Author Topic: Range report handi superlight .243  (Read 831 times)

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Offline howard NZ

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Range report handi superlight .243
« on: July 09, 2005, 11:14:06 AM »
Firstly I have never shot such a tempremental rifle before :roll:   , tested 8 loads using Hornady 87gr bthp and Hornady 100gr interlock, 3 shot groups at 50yds, this was the first time this gun was shot. Procedure was one fouling shot and then the 3 shot group, clean with hoppes no9 and a dry patch
Graf.243 brass, Win LR primers oal 2.81"
ADI 2209 42gr 87gr group 1"
ADI 2209 43gr 87gr group 2.5"
ADI 2209 44gr 87gr group 1.5"
ADI 2209 39gr 100gr group .87"
ADI 2209 40gr 100gr group 7"  What the? got to try that again!!!!  
ADI 2217 44gr 100gr group 1.75"
ADI 2217 45gr 100gr group 3.75"
ADI 2217 46gr 100gr group .625"
The worst groups were climbers, the last group I actually walked to the target after each shot, says something about the rifle being heat sensitive.
Had the gun break open once and on 4 occasions the cleaning rod was used for stuck cases, this ocurred 3 times on the fouling shot after cleaning, plenty to work on, I know I can improve the groups with more tuning and a better rest while shooting, going to try the oring and polish the ejecter, give the barrel and chamber another polish. Dare I say it, I  like the rifle and look forward to next Saturday at the range. Going to try some Hornady 95gr sst bullets as well as some Remington brass.
Regards Howard

Offline Varminter

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2005, 11:53:41 AM »
Great report. Now you can start trying some of the old handiholic tricks. Like i said in your last post the accuracy is there, most people just give up on them too easy. Be sure to keep us up to date on the 243.  :grin:
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Offline quickdtoo

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2005, 01:25:32 PM »
Howard, dry that chamber after cleaning, any oil or solvent left in there will guarantee a stuck case. :wink:

Tim
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Offline Norseman112

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2005, 06:16:23 PM »
Looks like you have some good groups Howard. Congrats....may I dare say you have a good handi ?  :D

Thank you for the report.

Norse

Offline handirifle

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2005, 06:31:37 PM »
One thing I have noticed on my std 22" 243 barrel using 85gr Barnes triple shock bullets, is my best groups were when the bullets were closest to the lands (normal you say) but Barnes recemmends start ".050" from the lands due to pressure problems.  

I used IMR4350 powder with a mid level load and ONLY changes the bullet seating depth.  I watched this mid level charge get to the point of flattened primers, long before it should have, with a std bullet.

My next loads will be closer to the lands, but, with beginning level charges until I find an accurate load.  Only then will I try to push the velocity up.

Even with mid level loads I was easily passing 3300fps.

Howard, were all your loads the same COAL?  Keep in mind the ogive of the different bullets as well.  A bullet can easily be longer but be farther from touching the lands than a shorter fatter bullet.

The Barnes bullet has a very long narrow profile.
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Offline howard NZ

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2005, 07:46:22 PM »
Well I will be content when the three shot groups are under 1.5" at a 100yds, thats my aim with my Deer/Hog/Goat load, then I will try some lighter bullets for fun for smokin a few Bunnies, Hares and Magpies.
The next step other than trying the Hornady SST 95gr is trying a couple different OAL
Regards Howard.

Offline howard NZ

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2005, 07:35:09 PM »
2nd trip to the range today, had loaded up the remainder of my Hornady 100gr sp bullets, 46gr ADI 2217 (H1000), oal 2.81" (produced the best group last week at 50yds of .625)  sighted in 1.5" high at 100yds.Fired two 3 shot groups to finish, measured 2.25" and 2.75" In both cases the 3rd shot opened the groups up from under 1" not briliant, but now I can go hunting and know if I do my part, it is a dead animal out to 200yds+ a bit more.
Shot a 100yd  3 shot group with Hornady 95gr sst, 46gr ADI 2217 oal 2.84" measured 2.5", next time to the range I will try a few different powder weights and will put in the rubber oring to see if it will tighten that third shot.
looking forward to my first hunt with the rifle hopefully next weekend.
Howard.

Offline De41mag

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Range report handi superlight .243
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2005, 07:57:53 PM »
howard NZ;

Good Luck on your hunt.
Hope the Handi, brings home the bacon.
I'm planning on getting a 243 in the Ultra Varmit.
From your first post, it looks as though the ADI 2217 looks promising w/ the 100gr. bullet and 46.0 grains.
Keep us posted.

Dennis  :D