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Author Topic: 223 HB range report  (Read 867 times)

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Offline Hildy

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223 HB range report
« on: January 16, 2005, 08:32:05 AM »
Today I got up to the range and sighted my rifle in. I arrived at about 8:00am and myself and two friends had the range to ourselves. When we got there, we spotted a VERY nice looking red fox in the field. My buddy chirped at it and it stopped to look at us for a few seconds before it darted into the woods.

As I was getting it to be centered at 25y, two adults arrived, an older gentleman an his son. The older fellows first words were "Do you guys have earplugs? This gun has a muzzlebreak." I look over to see a complete custom 338-378 with a thumbhole stock. I begin to shoot at fifty yards and get it hitting center while the other guy was shooting his beast at 100y. I then began to shoot out to 100y. My first three shots at 100y measured slightly under 5/8". I was hitting high right so I moved it to the bull maybe a quarter inch high and let it be. After two more 3 shot groups which measured 7/8" and 1" I was happy enough. The funny thing was, his $1700.00 custom gun was only holding 1" or worse groups at 100y.

A stop for breakfast and then we were off to see if we couldn't get a crow or two. After awhile of this, we came out empty handed even though we saw probably 20 on our way to the range and back.

This was with a 2004 Handi HB 22" 223 using Winchester 45g jhp and a Bushnell 4-12x40 scope. I think this gun is showing some great potential.

Hildy
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Offline Mac11700

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223 HB range report
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2005, 07:14:32 PM »
Ahhhh Yessss...the power of the Handi...lays low those measly $1700.00 guns :wink: I bet he was wishing it shot as good as yours did...Good shotin there Hildy...

Mac
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Offline AZ223

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223 HB range report
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2005, 08:29:13 PM »
I can certainly understand the attraction of an expensive, well-finished rifle, but there's just something about the NEF's. Never thought I'd like a single-shot, and when I saw them in a catalog I thought they were the ugliest guns ever made. Then I held one at a gun store, and I was hooked immediately -- I bought the .223 and put a .17HMR on layaway; both shoot fantastic if I do my part. Now I'm eyeing a .30-06 and/or a .45-70.

Every time I go to the local range with either gun, I have someone come up and ask me what it is, and every time they see my targets they REALLY want to know what I'm shooting.  8)  Great for the ego. But the NEF's are fantastic utility guns, very accurate for the most part, and they just feel good to shoot. And from what I've read, there is no cure once you're hooked -- with the possible exception of handloading as something to stave off the frequent "Igottabuyanotherhandi" attacks. I'll let you know how it goes once my "treatment" is underway...
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Offline Nixter

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Not an H&R story but similar
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2005, 08:56:41 PM »
A few years ago I went to the range to play with my big Ruger. A Model77 Target w/laminate stock and heavy barrel, outfitted with a Leupold 3x9 scope.

I shot a few groups when a fella sat at the bench next to me. He was shooting a Remington 40x (says he) chambered in 223, just like my Ruger. His rather smug attitude dissipated when it was time to check our 100 yard targets. My stock Ruger was printing dime sized groups while his Remmy was struggling for 1.5 inches.

Granted, he mat have been working up a new load or something but I sure was proud of my Ruger and my shooting.

Now if only I can duplicate this story with my Handi in 223.

To the range tomorrow!

Nixter
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Offline borg1

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223 HB range report
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2005, 02:25:56 AM »
I can identify with the Remmy guy...  i've been working up a load for my handi .223.  52gr Hornady HPBT in front of 23 to 24 gr of IMR 3031, win brass and cci primers were printing from 7/8 to 1.5" groups at 50 yds .  This is not acceptable by my standards, but i am not yet ready to give up this load.  I calculated the optimal bullet weight and speed given the handi's rifling, and the rounds i am loading are it.  My next step, then, is to remove some wood from the part of the forestock forward of the screw in the forestock to 'free float' the barrel.  I have another 60 same loads ready to go...  just need the weather to cooperate now.

Great groups with your .223, its a keeper!!!   :wink: [/b]
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Offline Mainer

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223 HB range report
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2005, 03:14:34 AM »
Hildy:  Interesting range report.  Glad to hear you got sub-1" groups on your first trip to the range. :D

I recently got a myself a setup similar to what you have--HB, Bushnell 4-12X40 scope--but in .243 Win.

What is the trigger pull on your gun like?  I assume it must be pretty good based on the size of the groups you were getting.  Mine was a little heavy, so I did a trigger job over the weekend.
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Offline Hildy

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223 HB range report
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2005, 05:54:50 AM »
Thanks for the replies fella's

As for the trigger pull....it is THE nicest trigger I have ever seen on an NEF rifle. My 25 was good, but this sucker puts it to shame. I don't have a trigger pull guage but I would estimate 3 lbs out of box. It has a nice crisp break
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Offline dognot

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223 HB range report
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2005, 07:04:54 PM »
Try W 748 27.2 grains with 50 gr nosler Ballistic tips in 223, mine shoots 1/2 groups all day.
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Offline DanielWGriggs

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223 HB range report
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2005, 09:12:19 PM »
I'm using 27g same powder and getting similar results.
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Offline jmckinley

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Handi 223
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2005, 03:44:01 PM »
Guys,
     Thanks! It's been nice to here such good things about these rifles. It helped make up my mind on two or three new rifles I want, need or is it grave.... Who knows at my age you just seem to forget! Seriously my next toy will be a HB 223, then Ultra 30-06 and finally a 25-06 in the same Ultra. I'm like one of the other gentlemen, I picked up an Ultra a couple of years ago and just feel the urge to try these rifles. This site has helped sway me in the direction I was already leaning.
                                                        Jess :D
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Jess
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