Author Topic: .204 H&R Handi Rifle  (Read 1375 times)

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Offline mjdailey87

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.204 H&R Handi Rifle
« on: January 23, 2012, 01:03:53 PM »
I'm brand new to this website, as of tonight. I have been hunting all my life and recently got into hunting woodchucks. I would really like to get a .204 handi-rifle. I've found one for a great price locally. Its used, but its $230. I would really like to know what people who have one think about them. Are they good shooters?? Whats the groups at 100 yards? 200 yards... etc. I would love to get it and hook it up with a nice scope. Any information is appreciated. Thanks


-Matt

Offline Slowhanddd

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2012, 03:12:46 PM »
I've read on here where they are great shooters with the 32 gr.bullets.I'm in the process of putting one together now.Need some info on loads others have tried too.I'll take a step back and let the other guys lets us know.Dave

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Offline mjdailey87

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2012, 04:49:11 PM »
I guess I should have noted. Its a heavy barrel with the thumb thru stock. It really comes up nice.


I was hoping they would be good shooting rifles because the price was good and you really are not going to get more than 1 shot on a chuck or coyote anyhow, most of the time. Also seen a lot of guys saying it is just as flat if not flatter as a 22-250 and carries more hitting power.

Offline wileynet

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2012, 04:49:32 PM »
just got one 2 weeks ago with factory rounds, 1.5 at hundred opened up to 2 at 200 but there were swirling winds and i,ve heard the 204 is like the 17 rimfire and subject to windrifting, just hand loaded 100 rounds with every powder that hogdons lists, range report hopefully this weekend, by the way my handi is fluted with the varmiter stock
"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." -Thomas Jefferson

Huntsman 58,NEF 45/70 manlicher stock, H&R 308, 30-06, 12 ga, 20 ga, H&R 223, H&R 204 varmiter,H&R 243, H&R 44mag, SMLE No 1 MKIV,SMLE No4 MK1, Savage 110 7mm, Ruger BH 45LC, Security Six, SR9, S&W 22a, CVA MTN Rifle, Optima

Offline mjdailey87

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2012, 04:58:38 PM »
1.5" is not what I was expecting, but I guess for a $250 rifle, what do I expect. I meant the varmiter stock, but I was at a loss for words when I wrote that last one, I guess. What kind of scope did you use?? Were you shooting on a rest or vice??

Offline mjdailey87

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2012, 05:04:57 PM »
just got one 2 weeks ago with factory rounds, 1.5 at hundred opened up to 2 at 200 but there were swirling winds and i,ve heard the 204 is like the 17 rimfire and subject to windrifting, just hand loaded 100 rounds with every powder that hogdons lists, range report hopefully this weekend, by the way my handi is fluted with the varmiter stock


1.5" is not what I was expecting, but I guess for a $250 rifle, what do I expect. I meant the varmiter stock, but I was at a loss for words when I wrote that last one, I guess. What kind of scope did you use?? Were you shooting on a rest or vice??
[/size]
[/size]Sorry for the double post, but I wanted to quote you the first time, I just couldnt find out how to delete. I'm sure i'll figure it out before anyway notices.
[/size]
[/size]-Matt

Offline LONGTOM

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2012, 05:06:03 PM »
I have owned at least 8 204s so far and all but one of them loved the factory Hornady 32gr V-Max ammo.
Most would put at least 3 under a dime at 100 and 2 of the ones I own now will put 5 under a dime at 100.
These same 2 guns will also put 3 factory Hornady 45gr soft points under a dime only about 1.5" higher with the same scope setting.
The longest shot I have made so far was on a ground hog at just over 400 yds.
I held on the top of his head and hit him in the throat using the factory 45gr ammo.
The 45s also do a great job on coyote and turkey.
Never tried a 32 on either but have heard that the 32s don't work to well on turkey.
Hope to bring out a new TC Pro Hunter setup with a 28" barrel and a Simmons 6.5x20 scope this year for the varmint season.
Should get some really good speed out of the 28" barrel.
It will have to shot pretty dang good to stay with my 2 Handi rifles, we'll see!
I say go ahead, you will love the round.
Something about pulling the trigger on a gun and seeing the hit through the scope!!!
They are lots of fun.
I know the 2 Handi rifles I own now are not for sale!!!
 
 
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Offline wileynet

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2012, 11:01:04 PM »
the scope on my handi is a tasco 6X24 came with the rifle, i belive the handi will shoot better we were shooting freehand off a bench left the bags at home.
"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." -Thomas Jefferson

Huntsman 58,NEF 45/70 manlicher stock, H&R 308, 30-06, 12 ga, 20 ga, H&R 223, H&R 204 varmiter,H&R 243, H&R 44mag, SMLE No 1 MKIV,SMLE No4 MK1, Savage 110 7mm, Ruger BH 45LC, Security Six, SR9, S&W 22a, CVA MTN Rifle, Optima

Offline bobg

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2012, 12:18:02 AM »
I am shooting Winchester factory ammo maybe 34 grain could be 32 in my Savage. Off the bench at 100 yards no problem keeping 5 shots in 3/8". Some day i will get around to shooting my Handi in 17 HMR. Had it for about 7 years and haven't fired it yet.

Offline Slowhanddd

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2012, 01:13:21 AM »
Any one that loads this little pill want to devulge some secrets?
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Offline giddens1972

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2012, 02:59:59 AM »
I don't have a handi, I have a savage but the best I have come across so far is a 32gr Berger.  It like Varget, BLC2...got some 35gr Bergers loaded but havn't tried them out yet.  I have killed 2 beavers and a bobcat...the shot at the bobcat wasn't all that exciting, but both of the beavers were headshots at over 100yds while they were swimming.  It's a laser.
John

Offline mjdailey87

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Re: .204 H&R Handi Rifle
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2012, 03:01:13 AM »
I have owned at least 8 204s so far and all but one of them loved the factory Hornady 32gr V-Max ammo.
Most would put at least 3 under a dime at 100 and 2 of the ones I own now will put 5 under a dime at 100.
These same 2 guns will also put 3 factory Hornady 45gr soft points under a dime only about 1.5" higher with the same scope setting.
The longest shot I have made so far was on a ground hog at just over 400 yds.
I held on the top of his head and hit him in the throat using the factory 45gr ammo.
The 45s also do a great job on coyote and turkey.
Never tried a 32 on either but have heard that the 32s don't work to well on turkey.
Hope to bring out a new TC Pro Hunter setup with a 28" barrel and a Simmons 6.5x20 scope this year for the varmint season.
Should get some really good speed out of the 28" barrel.
It will have to shot pretty dang good to stay with my 2 Handi rifles, we'll see!
I say go ahead, you will love the round.
Something about pulling the trigger on a gun and seeing the hit through the scope!!!
They are lots of fun.
I know the 2 Handi rifles I own now are not for sale!!!
 
 
LONGTOM

Thanks man! I appreciate you giving me the info. It makes me feel better about the hands rifles. I hear people say they'll shoot just bigger than an inch, but I think once you find the ammo they like they all shoot well. Once I get my tax return I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the .204 handi.