Author Topic: My First Handi 243 (new range pics and questions on page 2)  (Read 2339 times)

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Offline Zach

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My First Handi 243 (new range pics and questions on page 2)
« on: September 09, 2011, 05:21:49 PM »
Well its also my first centerfire rifle. I was looking through my local gun store and fell inlove with this thing. Heard of the rifle before, it seemed to be a love-hate relationship with owners so I figured it was worth a shot. Got the rifle and a box of Rem 100grain bullets for $220 out the door, uncluding tax.
 
Well here are some picutres, looked like prev owners tried to semi float the rifle and put some ceramic paste or something on the one end of the forstock. Never seen or heard of people doing it this way.
 
EDITING PICS, TO BIG OF FILE

Offline OldSchoolRanger

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2011, 05:28:34 PM »
Zach,

Welcome to the obsession, or Handiholics Anonymous.  ;)

Pics? I don't see no stinkin' pics. 

Zach, don't think you did it correctly.  There are no photos.  ???


"You are entitled to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts." - Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan

When you allow a lie to go unchallenged, it becomes the truth.

My quandary, I personally, don't think I have enough Handi's but, I know I have more Handi's than I really need or should have.

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2011, 05:32:55 PM »
Fixed pictures. and just a heads up, Im probably going to be pickin your guys brains out. I absolutely love guns and just having fun shooting, but just now finally got a job that can 'slowely' support the addiction

Offline gcrank1

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2011, 05:07:14 AM »
Looks like 'auto body filler' was used for bedding; shoot it a bunch before changing anything.
Oh, and come here often and bounce ideas around before changing anything too.
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Offline petemi

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2011, 06:13:17 AM »
Zach, you'll enjoy the .223.  When you find the load it likes best, it'll drive tacks for you.  Mine, a 1 in 9, came out of the box a shooter with about any 55 gr.  You've got the small and fast, now ya gotta try the .45-70.

Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
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Offline XD40SC

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2011, 07:20:19 AM »
WARNING-DON'T GET A 45/70. You'll never use your other calibers. :) ;D I know. Mine others sit in the safe because I only use my 45/70. Worse- I have 2, 45/70's. See it's and addiction.

Offline rdlange

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2011, 07:26:22 AM »
All I know about .243 is it heats up the barrel really fast.  After 3 or 4 shots the POI starts shifting and you have to let the barrel cool down.  Otherwise great caliber.

Be Well...
Think as if you LIFE depends on it... IT does..!  Be Well...

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2011, 07:56:28 AM »
Yea im not in a hurry to change a thing. The bad thing is, I can't find ammo any cheaper then $15 a box. I can get them cheaper online but after ship its the same as the federal at wally world.

I really have been interested in reloading from my uncle, but he has sold all his old equipment for more brass and lead. Anyone know of a good set on a budget? I only got about $100 as of now, but by the time I get around to needing fresh ammo, it will be awhile.

And another question, what's the bestvway to clean and prep a used barrel? Never went about it.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2011, 08:03:36 AM »
The Lee Loader is a good way to start, the tool is about $25 now, $100 should cover it, powder, brass, primers and a trimmer.  You can use a hand press with a die set too, but I think that will exceed your budget. ;)

Tim

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51
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Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2011, 08:40:44 AM »
lots of great information on that little website. Still a little sketchy just reading it though, will need to get my hands on the items.
 
It this a good kit? http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Lee-50TH-Anniversary-Reloading-Kit/productDetail/Reloading-Kits/prod9999002253/cat100150
 
Is there anything in the kit that i will need, or things in the kit that are not necessary and can be better just to buy individually as noted on that handy link.  :)
 
thanks!

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #10 on: September 10, 2011, 08:44:47 AM »
Where would i buy the punches it says you will need also, inserting the primer and taking the shell out of the die? if I buy something I want to get it all in one shot so I can get busy on it.  :)

Offline myarmor

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #11 on: September 10, 2011, 09:04:54 AM »
Yea im not in a hurry to change a thing. The bad thing is, I can't find ammo any cheaper then $15 a box. I can get them cheaper online but after ship its the same as the federal at wally world......


Good for you to start realoading for it. But in the mean time, pick up a few box's of the Federal Power Shoks. As far as cheap(ish) factory loads go they shot the best in all the 243 Handis I ever owned, 4 I believe. Plus you will have some of the best brass around to work with when you do have everything to start reloading. Win win.
-Aaron

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #12 on: September 10, 2011, 09:07:26 AM »
The Lee Loader comes with all the tools you need to deprime, neck size and reload.

The Anniversay kit is a great way to start, Cabelas has em on sale for $90, if you order a die set you can get the order over $99 to get $5 shipping.

Tim

http://www.cabelas.com/presses-dies-lee-anniversary-reloading-kit.shtml
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Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #13 on: September 10, 2011, 09:11:03 AM »
Yea I want to start reloading for a few reasons. One is to get rid of that feeling I have when I want to go shot at the range. I can hopfully feed the craving with reloading,which is another reason I do not mind how long it takes me to reload.
 
Im heading to sportmans here in the next 45 mins to look at a few things and return a few things that I bought for my fishing trip I though got thrown out of the boat last trip (girlfriend kicks in her sleep) but I found them inside the holding tanks I dont use.


Offline quickdtoo

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #15 on: September 10, 2011, 09:18:28 AM »
Dies are required to prepared the brass for reloading and seating the bullet, they don't come with the reloading kit, you'll need a good manual too which you should read before doing any reloading, the Lee is a good one, as well as the Lyman. We have a Handloading forum as well as a Cast bullet forum where your questions on those subjects would be best asked.  ;)

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php#c6

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,99824.msg1098261346.html#msg1098261346
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Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #16 on: September 10, 2011, 09:36:59 AM »
one more quick question about reloading, for now. and its mostly to you, quick, i guess.
 
The link you first sent for reloading, does that one use dies? i guess im just a little confused on where they come into play in the process, and how the press works, youtube i go!

Offline myarmor

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #17 on: September 10, 2011, 09:57:16 AM »
The Lee Loader will only allow you to load for just 1 caliber, you won't need an extra set of dies for this one.
The use of a press (like in the Anniversery Kit) opens up the possibilities to load most all cartridges, with the use of the cartridge specfic dies (ex. your 243 Win dies)
Like Tim said, pick your self up a good maunel and start reading. Read, read, read.....
 In the mean time shoot up some factory ammo and collect some brass. Just my 2cents for ya ;)

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #18 on: September 10, 2011, 11:05:25 AM »
What Aaron said.  ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline gcrank1

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #19 on: September 10, 2011, 11:46:26 AM »
When you get to reloading, do jacketed bullets for a while, maybe a good, long while. Cast bullets are an 'advanced' technique with a steep learning curve to get it right, unless you are very, very skilled (or have a mentor who is) or lucky. I want you to have success first, rather than frustration.

Oh, and clean the barrel out with whatever you have for a gun cleaning solvent, even if it is only paint brush cleaner (turps, mineral spirits, etc.), but do the barrel off the frame so you dont have to worry about the stock finish. Let it soak from a wet watch a few hours or overnight and run a few more, then a few dry patches until it is dried out, then go shoot, but dont clean it afterwards.

We want a range report, too (fussy, aint we?).
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
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Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #20 on: September 10, 2011, 02:28:21 PM »
I am exellent at casting lead and the like but I would rather keep that to the hobby and job, where mistakes are ok. haha
 
So what about soaking it, gcrank1? kind of like clean the gun and instead of drying it out, just let it sit? the only cleaner i have is a carbon blaster and Rem Oil.
 
Ill hopfully be going to the range next week with about 60 rounds, if nothing comes up. Im planning on buying ammo instead of buying brass.

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #21 on: September 10, 2011, 03:13:32 PM »
Oh and my rifle exects the spent shell well over 15 feet behind me, is there a way to fix this? or take out the spring system and just have it pop out instead of flying out? i know i seen it on the FAQ but was not sure what one to attempt.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #22 on: September 10, 2011, 03:14:15 PM »
Carbon blaster is a cleaner, Rem Oil is a light bodies lube, isnt it?. You can spend a bunch on pricey bore cleaners, some with ammonia to 'remove' copper fouling, or buy 'slightly used' cheap off a gun show table next time around. A Goggle search will give you way too much info, just take somebodies word here what the best stuff is. In the meantime, mix some ATF and oderless mineral spirits 1/3 to 2/3s (you arent bakin' a cake, just eyeball it) and have a go. Its just a gun barrel, so  2-3 sloppy wet patches will 'soak it up' pretty well to sit a while and soften up any crud in there, then Id hit it with the C Blaster and run 2 dry patches. It isnt likely it has more crud in it than that will wipe out.
You cast heh? What?
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #23 on: September 10, 2011, 04:05:09 PM »
  Sinkers!!   ;D

I also have lead ingots I use to cast my own sinkers for flattys,
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #24 on: September 10, 2011, 04:43:41 PM »
Sounds like I already got a good cleaner someone trusts? And I cast fishing weights with my left over ingots I made for my uncles. 45 acp batch last summer. Made over 2500 bullets.

Offline Old Fart

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #25 on: September 10, 2011, 05:30:49 PM »
I really have been interested in reloading from my uncle,...

If you can spend some time watching your uncle reload and ask questions also as they pop in your head.
 
This is how I learned a very long time ago in a distant galaxy.  ::)   ;D
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Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #26 on: September 10, 2011, 06:01:40 PM »
I am actually going to bribe him with 80lbs of lead if I get to make a few rounds. Want him to teach me on his old lee press though. Cause that's what im going to order within the week. I hope.

Offline Zach

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #27 on: September 11, 2011, 04:13:08 AM »
Thanks for moving that Quick!  ;D
 
Sometimes I dont think outside of the box!
 
I went out and got me the Lyman reloading book, #49. I honestly was expecting more, it seemed to basic (a good thing in respects) but it was of things I knew, but just didnt know the names of what did them. I know this is not the right plcae to talk about it but ill keep looking around for others, I was about to pick up the amrys reloading handbook, but it had alot of millitary specific ammo and field tools.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #28 on: September 11, 2011, 05:12:16 AM »
Most everything is available online , just go to the different powder manufacturers websites and look up your caliber. It might be similar with the various bullets companies too (?).
A wise man once told me,"You dont have to own everything, and you sure dont need to buy it right away. If you do its a good way to end up broke with a lot of stuff that aint all that good."
All I can say, after trying it both ways, is that he was right..........
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline Singlebarrel

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Re: My First Handi 243
« Reply #29 on: September 11, 2011, 06:45:34 AM »
Crank, what is ATF that you mentioned in your post regarding gun cleaning material.  I googled it and came up with all kinds of things, but nothing I want to clean a gun with.

Thanks.