243 HANDI

[John R.]

My brother found me a 243 Handi in like new condition with a 3x9 scope (simmons) for $170 out the door. The gun has a standard bbl. (not bull). I figured It would work great for my daughter who will be 13 yrs. old this Dec. Any suggestions on loads. My other Handi is a 500 Mag.

[lonewolf5348]

I find the Handi favors IMR 4064
I use to loads both mid-range in the reloading manual
95 gr.Noslers 4064 charge 34.5 coal 2.750
100 gr. Hornady SPBT  4064 33.8 or 34.0 coal 2.740
I did some loading and after a 100 rounds or so I would say to stay at mid range or low end on the 243.
I find the throat are long and the hotter the load seem to stretch the brass to .010 (shoulder)
I find on the mid range load the brass stretch is about .003
I tried sierra 85 gr SPBT Gamekings and they are not bad but the 87 gr. hornady SPBT group outstanding they should be excellent for recoil for young shooters

[S.E.Ak]

If its the SL barrel with sights and plastic stock you will be suprised by the recoil produced. A good pad and some extra weight in the forearm help alot

[John R.]

The gun has a wood stock and no sights. I have some IMR 4064 so I will try that for sure. Thanks for the imput.

[vabowhntr]

I finally found a load that is working for mine, although I only have two powders on hand and was only working with the Sierra 85 gr HPBT.

Mine shot well with the starting load of imr4350 with a long COAL, which put it just a few thousands off of the lands.  I was able to get 5 shots touching at my 70 yard range, but after 5 it started stringing them vertically about 2".  I repeated with the same results the next day.  While this will work very well for deer, I guess this will not be my varmint gun...

[bigvarmnt]

bowhunter, What kind of varmints are you shooting 6 or 7 at a time with 85 gr bullets I'd be all   with 5 touching out of mine. You better hope you don't run across more than 5 deer at a time Good Shootin

John R, Check the reduced youth loads on Hodgdons site. Reduce loads by 20% section. Might be good to start her out with.

[tacklebury]

Might want to check out the forearm thread in the FAQ, when mine strings, it's usually because the barrel is getting hot.  If I keep the forearm less firmly screwed on and pull the tip down slightly, it helps. 

[lonewolf5348]

I loaded a few more test rounds I am going to try on Wednesday afternoon: I did a little adjustment on the bullet seating die.I turned the die in  not to roll  (CRIMP) but snug the neck tight
I have a lee taper die I tried in my 30-06 and can say they work,I found it don't take much but equal pressure seem to get tighter groups.
I am pretty happy with the 243 handi not crazy about the long throat but with IMR 4064 she seem to do 3 shots under 7/8" from the bench

[John R.]

Thanks for the imput guys. I will check out the reduced load section, i've been on that site many times and never relized they had that section. Now I've got to get the gun from my brothers house to mine (300 miles). Can't wait to start the testing.

[vabowhntr]

Just an update, we finally got a 70 degree, cloudy with no rain day and I tried some of the same loads out of my 243 as listed above at about 125 yards.  All 3 shot groups were less than 1.5" with the load, with some right around an inch.  The problem is they are still vertically stringing with less than 1/4" horizontal.  Might not be getting the latch engagement I want yet, which I would guess could cause this.  I guess I should be happy, though.  Next to test one shot each day for 5 days and see if I can get them all in the same spot...

Although not a handi, I also shot an old Rem 725 that was rusted up after being in a building that was destroyed by storm damage several years ago.  I got all the rust off (fortunately only on the outside of the barrel and receiver with light pitting that the paint evened out) and painted with a spray can automotive primer.  It looks good, very matte finish until I lightly hit it with 0000 steel wool.  Now it is almost a gun blue color, and seems to hold up well if you let it dry for 4-6 weeks before touching it with the steel wool.  Also refinished the wood.  Anyway, I shot a 5 shot group after sighting in that measured .9" ctc with my first attempt at handloading for that gun.  I can't wait to take a deer with this gun and my handloads.  Might have to paint the handi up as well to help protect it from the elements.

[John R.]

I got some more info on the gun The serial # makes it a New England Firearms made in 2002. The gun has a BC type forearm that matches the stock. Is the forearm original to the gun? The gun is in excellant condition.

[quickdtoo]

Sounds like it has the schnable forend, that's the right era for them, here's an example on my 7x64 Handi, they had white line spacers on the recoil pad too.

Tim

[Frank V]

John, keep us informed on how  your handi does. The .243 is becoming one of my favorite ctgs. I don't have it in the handi, but like my .223.
Frank

[nova71]

I'm with Frank V, the 243 is also becoming my favorite round. I tried a varmint load this weekend. I was using Sierra 60gr HP with 40.3gr of Varget. first time using Varget my other load is IMR3031 both loads were shooting 1/2" groups at 60 yards. with two different rifles. I am loading with bullet weight up to 100gr with good results. I like the wide range of critters you can hunt with this round....