loading question on Handi 243

[southernutah]

I bought a used handi in 243 with sporter barrel. tried it out today with some reloads that i use in my TC Encore 243. First round locked up the acton. With a little work we got it opened  but brass wouldn't eject. Got home and a light tap with cleaning rod removed the brass. the load was 36 gr. of IMR 4895 under a Hornady 87 gr HP. Anyone shooting a 243 and what are you using for ammo.

[LaOtto222]

I am not positive on your load. It seems to be a bit on the heavy side for a Handi rifle. Back off 10% of the IMR 4895 and see if this does not solve your problem. If it does, then start working your back up in little steps (.5 grains) until you have a problem again or you get accuracy you are looking for. I do not see IMR 4895 listed in the Hornady manual, but 35.3 grains of H4895 is a top load so maybe the IMR is too hot. In general, Handis do not like hot loads; hot loads can cause sticking problems. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[Manitobahunter]

It maybe that the brass being from another rifle, it will have to be sized a little more to bump the shoulder back a bit.



     Cliff

[BowHunter252]

Make sure the chamber is clean, and maybe even polish it a little.  Are you full length sizing?

I use H4350 or IMR 4350 in all of my 243 loads.

[southernutah]

They slip right in the barrel and are flush, barrel and frame lock up OK. I full length resize, length trim and neck trim, debur flash hole. I show 36gr IMR 4895  max in one manual and 38 in an other for 90 gr bullets. Guess the Handi frame has to much give for the loads. Have some factory ammo I might try but I hate to pack to different ammo loads and get them mixed up if both rifles are in camp . Guess if I keep it I  will  have to load down or with a slower powder like 4350.

[gendoc]

GLEN CHECK YOUR PM...