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Author Topic: Handi in .243  (Read 1040 times)

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Offline Frank V

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Handi in .243
« on: October 06, 2009, 07:53:35 AM »
What are the folks with a Handi in .243 finding with them? Are they accurate, & what velocities are you getting from them? I'm kind of thinking of one to go with my .223. Thanks Frank
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Offline j_guy

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2009, 09:00:57 AM »
I have one of the compact models.. I O-ringed the handguard, and it shoots MOA or better with Hornady 100Gr. interlock bullets.. I didn't polish the bore, and it took the better part of 4 or 5 boxes of ammo before my groups started to settle down.

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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2009, 09:11:04 AM »
I have four H&R 243s, two Superlights and two Ultras, the older Ultra shoots 100gr Federal Powershoks and 95gr Fusions into well under 1" at 100yds, the other Ultra liked 80gr Rems, it got rechambered to 6mmRem AI tho and still shoots 87gr Vmax handloads excellent. If you get  any of the 20" Superlight models, keep the barrel cool and they'll do just fine, but they heat up fast, without bedding the forend it will likely string any shots after a couple, but the first two should be tight, mine like 100gr Speer handloads. The standard contour and bull barrel aren't so sensitive to heat.

Tim

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Offline Trapper-Jack

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2009, 11:37:39 AM »
I've got one of the standard barreled ones.  I polished the chamber as I had a few cases stick after the shot.  Also keep an eye on the case length if reloading.  It shoots as good as I can.
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Offline Piney

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2009, 11:48:27 AM »
I have two of the.243 cal. rifles-one standard barrel that shoots just about everything MOA and a superlight that shoots Rem. green box 100 gr. MOA (will not shoot Winchester ammo). Very pleased with both of these rifles.

Give these rifles a thorough cleaning-particularly the bore and shoot the heck out of them-enjoy!
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2009, 11:51:26 AM »
I got a .243 with standard barrel when my son was 10.  It shot OK with him, when he was small.  Reasonable groups (all shots on a 4" pie plate) at 200 yards, as far as I would let a 10 yr old shoot.  But when he was 12 his Mom got him a 45-70 barrel and the .243 has not seen the light of day since.  
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Offline Frank V

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2009, 07:55:32 AM »
Thanks fella's sounds like you are pleased with your Handi's in .243
Frank
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Offline bigvarmnt

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2009, 04:54:25 PM »
Tim, Did they make a 243 Ultra barrel in 22"? Thanks Mike .659 Muzzle?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2009, 05:00:35 PM »
.659" would be a standard contour, the 243 has been made in all contours and barrel lengths up to 24", 20" Superlight, 22" standard and bull, and 24" bull and fluted bull, as well as stainless, although the stainless has been discontinued. Bull barrels are ~.800" at the muzzle.

Tim
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Offline bigvarmnt

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2009, 05:15:56 PM »
Thanks Tim, there's one in the classifieds that made me wonder.
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Offline Big Nasty

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2009, 07:42:05 AM »
.243 is an awesome round my wife and kids love it as so do I. Tim is right as most always keep the barrel cool and you will do fine. I don't reload so I do not know all the terminology but the .243 is a very hot shooting load for what it is. Many people say it is too small for Deer, and this will open a whole can of worms but here it goes. The .243 in this part of the country has killed more Deer than any other rifle around. The only factory loads my .243 see's is Winchester power point 100gr, and Federal Power-Shock 100gr. They shoot fast and hot, and when getting it ready for the wife's deer season it's a group of three then it sits for about 20 minutes before another group. If it does not sit it will get way to hot and be shooting everywhere. Yes I said wife's deer season  ;), I am an avid bow hunter I live, breath, sleep, and eat bow hunting the majestic mighty AMERICAN WHITE TAIL  8). PS don't shoot the Winchester silver ballistic tips that are lubalox coated, you will scrub forever and may still not get that coating out of your barrel. Lots of people love em, not me I hate spending hours getting my bore clean when it should only take 30 minutes to clean the hole dang gun. ;D ::)
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Offline Frank V

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2009, 08:18:27 AM »
Big, don't scrub forever I use Wipe Out it's a foaming bore cleaner. I shoot Barnes tripple shock bullets in other rifles & a good squirt of wipe out it's clean. May have to do it several times, but no scrubbing.
Frank
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Offline ihookem

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2009, 02:22:54 PM »
My kids handi does about 4" @ 50 yds. It strings high every few shots. I think I have to bed the forend but don't know how. My son blasted a big doe with his .243. his first deer. I am very impressed with the .243 so far. It was a big older doe and it went 50 ft.  40.5 gr of IMR 4350, 100 gr speer boattail.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #13 on: October 13, 2009, 05:59:55 PM »
Lots of bedding ideas in the FAQs, but if it's a 20" Superlight, don't expect tight groups after the first two shots, the barrel warms up quick.

Tim
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Offline statelinerut

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #14 on: October 14, 2009, 12:05:16 AM »
The only thing I can say is to watch out. Before you know it every other gun in your safe will get a complex as to why you are spending so much time with that little ol 243 Handi Rifle. ;D
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Offline Cottonwood

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #15 on: October 14, 2009, 12:07:49 AM »
Tim

I believe you ARE the KING of Handi Rifles.
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Offline mitchell

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #16 on: October 14, 2009, 07:13:24 AM »
ive got a 243 ultra that shoot real good (you wouldnt believe me if i told you) that all i did to it was o ring the barrel and hand lap the bore


i get 4050fps with a 55gr bullet
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Offline kinslayer1965

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Re: Handi in .243
« Reply #17 on: October 14, 2009, 05:49:23 PM »
My first handi was a .243 with  a heavy barrel and a straight grip laminate stock. Of all the rifles I have owned it is my favorite. great shooter right out of the box and just got better after 60 or 80 rounds. Mine likes most any kind of factory ammo but shoots best with lowly winchester super x power points. Took two nice bucks last fall so it does more than just punch holes in paper.

In fact my nephew has it right now getting ready for his hunting trip in few weeks. I am starting to have seperation anxiety. It's funny actually because he had the choice of any gun in my cabinet and he went straight for my .243. I have converted another hunter to handi rifles.

Get one you will love it.
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