How finicky is your handi?

[quickdtoo]

I polished all of mine too, but if you don't keep the chamber clean, you might still get an FTE. I forgot to wipe the chamber on my .243 once between groups after cleaning and got an FTE. Hasn't happened since.

[Donaldo]

I think the original subject on this thread was "how finiky is your Handi" or something like that.  If you look in the new Websters dictionary, out beside the work finiky is a picture of a Handi Rifle.  Finiky, you bet, thats what I like about it.  Can't remember when I was so enthused about trying to solve the unknowns about a rifle.

[handirifle]

I've heard a lot of comments on the "hot barrel" issue with the handis and I'll tell you this.  I went to the range yeaterday with my 223 UV and fired about 40 rds through it in about 15 min time.  This was about 4 different loads and bullet combos and not one group was over 1 1/4".

I kept wondering when the barrel was going to start walking the shots up, but it just never did.

It's highly possible that if this were a 243 or 30-06 it might have occured but it didn't.  That think just kept putting them where I aimed.

I tried 3 different loads out on a 2" pipe that was lasered at 202yds sticking up from the ground.  I hit it 5 out of 5 times (using very stable bench rest).  This caliber for this rifle is amazing to me.

[Haywire Haywood]

I'm kinda late on this one and I almost didn't post since you're talking about rifle calibers but my 357 Maxi wouldn't group for squat till I changed from standard SR primers to magnums.  Groups shrank immediately to 1/3 to 1/2 of what they were before.

Ian

[Donaldo]

I had my 223 UV at the range today.  Was trying different ammo.  It was just not shooing today like it has in the past.  The Oklawind was a blowing today, ever which way.  Anyway, got disgusted near the end.  Had about 12 rounds of ww 55gn fmj left.  Just started shooting them fast as I could and some other stuff also.  Must have shot at least 20-25 rounds thru the barrel in about 5 min.  The barrel was so hot you could hardly touch it.  Then I started shooting the 45 grn ww jhp econo box stuff.  It just kept on putting them in about 1-1 /2 inch, one right on tip of the other.  My barrel just will not walk them around the target when it gets hot.  Now if I can just get it to shoot into the sub half inch all the time.......

[kombi1976]

Y'know, I've been seriously considering buying a Handi in .280 Rem, both because I like a 7mm round and because of the 26" barrel, but after all the hassles you guys have been talking about I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble!

It also appears that the .308 based rounds (specifically the .243 & 7mm-08) are the ones that have extraction problems. It this a fair call?

[Longcruise]

It also appears that the .308 based rounds (specifically the .243 & 7mm-0 are the ones that have extraction problems. It this a fair call?

My .223 had problems until I polished the chamber.  Still have to keep it meticulously clean though.  I think every caliber has had it's extraction problems with the possible exception of the rimmed cartridges.  Have not heard of anyone having problems with a 45-70 or 30-30.  My 30-30 will put your eye out every time!

These rifles are inexpensive shooters.  If you have expectations of a tack driving big game unit for just over $200 bucks it's probably not going to happen.  Some guys have tack driving NEF rifles.  It's just a matter of chance as to whether you will get one.  Sometimes they can be improved with some of the tricks you will find commonly talked about on this forum.  Sometimes they can't be improved very much!

So, really, it's just a matter of your expectations.  If you draw a 2 moa gun will you be happy?  If the answer is yes, go ahead.  Extractions problems are for the most part easily cured in these guns

[Stan in SC]

I've not had any extraction problems with my ultra lite .243.