Author Topic: Best bet for an accurate smallbore Handi? (Read 995 times)

BillinOregon · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 08:12:43 AM »

Guys, I am thinking about getting a Handi rifle that I can also fit with a .38-55 barrel and a rifled 20-gauge Ultraslug barrel. Am I correct in assuming that a bull-barreled .223 is more likely to be accurate than a .22 Hornet? Any other calibers to consider?

J-Milner · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 09:03:16 AM »

It would depend on whether you are talking about shooting factory ammo or handloads. My 22 Hornet would shoot 1/2" five shot groups with Hornadys 50 grain V-MAX at 100 yards from a bench. When I had it rechambered to the 22 K-Hornet, besides gaining some 300 fps. in velocity, it still shoots just a accurate or maybe even a little better and certainly better than what I am capable of. I guess that I'm one of those odd balls though that think rimmed cases are more accurate in break open single shots than what rimless cases are. I would consider the 30-30 in these guns as well. Mine is every bit as accurate as my 22 K-Hornet but it took a lot of work to get it that way...

J-

hellacatcher · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2004, 09:23:22 AM »

I have a 22 hornet handy (not a K) and a 223 ultra with a bull barrel the 223 is probley more accurate , but I have used it more than the hornet but both are good with reloads. I got to start playing with the hornet more it is a fun gun.

22KHornet · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2004, 09:39:14 AM »

While my bull 223 is very accurate I think the standard handi is still pretty heavy over the superlite. If you handload get the hornet if you don't get the 223 ( ammo will kill you) It also comes down to what and where you are using your 223 or hornet. While the 223 has more velocity and range than the hornet the hornet in turn is quiter and has less recoil. Oh yeah and just plain fun :grin:

BillinOregon · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2004, 09:58:31 AM »

I am glad to hear the Hornet can be accurate in the Handis, as I have owned a number of .223s -- mostly Savage bolt guns -- but never a Hornet. Iwould like to try one in a Handi assuming it can be made to shoot well. I almost never shoot anything but handloads. I would use the rifle for punching small groups at 100 yards and possibly for squirrels to 200, mostly the former.
Either one new -- .223 or Hornet -- would be on the hardened rifle frame, right?

22KHornet · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:09:02 AM »

Yes. I did the same thing only I picked up the 223, figured I would get the hornet later. I sent mine back last year and had the 20guage ultra slug barrel, 357 mag, barrel and a stainless huntsman put on mine. Next year will be the 280 and the 22 hornet, one for elk and one to rechamber and have fun :grin:

By the way they all shoot great. I am really impressed with the ultra 20 and winchester platnum tips, cloverleaf at 50 yds all touching. :grin:

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:35:21 AM »

Bill, I ain't one to discourage a fellow from trying a new caliber, but I did not like loading for the Hornet. The cases are tiny, the bullets are tiny, and the powder charges are tiny. I found it frustrating. The case necks are too thin to take much of a chamfer and they crush easily.

That may be just me.

jeff223 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:55:49 AM »

im going to say 223 all the way.not going to bad mouth anyones 22 hornet but all the hornet owners i know have rechambered to K hornet or 221 fireball.too bad the 221 fireball isnt available from nef.ammo for the 223 is very low cost$$,if you dont reload give that some thought.you just might want to start.223 brass is cheap and so are good quality bullets.lots of shooting for not to much money.lots of fun blowing up crows and such with the 223

Fred M · « **Reply #8 on:** November 02, 2004, 03:17:35 PM »

223 all the way.

handirifle · « **Reply #9 on:** November 02, 2004, 04:26:30 PM »

Never shot a hornet, but my 223 is VERY accurate.

223Shooter · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2004, 02:30:20 AM »

I would go with the .223...most definitely. I have a .223 NEF Handi, I do reload, and I just love my .223. It is Very accurate and fun to shoot.

Longcruise · « **Reply #11 on:** November 03, 2004, 07:37:12 AM »

Quote

Iwould like to try one in a Handi assuming it can be made to shoot well.

Bill, the best way to get an accurate Handi is to buy five of em, keep the best one and throw the other four away!! :-D Just kiddin.... Well, not really, just sort of kiddin. :grin:

Dos this mean you will be swaging some .224's!!

BillinOregon · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2004, 08:55:58 PM »

Hi Mike: Nope, no swaging any .224 bullets. I'll stick to .308, .312, .323, .329, .379 and .458 ...
Bill