Handi in 7mm 08

[ORHarleyMan]

Before I start this thread, I wanna say GREAT FORUM!  Thank you in advance for all your help.

Im having grouping issues with my 7mm 08.  Ive read several threads on it, as well as the 'sticky' thread about how to position the rifle when sighting, removing the forestock, ect.  Im going to the range tomorrow to try those ideas.  I bought this rifle for my GF a couple years ago.  I put a Bushnell Legend scope on it (4X12 I believe).   She really likes the rifle...mostly it's 'compact' design.  She's rather short @ 5'1", and was having trouble with the full size stock...really stretching just to see thru the scope.  I blew off the 'grouping' results mainly because of this.  Last week I put a Choate youth model stock on it just for her, and she says it's much more comfortable to shoot....except the grouping issues.  As stated above, I'll be trying to solve that problem tomorrow. 

Where can a person buy another 'wood' stock, in youth model?  I dont want the laminates, and this composite is fine for now, but it looks sooo much better with the wood stock.  Or, as an option, I've thought about buying another 'full size' stock and cutting it down.  I say another full size stock because then I can have the best of both worlds, and she'll have the Monte Carlo.

If she's happy....then Im VERY happy!! 

Thanks

[Shu]

You don't say what size of group or distance. Vertical stringing, a shotgun type pattern, etc.
Need some details.

Check the scope mounting hardware first, then work your way into the more expensive problems. Proper gun fit helps alot, which seems you already took care of. Try gun stocks inc for some wood.

[thejanitor]

Welcome! If you watch the NEF H&R classifieds we see youth stocks pass through there fairly common. But you can also post that you "WTB" want to buy one in the buying section. As a registered user of GBO you can see the classifieds. Check out the persons trade count and click on it to see how they have been to deal with in the past so you know what to expect. If you deal with someone, then after the transaction you fill out feedback on eachother so it starts your trade count feedback. This is a very good group to deal with, I have nothing bad to say about the many I have dealt with here.
 Good luck, I have killed several deer with my 7-08 Handi and although it isn't a tack driver (1.5 inch at 100) it does perform well on animals with a 130 gr bullet.
thejanitor

-edit- before trading or buying anything please read the rules on the classified use.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome!! H&R sells all of their stocks as accessories, most are listed on the retail parts page of the FAQs, you can order them direct from H&R toll free (866)776-9292. If you want a nice checkered walnut set, the Topper Deluxe Classic stock is available in a youth/ladies length from Brownell's, I have a set on my 405 Win Target.

Tim

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=18138/pid=0/sku/Butt_Stock__Ladies_Youth__Walnut__w_Recoil_Pad

[ORHarleyMan]

You don't say what size of group or distance. Vertical stringing, a shotgun type pattern, etc.
Need some details.

Check the scope mounting hardware first, then work your way into the more expensive problems. Proper gun fit helps alot, which seems you already took care of. Try gun stocks inc for some wood.

Well....as far as grouping, Ive rarely shot the rifle.  It's hard for me to 'secure', primarily 'cause it's set up (eye relief) for her, especially with the youth stock.  The best she's ever done was about 4" @ 100 yds....and honestly, that's few and far between.  I could 'deal' with that, if it were consistent.  Most are 'on the paper'.  A trigger job will help, just not sure it's all the problem.  Not sure how 'accurate' this theory is, but I've done the $ bill slip test...it slides in without resistance.  It was folded in my wallet, and a little 'crease fold' would hang up.  Close fit to drag on a 'double-thickness' $ bill.  Single thickness would slide all the way to the forestock screw.

I've tried 2 different ammo...Remington Core Lokt 140 gr, and Federal Fusion 140gr.  The Federals are what she's got the best group with....but Im spending a small 'fortune' in those.  Dont mean to sound cheap....but Im looking for some answers.  Have any suggestions?

Im headed to the range this afternoon and will try all the suggestions in the "Handi-Rifle Basics" thread (which I've read SEVERAL times...even printed off a copy to take with me..lol).  I know it's possible; Im pretty sure (99.9%) the scope / mounting is ok....when I put it on, I used Loktite (blue) on the base, then torqued everything with a Wheeler, then laser boresighted.  I kinda hate to break everything loose knowing this.   Maybe I should do this too?

[quickdtoo]

Did ya clean the thread locker out of the scope base mounting holes per the FAQs? If not, the screws will seem to tighten the rail, but they're really only tight in the hole leaving the rail somewhat loose, this happens so often that many have thought the screws were too long. 

Oil or solvent on the latch and/or shelf is bad, that in combination with not closing the action with some force, specially on a new rifle, will result in poor accuracy.

And it may just be a bad barrel or fitted poorly, it happens occasionally, or it just needs some break-in time, do so without cleaning, Handis shoot best dirty.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,88476.msg534522.html#msg534522

[Shu]

Armed with the FAQ section is an excellent start. Sounds like you checked the scope and the easy things. I sure don't want to offend you or anyone but I'll ask anyway. Can she shoot without flinching or shoot the group you think is acceptable?
Being able to hit a target with the first shot every time is great for field work.

My Pops could always shoot them tiny sub 1 inch groups at 100 yrds. I can do 2 inch groups on my best days with the same rifle. Sometimes it is the shooter. Sometimes its the gun.

Do you reload ammo it is cheaper and allows for more practice. It also allows for the tailoring of ammo.

[ORHarleyMan]

Armed with the FAQ section is an excellent start. Sounds like you checked the scope and the easy things. I sure don't want to offend you or anyone but I'll ask anyway. Can she shoot without flinching or shoot the group you think is acceptable?
Being able to hit a target with the first shot every time is great for field work.

My Pops could always shoot them tiny sub 1 inch groups at 100 yrds. I can do 2 inch groups on my best days with the same rifle. Sometimes it is the shooter. Sometimes its the gun.

Do you reload ammo it is cheaper and allows for more practice. It also allows for the tailoring of ammo.

Haven't reloaded in years...dont even have my press and dies anymore.  BUT....it might be time to start again.  Christmas IS comin'.....heheh.

Can she shoot those 'groups'?  With my .308...she'd be squemish (recoil).  With the .243....no doubt!  As some might say..."The girl can SHOOT!". 

Reading yours, and Quick's last post has me thinking.  Im going to 'clean' the latch...make sure it's dry....might run a rod down the barrel just for good measure...check all the tips mentioned in the sticky note.  If my trip to the range this afternoon doesnt give me results, Im going to pull the scope, mounts, and base off...clean, clean, clean....then remount and boresight.  I dont have access to my friends laser...but I do have an old BSA that SHOULD get me on paper.  Then....it's shoot....shoot....and shoot somemore.  Im out of the Fusion rounds, Academy is 35 miles the OTHER direction....but have 3 boxes of Core Lokts.  I called a local 'smith who's on the way to the range...he as some Winchester 140s ...dont remember if they're Super X or Supreme.  I'll pick up a couple boxes and try them.  She's going to meet me there.....as Im taking the .243 and my 25 06 for her to shoot.  After today, she'll know WHICH she's gonna shoot this Saturday morning.

[lonewolf5348]

I had a 7-08 sold it here shot pretty good with hand loads: I did find the it did not like the bullet seated out 20 thou into the lands.I was also surprise with top end loads she did not group well.I played with it and came up with 4 shot at the 100 from the bench 1" to 1" 1/2" on paper.
The loads more on the starting side of the reloading books:the gun was set up for the grand daughter but she did not like the recoil so we decided to sell it and pick up a 243 cal. barrel which she shoots excellent.
I have the thumb hole stock she also runs into the LOP is too long but she will grow into with time.
The action trigger was around 6lbs factory but after trigger job it was a night and day big difference for her.

[Shu]

I was kind of headed toward the recoil issue. Thought if the original poster had better luck then the original shooter that might be it.

The 243 mentioned just might be the ticket.

[ORHarleyMan]

Update:

I took the Handi to the range this afternoon.  I'd made sure the latch was oil-free.  I set up the sandbags where the trigger guard was almost recessed into the front bags.  The stock was supported where all I had to do was grip and pull the trigger.  When loading, I made sure it was a good solid lock.  I inserted a 140 gr Core Lokt.....1st shot went ...?.  Didnt even hit the paper @ 100 yds.  But....that's nothing new for me to miss the first shot (this has ONLY happened @ the range....I've only missed 1 deer in my life)  Loaded again.  Shot 2" up and 1 1/2" left.  Loaded again.....1/2" right from shot #1.  Loaded again....1/2" up and left of shot #2.  Honestly, the best GROUP I think Ive ever shot.  Switched ammo to the Winchester Super X Power Point 140 gr.   Shots were all over the paper...left side.  

GF showed up about an hour later.....she had a decent group of about 2-3".  We went over to the 50 yd target....she shot 1" left of the bullseye, the next 2 she DRILLED the bullseye...the 2nd shot she changed to the bottom right target. then her last shot was 1" right.  She looked @ me with that lil' grin of hers.....I KNEW I'd been outshot...lol.  For now, our problems seem to be somewhat solved.  We're both satisfied that the gun will shoot where you point it (kill zone), and she's developed the confidence she wanted & needed to make that 'kill zone' shot.   She also shot the 25 06....it's just too long for her.

 I'd like to thank y'all that offered advice and help in my 'troubles'.  You're a GREAT bunch of shooters.  I sent this link to my buddy, who has 2 Handi-Rifles...a 25 06 and a 308.

Thanks Again!!!!!!  
Bill

PS....Im NOT gonna tell ya how she did with the 25 06.....other than "The girl can SHOOT!!!"    Glad Im not out in front of her!

[Shu]

Outstanding.

I was going to tell you if that rifle wouldn't hold a good group you could send it to me with 4 or 5 boxes of ammo. I'd be happy to shoot it and give you updates. Next year just send more ammo, I'll send pics and tell you how it's doing from time to time. Just keep sending ammo.

The folks here put together one heck of a good resource with the Faq and Handi 101. Wish I could claim some responsiblity for it.

[necchi]

Well that is good news, That 708 is just plain fun to shoot,
FWIW, the best factory ammo I shot out of my 708 was Winchester Supreme 140 Nosler Ballistic Silver Tip, 4" at 100.
 Handloading REALLY dialed that thing in with all the accurizing tips here in the faqs, gott'er dialed in actually near moa at 200 if the shooter does his job.

[moorepower]

If you sighted the gun in free recoil, the p.o.i will move when you shoot it normally.

[ORHarleyMan]

If you sighted the gun in free recoil, the p.o.i will move when you shoot it normally.

True!  It will move....I know that, and she knows that.  Im really thinking it's KNOWING it WILL hit where you aim it....and the 'bullseye' on a whitetail is a little larger than on a target.  That's what Im hoping will happen.  Im including a picture of 1 of the bucks working in her area.  She's REALLY excited about hunting this year.....and like I said earlier...."If SHE's happy....then Im REALLY HAPPY!!!!"  

Thanks again for everyones help and support!