Author Topic: A .223 Handi "and" a .204 Handi? (Read 762 times)

bigjeepman · « **on:** April 23, 2005, 07:53:47 AM »

I have been bitten by the Handi mania. That wasn't easy to admit because I have been a bolt and lever action guy all my life but it is the truth. I bought my "first" Handi in the last week of March in .223 and I am really pleased with it's performance. I have worked hard on load development and have come up with several loads that produce comparable groups to any bolt action I have ever owned except my Savage 10 FP.

My question I suppose is directed mostly at those of you who own both a .223 and a .204 Handi. I, too, am intrigued by the .204 caliber. First of all, why did you buy or want both of these calibers that are so close to each other? Is it the .204's velocity that lured you?

I have the Savage 10 FP and an excellent Handi in .223 and I keep thinking about the Handi in a .204. Do you think it would be wise to invest in the .204 having to buy dies, etc?[/b]

Mac11700 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2005, 08:16:11 AM »

I don't own either yet... :wink: ...but I plan on picking one of them up this year...it's just hard to deceide which one...but from all looks of it...either one will do extreamly well with the right ammo...if you wanting to reload for it...then by all means do so...but if they are shooting extreamly well with factory fodder...it might be hard to justify going to all the trouble...especially when the cost of the ammo will come down some after the newness wears off..on the 204...heck...the 223 stuff isn't bad for what's shooting pretty durn good from what everyone says.....now...if your going to be shooting alot...then it can balance out costwise...and the challenge to meet or beat the factory stuff is always there...or if you just like rolling your own...

Mac

mitchell · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2005, 08:17:38 AM »

bo isn't that a good question. i would say just because the handi bug bit me again. the 204 out performs the 223 in everything but cost of ammo. in my opinion there is not reason to have a slow twist 223 or 22-250 . the only reason i would want a 223 would be for cheap plinking . but for you already having a 223 i would say buy it if you have the money to play with but if you don't just keep you 223's and be happy . but once you get a 204 you wont go back.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2005, 08:23:06 AM »

I have both, can't really justify the .204 other than just to have it cuz it's offered in a Handi....the predator shooters seem to really like it cuz it's flatter shooting and is very hide friendly. I posted a link in the Predator hunting forum for Matt that you might like to read on long range coyotes and the .204.....I'm also planning on getting a .22-250 stainless, would have already cept I just bought another Ultra, so it'll have ta wait a bit..... :grin:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2005, 08:45:29 AM »

That 22-250 stainless...is certainly on my list to get too...not cause I need it...or can justify it.....cause I WANT IT...durn Handi-itis...is flaring up again... :-D :-D :-D

Mac

bigjeepman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2005, 10:18:19 AM »

I guess I should have said that whenever I get into a new caliber, I have this need to reload for it because I believe I can get my best performance from that rifle if I do. I think we can all agree that factory ammo has gotten much better through the years and in some cases is very hard to beat with reloads. The best 3 shot group I have ever had was with factory Federal 70 gr ballistic tips in my .243.

My point with the .223 "and" the .204 is I am not yet convinced there is such a difference between the two that it justifies more dies, bullets, powders, brass, etc. I usually spend around $100 to get started in a new caliber for these items and the .204 would even be higher because of the cost of new brass. There is no doubt that the .204 is a great performer as Mitchell and others have witnessed through their experiences.

There is a .204 Handi still sitting in my gunshop with a bull barrel. It has been there now for over three weeks for $210. Hmmm... I have some very accurate rifles in .223, .243, and .300 wsm that I am really pleased with. Maybe, I should get a medium bore like a 7mm-08 or a BC.

poncaguy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2005, 10:36:11 AM »

Let's see, I hve a Ruger 77 in 22-250, a Rossi in 223 and 17 HMR, an Encore in 204 Ruger and a Handi in 243, with a 45-70 on the way. Next is a 25-06 in a Handi.Now since I can get a Handi for less than a price of a new barrel for my Encore, I want to have Handi's in 223, 17 HMR and 22-250 also. I'm really a sick person....aren't I?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2005, 10:55:26 AM »

One of the sickest.....but you fit right in!!!! :-D

bigjeepman · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:05:46 AM »

Thanks for reminding me poncaguy ...

I also have two 17 HMRs in a CZ and a Marlin that are pretty darn accurate "fun" guns.

Guess I will have to agree with quickdtoo ... you are pretty sick ... is your 45/70 going to be a BC?

poncaguy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:25:06 AM »

bigjeepman
No it's a Handi, will be 64 next month, so the shorter and lighter is becoming my favorite......have "arthur" too in my wrists. Funny though, I shoot a 45-70 16" Contender........ :eek:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:27:09 AM »

Hmmm...Do ya think the 45-70 Contender has anything to do with "Arthur"!!! :eek:

poncaguy · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:30:48 AM »

Na, been in the pest control business all my life, pumping up spray cans and drilling with hammer drills ( when the bit gets stuck, it twists ur hands very quickly...ow )

Coastwatcher · « **Reply #12 on:** April 23, 2005, 11:46:24 AM »

One advantage of the .223 over the .204 is the variety of reloading bullet options as well as the cheaper and varied availibilty of factory ammo.

bajabill · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2005, 09:53:11 AM »

on average, which of the really cheap 223 ammo shoots well in the handi. talking about the 3 or 4 bucks for 20 stuff. Im thinkin of adding a 223 to my 243 frame and dont want to reload for this one. I want at least 1 gun that I can grab some low cost bangs at the last minute and not have to plan ahead and reload. The 204 would be a better spread from the 243, but I want the option of using factory ammo for less than I can make them. Also, I dont really look forward to cleaning that small diameter hole in the barrel. 22 is already getting a little tedious in my opinion.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2005, 10:05:34 AM »

The best shooting cheap .223 ammo for most all of us is the Win whitebox 45gr JHP at $13 for 40. I don't think you'll find any that shoots as good for less. The Black Hills and Ultramax shoots good too, but costs more, also. The cheap Wolf ammo doesn't shoot well at all in mine.

mt3030 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 24, 2005, 02:42:45 PM »

BajaBill:
I agree with Quick if you are looking for a good hollow point for hunting. But for plinking and practice, the various 55 fmj ammo will run less then $4.00 per 20 rounds at the gun shows. Thats $8.00 per 40 or less. (And no shipping.) And will give you a good source of brass to use or trade. Those prices should cover Federal, Remington, Winchester, or S&B. Some of the stuff is even cheaper. While Wolf doesn't agree with all 223s, my shooting friend has a rifle that just loves it, now that they have gone to the teflon coated cases and got rid of that laquar coating. These other imports are so cheap it would not hurt to get a box and give it a try. Might be surprised.
Wally