Author Topic: Which needs the least tinkering? (Read 1264 times)

Miller · « **on:** August 18, 2009, 04:53:56 PM »

If one was to order a new H&R rifle which of the calibers seem to give the best initial performance with the least ammount of tinkering? From what I have read the 30-30 is a consistent winner, what are the others? Thanks in advance for all of your accumulated wisdom!

torpedoman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2009, 04:59:44 PM »

whats the point in getting one you cant tinker with?

Oldshooter · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:01:47 PM »

Pardner i have very little accumulated wisdom!

but I do have some experience.

I bought a new 270 handi and a 243 handi that i still dont like how they shoot no matter what I've done.

But I bought a 223 barrel on this site and with not so much as a sliver of metal moved mounted it on my 270 frame and put a scope on it and it shoots 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards.

It just goes to show that wherever you go.........there you are!

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:36:41 PM »

3-357's, newer 44mag, 444 marlin, 45-70, 30-30, 7-30 Waters, 3-223's. Haven't had to do a thing with any of mine in these calibers. My 22 LR and 2- 22 mags are also little shooters. DP

Retsof · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:39:05 PM »

I also have little experience with various calibers in H&Rs. So, I can only tell you about the one that I have. A couple of years ago I bought a 500 S&W, when MS changed their primitive weapon regs to include rifles like the H&Rs/NEFs with certain caliber restrictions. After reading up on various web sites about these rifles, I put a rubber O-ring between the barrel and the forearm, where the forearm is secured to the barrel by a screw. I then just snugged the forearm to the barrel but not too tight. I really do not know if this helped (I did not shoot it before doing this) but the only ammo I've thus far shot has been the Federal Premium with 275 Barnes all copper bullet. I have shot several 3-shot groups at 100 yds and everytime the 3 target holes are touching. This is probably beginners luck but I'll take it. So, my very inexperienced opinion is that at least this rfile in this caliber has required no tinkering. BTW, I also like the fact that this ammo results in a mild recoil at least for me.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2009, 07:22:27 PM »

Don't anyone get excited about the 7-30 Waters, it's not a chambering H&R offers.

Tim

Quote from: dpe.ahoy on August 18, 2009, 05:36:41 PM

3-357's, newer 44mag, 444 marlin, 45-70, 30-30, ~~7-30 Waters~~, 3-223's. Haven't had to do a thing with any of mine in these calibers. My 22 LR and 2- 22 mags are also little shooters. DP

maglvr44 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2009, 07:34:40 PM »

Quote from: Miller on August 18, 2009, 04:53:56 PM

If one was to order a new H&R rifle which of the calibers seem to give the best initial performance with the least ammount of tinkering? From what I have read the 30-30 is a consistent winner, what are the others? Thanks in advance for all of your accumulated wisdom!

I either own or have owned any and all calibers ever offered( with the exception of the .500 as I just have no interest in the round itself)
Would be kind of hard to beat the 30-30 or the .22 Rem Jet.

Lefty Dude · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2009, 07:42:11 PM »

They all need to be tweeked. Thats the fun of the Handi-platform.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:03:47 AM »

Which caliber needs the least amount of tweeking?

Like someone said, then what would be the fun of that, if you didn't have to tweek them?

Anyway from my personal experience and from what I've read here, and like I said what I've personally owned and had experience with is hands down the 45-70, followed closely by the .357 magnum, and then again for me the .223 which I'm still kicking myself every time I think about it, because I sold it, and it shot better than any rifle I ever owned.

I'm a hunter, and not a bench shooter, so really I could care less about putting five bullets into one ragged hole, and will take that any good day, but I can honestly say that if I would try hard enough, I can come darn close to it with those I mentioned above.

petemi · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:35:59 AM »

I've got to add a +1 to the .357 and .45-70. The both shoot one hole 3 shot groups. My .45-70 had an original ejector barrel on its matching frame, and I swapped with another member for his extractor barrel. It jumped right on the frame and shot the same wonderful way. One of my .357s was reamed to Maximum and still shoots perfect groups with all three, .357 Max, Mag and .38. The only difference is in elevation as expected. It is a great feeling to pick up a rifle, shoot and know exactly where the bullet's going. If you miss, it's pilot error, not the rifle.

All my other Handis shoot acceptable hunting groups, and would most likely do MOA if I spent more time with them.

Pete

BrianB · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2009, 02:15:41 AM »

I'll second what several have already said. My son's and my dad's 45-70's shot perfect groups right out of the box with various loads and bullets. So far, my new .357 is delivering the same out-of-the-box accuracy with both .357 Magnums as well as .360 Dan Wessons. If you handload, the .357 wins hands down over the 30-30 in my book. If you are hunting game larger than deer and can have only one gun, I think the 45-70 is your gun. My dad is so happy with his 45-70 and the accuracy, he no longer shoots his Browning .243 WSSM that he purchased one year before his Handi. Hope that helps you some.

fish280 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2009, 02:33:15 AM »

.45-70 and .30-30.

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2009, 03:25:30 AM »

There really ain't a correct answer to your ?? Even if you get one that is perfect you are still gonna have to tinker with ammo and these are tinkering guns so buy what ever caliber you desire and we will help you from there ok. Kurt

vabowhntr · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2009, 04:09:02 AM »

Depends on what you want out of it. I bought mine (308 ultra with comp) and it shot under 2" at 100 right off the shelf. After making sure the only contact on the barrel was at the lug and lightening and smoothing out the heavy trigger, it shot much better. Now, for hunting, it would have been fine, I just can't leave anything alone.

Retsof · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2009, 04:14:27 AM »

+ 1 for the 45-70. After reading some of the other posts, I remembered that I know of 3 people (a friend, a co-worker & my brother-in-law) that have 45-70 H&Rs. Two of them shot the Hornady LeveRevolution ammo into tight groups at 100 yds without any modifications (other than mounting a scope). The other 45-70 belongs to my brother-in-law, who reloads for it. The first time he tried his reloads (straight out of the Barnes #4 Manual), it was very accurate.

mechanic · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2009, 12:29:10 PM »

My 357 has shot well with everything I have tried in it under 200gr. My BC 45-70 will outshoot me any day. Have done very little to either, didn't have to.

Ben

MNSHOOTER · « **Reply #16 on:** August 19, 2009, 04:01:04 PM »

Hey Jimbo that 223 is still putting them 50 gr v max down range better than I can shoot !! I nailed a big male dog with it the first time out at 175 yds. Thanks again !! That being said I think the 223 would get my vote although my 243 and 270 both soot very well. I have a 45-70 that I finally got built up enough to fit one of my frames so I may have a new favorite soon . Mark

coues2506 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:28:04 AM »

I had a .280 that put the first shot 2 feet high at 100yds. The next shot was 1 foot high then 6 inches high and finally in the bull where it would stay and shoot 1 inch 5 shot groups. But what good is a gun like that - sold it to a shifty eyed vendor at a gun show. I have a 45-70 handy and a BC that are tack drivers - cold or hot - same spot - my buddy has a .223, 30-30, and 45-70 - he never complains. Not buying anymore though - faith is gone after that .280 but i'm keeping the shooters that I have.

Swampman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:57:10 AM »

.45-70

The rimless cartridges always require tinkering.

Spanky · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:28:23 AM »

45-70, 30-30 and my 32-20 Handi

are all trouble free.
The most finicky one that I owned was a .243 Superlight.

Spanky

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:05:24 AM »

Quote from: MNSHOOTER on August 19, 2009, 04:01:04 PM

Hey Jimbo that 223 is still putting them 50 gr v max down range better than I can shoot !! I nailed a big male dog with it the first time out at 175 yds. Thanks again !! Mark

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!!!

chipmunk · « **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:49:31 PM »

I think it's more luck then anything. Sometimes you get a shooter out of the box and sometimes you gotta tinker. My .223 ultra shot 1 hole groups at 100yds out of the box with no work but a good cleaning.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:50:46 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on August 18, 2009, 07:22:27 PM

Don't anyone get excited about the 7-30 Waters, it's not a chambering H&R offers.

Tim

No, it's not and I have way too much money into it, but it's a sweet one for the Handi. It really should be offered, ARE YA LISTENING, REMINGTON! Sorry about yelling,

I get so emotional about that one.

DP

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #23 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:52:11 PM »

Well I thought I knew how to use the Quote $:-\$ . DP

quickdtoo · « **Reply #24 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:55:05 PM »

I just didn't want folks salivating over a chambering that's not offered.

You eliminated the end quote tag {/quote] somehow, I fixed it for ya.

Tim

Rifleman1000 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 21, 2009, 09:14:13 AM »

My 22 hornet is dead on accurate out the box no tinkering.

My 204 ruger is even more accurate and all i did was put the o ring on front stock post.

Cant beat either one in my book

udtjim · « **Reply #26 on:** August 21, 2009, 02:52:21 PM »

For me it was the 223. I have had three of them, they all offered very good varmint type accuracy with lighter bullets. I really need a 30-30. I had one of the old 158's in 30-30 but it was awful loose.

Ranger J · « **Reply #27 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:18:45 PM »

The only one of the six Handi barrels that I have had that needed no tinkering was the 45/70 which shot just about anything right out of the box. The 'new 44 mag' also shot well but I needed to find just the right load for it.

RJ

poncaguy · « **Reply #28 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:36:58 PM »

45-70, 270, and my fluted varmit 223 and 204.........

poncaguy · « **Reply #29 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:39:49 PM »

and my 35 Whelen and 30-30.......old brain is slow....