Author Topic: reloading for NEF rifles (Read 729 times)

Steve Ruchala · « **on:** December 18, 2003, 06:25:25 AM »

Since these rifles are similar to the contenders, can you use loads for the contenders? I am considering getting a handi rifle in .223 and want to know if i can use the contender book or just go straight to the regular reloding manuals?

thecowboyace · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2003, 11:01:18 AM »

Really youo need to either get a manual or get someone to copy off/transcribe the new load data. What the pistol, the fastest is about 3100+/- with the 40gr Blitzking where with the rifle one can turn it out to 3700fps with more powder. You would only gain a tad by using the pistol load in a rifle. Could possibly run into trouble by not having enough pressure! It will get the bullet on out but sometimes there becomes a problem with the way that the primer ignites and doesn't completely seat itself. Not that there is any blowback it can ruin the primer hole. I don't know how it does that but have seen some pics showing this. I always thought to really download where one could pop a cap on all of the loose dogs trying to get into the back yard at 4:00am.

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2003, 11:21:12 AM »

Since your NEF Handi rifle has a rifle-length barrel, you would use regular rifle loading data.

TC Contender loading data is optimized for best velocities and pressures from the shorter pistol-length barrels. Those loads are not unsafe, but they may not be terribly accurate or efficient in your rifle.

HTH
John

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2003, 02:26:55 PM »

Steve there is a guy (KeesVW2002) that hangs out on the hunting in Alaska forum that is very knowlegable in regard to the NEF Handi rifle. You can send him a PM.
I have to agree that since this gun has a rifle length barrel it is entirely appropriate to use factory loads unless you just want to handload. But even then just the regular rifle loads are suitable. Best of luck. POW

Steve Ruchala · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2003, 05:53:28 AM »

thanks for all the info.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #5 on:** December 22, 2003, 09:16:24 AM »

Thanks for the kind words, P.O.W. but I don't really consider myself all that knowledgeable. What I do know comes from personal experience with my NEF and from the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nef-singleshot/ website.

Steve,

I go by the loading manual. These little rifles can be pretty picky about what they are fed. Work up a load for maximum accuracy by loading five cartridges at one powder charge, then increasing the charge by 1/2 grain and loading the next five, etc. Start at least 10% below maximum charge and do not exceed the recommended maximum. Then go out and shoot to see which loading gives the tightest group.

Be aware that the NEF HandiRifle can also be pretty temperature sensitive, i.e. the first shot from a cold barrel may be way off from the subsequent shots once the barrel has warmed up. Also the .223 seems to have trouble stabilizing some bullets. The NEF-Singleshot site above has had numerous discussions about this. It also has some accurizing tips in the files section. Perklo's "Another Fine Mess" website has a great two-part article with directions for smoothing out the trigger.

Hope this helps. -Kees-

fast*eddie · « **Reply #6 on:** December 24, 2003, 05:02:48 AM »

I used the Lyman manual . I Reduced the load by 10% and worked from there. Don't take a load that someone else is shooting and use that load without reducing it 1st !!! In my 223 Handirifle I use a 50 gr V-Max, a CCI small rifle mag primer and 25.5 gr of H335. My OAL is longer than prescribed also. DO NOT START OUT WITH THIS LOAD !