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Offline Country Boy

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The .243 handi ?
« on: June 29, 2007, 10:59:40 AM »
 From some of the tings I've read on the formun, I get the impression the .243 is the most troublesom of the handi's. Why is that or is this a falsehood ? I'm thinking of buying a .243 since my good experience with the .45-70
   Which one should I buy ? Bull bbl or reg bbl.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2007, 11:26:25 AM »
Only the 243 Superlight has a reputation of being troublesome, but even they can be dealt with, just ask Stimpy how his shoots!! I have two 24" bull barrels, they both shoot excellent with factory ammo, they can be made to shoot even better with handloads, but isn't necessary, Rem 80gr Core-lokts shoot good in one of mine, the other likes 95gr and 100gr Federals, Mac's shot the Win Supreme 95gr BST extremely well, Statelinerut has killed a bunch of deer and coyotes with the 95gr Fusion in his, and Howard NZ shoots handloaded 100gr SSTs in his Superlight, has killed many critters in New Zealand with it.

Regular or bull barrel, doesn't matter too much, I'd get the one you think you'd like best, 22" standard and bull, or 24" bull, fluted or plain, 22" stainless standard contour. ;)

Tim
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2007, 11:59:21 AM »
I agree with Tim.

 I also have one of the Ultra Varmint's (with the longer, heavy barrel) and it shoots great!! About an inch with anything I have put thru it. Better with its favorite's.

If you conserned, just steer clear of the ultralight. Its a wonderful caliber.

CW
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Offline stimpylu32

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2007, 04:03:53 PM »
CB

Tim's right about the super lites , i spent a few weeks to find the load that it liked but once i found it  ;D , i liked it so well that it went on the P-dog shoot with me and was taking those little suckers out to 400 yards .

So far i have only shot 80gr and up in the barrel but i do have some 58gr V-max loaded to try this weekend , i'll let you know how they do .

stimpy
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Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2007, 04:20:52 PM »
Quote from: stimpylu32 on June 29, 2007, 04:03:53 PM
CB

Tim's right about the super lites , i spent a few weeks to find the load that it liked but once i found it  ;D , i liked it so well that it went on the P-dog shoot with me and was taking those little suckers out to 400 yards .

So far i have only shot 80gr and up in the barrel but i do have some 58gr V-max loaded to try this weekend , i'll let you know how they do .

stimpy
Stimpy please do. I want to shoot lighter bullets out of my 24'' bull for groundhogs and such. I will never hunt anything bigger with it.
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Offline cbourbeau32

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2007, 04:58:10 PM »
I have a 243 Ultra with bull barrel that shoots great with factory ammo. I am currently working up some hand loads for it. I would buy another one without hesitation. Charlie

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Offline Mac11700

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2007, 06:18:13 PM »


The 24" bull barrel all the way...

Dale...a question for you...you said...I will never hunt anything bigger with it....Why...? Are you forced to by you state laws...or is it by personal choice...? If personal...you missing out on a great rifle for deer on down...

Mac
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Offline statelinerut

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2007, 03:29:48 AM »
All I can say is if you have any concerns about the 243 in the Handi, erase them from your mind and get one. I love this little gun for whitetail. As far as the bull vs standard barrel, it all depends on how heavy you want your rig to be. They are both great shooters. From a tree stand, this little gun is the cats meow.

Like Tim said, mine loves the Fusion 95 grain and so does my wallet. I have never shot anything else out of it, because if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have had pass thrus on every deer and coyote I have taken.
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Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2007, 11:32:41 AM »
Quote from: Mac11700 on June 29, 2007, 06:18:13 PM


The 24" bull barrel all the way...

Dale...a question for you...you said...I will never hunt anything bigger with it....Why...? Are you forced to by you state laws...or is it by personal choice...? If personal...you missing out on a great rifle for deer on down...

Mac
It is a personal choice although I was told this morning by the farmer that has let me shoot his ground hogs that he has some coyotes and a couple bobcats there on his farm. I believe that would be just the thing for them. I have a 280 and a 450 Marlin for deer and larger game.
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: The .243 handi ?
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2007, 02:14:44 PM »


Dale:

While both the 280 & 450 are excellent Handi's...don't discount what a properly tuned load will do for you with your 243...

This is how good it can get with a 24" bull barrel...Both of these groups are from the same barrel...mitchell shot the varmint load after I sold him the barrel /dies/brass/bullets
 55 grain Combined Technology bullet..


I shot this group with the 95grain Combined Technology bullet...all 5 shots were as fast as I could load & shoot with out cooling...and was the second group of 4 I shot this way...all 20 rounds in less than 3 minutes.. The 3 shots together go .118" and that is the max charge for Reloader 22...I have 2 other groups that are just as nice that are further over the max...both which were safe in my gun at the time..



This load kicks far less than either the 280 and I doubt you would even feel it after shooting 1 round of your 450M... :D :D :D

Like I said...don't discount your 243...With the right load for it...you have a formidable rifle for whitetails...and any thing smaller you want to hunt...

Mac
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