custom barrel for handi-rifle

[robertcat]

anyone know of a custom barrel maker for handi-rifle? i would like a 35 whelen or 350 remington magnum with 24 or 26 inch barrel.

[Westbound]

I've thought about rechambering a 357 mag barrel to 35 Whelen, but there were some issues brought up with twist rate.  I think the concensus was that it would work, but it might not stabilize heavier bullets.  There are some used 35 Whelen Handi barrels floating around though.  The 350 Rem Mag would probable not be a viable option... the Handi frame won't handle magnum pressures.

The only other options are to do a stub or a rechamber/rebore.  Most of the guys on this site use a gentleman named Wayne York.  Someone here can give you his website.
I think the cost is around $300 either way you go.

[Westbound]

Sorry, in my post I forgot to answer you original question.  There isn't anyone that makes handi barrels other than H&R

[quickdtoo]

The only way at this time to get a custom barrel is have another barrel rechambered and/or rebored, or have a stub done which is explained in the FAQs, this has been discussed a LOT in the past, try the search for more info, or look back a few pages, it was just discussed at length in the last month or so. GBO sponsor Wayne York of Oregunsmithing has done several rechambers and rebores for me, he also does barrel stubbing, plan on spending at least $300 for either plus the cost of the original barrel or donor stub and barrel.

http://home.earthlink.net/~oregunsmithing/

The only advantage the 350 offers is it's a short action chambering which is a moot point in a Handi, the 35 Whelen will match or exceed the 350 so there's no point going there. I get 2900fps with the 225gr TSX in my 26" RMEF 35 Whelen, 2800fps is doable in the 22" barrel, same load with RL15. I suspect in the 1:18¾" twist 357 barrel it may do a little faster, but dunno about stability with the longer bullets, no one has tried one yet that I recollect. But if you're patient, the 35 Whelen may very well become an accessory barrel offering later this year, hopefully in a 26" barrel.  

Tim

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

[robertcat]

i had no idea you could get 2800 fps in the 22" barrel. i'd love to have the rmef gun. saw one on gun broker earlier this year. my reason for wanting the 35 whelen or 350 rem mag is that 35 caliber or larger single shot hammer rifles are legal for primitive weapon in Mississippi. i didn't make the law, just taking advantage of it. some are using the 45/70 in the handi, but my omega is better ballistically than it is. the 35 is a legitimate 250 yd. gun. in the right hands, some say 300 yd. gun.