Range Report 35 Whelen

[HUNTS]

I got my handi 35 Whelen back from NEF yesterday.  The service order says that they did a FUNCTION/TEST FIRE and BRL CATCH HEAT TREAT.  No mention of requested trigger work on it.  I did call the service department though and was told that trigger pull was lessened.  I can't really feel a difference.  It's not bad though and around 4 lbs(guessing, have no gauge).

I remounted the 4x Weaver K4 and bore sighted it.  Then off to the 100 yard range.

For ammo I used again the Remington factory 200 grain core-loks. The first shot I took struck the target dead center.  A friend and I took turns shooting 3 shot groups.  The groups averaged 1.5-2".  The problem was that each group was centered on a completely different area on the paper.  I tried to keep the rest off the forearm as much as possible.  The forearm screw is cranked down tight.

The group size doesn't bother me too much.  It may improve when I start trying some handloads. 

I am a little concerned that there seems to be no consistency as to where the 3 shot group is on paper.  First it's high, then low.  Then it's right or left. Any opinions?

No more misfires occured with the gun.  I tried to refire the dud rounds(Rem factory) again without success. Also, the action is no longer "locking up"after a round is fired.  Good news there!

I'm  thinking about breaking in the bore with some JB's bore paste to try and lessen the break in time.  I'll report back with my next results from the range using handloads.  That's all for now.

[Mac11700]

I remounted the 4x Weaver K4 and bore sighted it.  Then off to the 100 yard range.

For ammo I used again the Remington factory 200 grain core-loks. The first shot I took struck the target dead center.  A friend and I took turns shooting 3 shot groups.  The groups averaged 1.5-2".  The problem was that each group was centered on a completely different area on the paper.  I tried to keep the rest off the forearm as much as possible.  The forearm screw is cranked down tight.

The group size doesn't bother me too much.  It may improve when I start trying some handloads.

I am a little concerned that there seems to be no consistency as to where the 3 shot group is on paper.  First it's high, then low.  Then it's right or left. Any opinions?

Actually a few...

First as you guessed...The Whelen will really shine with hand loads...Shooting a Handi isn't like shooting a centerfire bolt action...With the transfer safety bar...you must pull all the way thru with the trigger each time......Secondly...did you remove the scope rail and ensure that all the screws were tightend completely? This can cause inconsistancy problems as well...You said The forearm screw is cranked down tight....onto what...did you use the appropriate sized o-ring...RTV bed it...free float the barrel so there is no contact?...Just cranking the forearm screw down isn't always the best approach to a consistant shooting Handi...Was it shooting inconsistantly with you everytime..or with both you and you friend...everytime..most rifles will shoot differently when 2 people shoot them...Look to the FAQ's and stickys up on the top of the forum page...there are a-lot of reasons Handis won't shoot good..and most of them can be corrected with a little help...and if you take the time to do them..before heading to the range..

Mac

[Hunternz]

Just a thought, parralax on the scope? Specially with you and your mate shooting it, different poisitioning,
regards Howard

[HUNTS]

Mac 11700,

I will probably give the o-ring thing a try, although it didn't make much of a difference on my old Topper 158 30-30.  Also will try adjusting the tightness of the forearm screw.  I did remove the scope rail and reinstalled it with loc-tite, screwed it down as hard as I dared. I will see if the forearm needs to be sanded down .  Doubt I will bed the forearm though.  Did check out the FAQ's as well.  Thanks for the suggestions.  There is a bunch of stuff I need to try.

Hunternz,

The scope does have some visible parallax.  Thanks.  I may even do some shooting at 50 and 200 yards next time I hit the range.  I have found that shooting at different distances helps me see what the rifle/scope is doing.


I'll report back when I can address some of these issues and get to the range.



Steve

[DPRinks]

Hunts;
I have found I must support the rifle at the same place for consistency.
I support the action at the center of the barrel pivot point.

[Mac11700]

Hunts;
I have found I must support the rifle at the same place for consistency.
I support the action at the center of the barrel pivot point.

This is usually the optimum placement for them.When I RTV bedded my forearm on my 270 Ultra-Comp..it became extreamly consistant...hot or cold...and also using the Hasty Sling method of shooting off hand...The proper o-ring should probably help...just bear in mind you will need to keep the same pressure on it...and they will loosen up...Not all Handi's shoot the same..just as not all Handi shooters shoot the same...We just have to try a few different things 1 at a time till we find what works best...that's all...

Mac