was there with my sidekick.  I bought a 45-70 at KTP this winter if you want to try it out, let me know and we'll head to the 100y.  The sights on my 45-70 are pretty good, but you can't put the same sights on that we have on our sidekicks as the front sight screw is different.  As far as best shooter...I love my 30-30 with the peep on it.  I can throw a 1-2" group at 100 yard.  Get whatever you want and don't sweat the moose drawing-lol  That will just be a good excuse at the time for another barrel.
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Offline poncaguy

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #22 on: September 06, 2007, 03:45:43 PM »
45-70 and 35 Whelen are 2 of my most accurate Handi's. The larger calibers seem to be most accurate, though my 204 and 22-250 shoot 1/2" groups.........
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Offline Downeaster

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #23 on: September 07, 2007, 03:06:44 AM »

Hey Hunterwinco,

How the hell are ya?  Yeah, I'd like to try out that 45/70 some time maybe.  I may get the barrel around Christmas time (along with RCBS dies for it).

I really wanted a stainless Marlin guide gun, but maybe next year when funds are more bountiful.

You are right about the construction at Scarborough, but at least the combination ranges are open now.  That damn moose lottery, I've put in for it about 15 time with no luck yet - maybe next year.
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handy?
« Reply #24 on: September 07, 2007, 08:25:13 AM »


Another good choice in a fine cartridge would be the 25-06..It does better than a-lot of folks realize...That's if you want a good flat shooting rifle in a Handi..If you find it doesn't do as well as you want...Have it re bored to a 338-06 A-Square...or 35 Whelen..

Mac

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Offline 30-06man

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« Reply #25 on: September 07, 2007, 01:32:17 PM »
or the .308
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Offline cpj

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« Reply #26 on: September 07, 2007, 03:34:14 PM »
I dont think anyone has mentioned it yet, but I would go with the 45-70.  ;D
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« Reply #27 on: September 08, 2007, 06:31:20 AM »
If I could only have one gun, it would be the one that sets the standards all others are judged by.  The 30-06, plain and simple.
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Offline ms

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« Reply #28 on: September 08, 2007, 06:41:14 AM »
30/06 or 308
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: What is the best all around caliber for the Handi?
« Reply #29 on: September 08, 2007, 06:48:15 AM »
Quote from: cpj on September 07, 2007, 03:34:14 PM
I dont think anyone has mentioned it yet, but I would go with the 45-70.  ;D

It has been... ;)

Mac
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