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Author Topic: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range  (Read 986 times)

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Offline bilesteve

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.223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« on: October 25, 2004, 02:09:15 PM »
A couple of weeks ago I snagged a used Handi Rifle .223 Synthetic Superlight with a Simmons 3-9x32 Deerfield scope attached for $120 as it seemed like a good deal. At the time I had not read the numerous posts at this website about the shooting quality of the Superlight and after having read them I was a bit concerned with my impulse purchase.

Today I took the rifle to the range to see how it shot. As I an a relative novice to shooting and most certainly hunting and at a relatively advanced age, bear with my ignorance.

I just went to the 100 yard range and started shooting. Most disappointed with not even hitting the target until my third shot, then it was obvious the scope was shooting way high. Anyway, I spent most of the day there shooting primarily Winchester USA223R1 (55 grain) ammo. The net effect is that I am quite happy having gotten my two efforts at groups to range between 7/8" and 1 1/2". (for some reason I tend to think that bullseyes are the measure of success; slow learner on the grouping concept). For a few rounds I tried Federal 55 grain and it was okay, then 68grain from a local seller but the latter shot almost 2" higher than the other ammo. (why is that?) My shots were spaced every 5 minutes and about the only other breaks were checking or changing the targets. Probably shot something more than 50 rounds through the Superlight.

As the gun was used, I have no idea how many rounds it has through it. There has been no trigger work and I have not tried the o-ring trick, though I will. Nor do I know anything about the Simmons Deerfield scope :lol: , my assumption is that it is a budget model. I do have an AETEC on my Savage and like it a lot.

Anyway, I think this little rifle is perfectly fine for my usage. By the way, does anyone know where I can download a Handi Rifle Owner's Manual? I have searched on the internet but no luck thus far. Thanks.
 :lol:
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Offline v8r

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.223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2004, 02:30:00 PM »
:D Its easy to get a manual call H&R 1871inc. at 978-632-9393 ,talk to customer service.THey should send you one, ask for a catologue and accessory catologue while you are at it. I figured the accuracy problems people were having was due the thin contour barrel. I bet it would make a good tote around the woods gun.It sounds like you are getting good accuracy, not many handi 223s will get that kind of accuracy frome a 55 grain bullet, try some 45 or 40 grain ammo and see what happens. :grin:
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Offline bilesteve

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Thanks
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2004, 02:36:03 PM »
I will give Handi a call for the manual and give the lighter weight ammo a shot. thanks.
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Offline v8r

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.223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2004, 02:56:00 PM »
no problem my brother, glad i could help. Let us know how the lighter bullets work. Everyone here says the Wallmart winchester 45 grain value packs work very well.
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V8r's Handi collection.
H&R Ultra Varmint .223
H&R Topper 158 .22 Hornet
H&R Classic Carbine .45 LC
NEF  .357 magnum
H&R "Golden Buffalo" Buffalo Classic 45-70
NEF Pardner !2 Gauge

Offline handirifle

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.223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2004, 03:27:46 PM »
bilesteve
Sounds like you have a nice ultra lite.  Most of the 223's WILL easily handle 55gr and lower.  I'm curious about your groups from the 68gr stuff though.

As far a 2" higher, it can easily be for barrel hang time.  The heavier bullet leaves the barrel a little slower and the effect of recoil is greater, thus pushing the barrel up slightly before the bullet leaves it.
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Offline bilesteve

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68 grain
« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2004, 04:13:27 PM »
I only shot on 3 shot grouping with the 68 grain. The point of impact, as I mentioned before, was 2" higher than the 55 grain. The first two shots were 1 1/16" apart, the 3rd shot spread out to 3" at the widest and that was all for shooting that ammo. Obviously, it could have just as well been me.
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Offline merkelerk

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #6 on: January 09, 2009, 04:43:32 PM »
I downloaded the manual for my handi rifle .223 from the New England Firearms web site.

As for ammo....
I have tried Winchester PSP 55 grain and found it works well.
The Remington FMJ 55 grain worked poorly (groups opened up).
Hornady 55 grain VMAX works well but I haven't shot many of these.
American Eagle 50 grain flat base hollow point has produced the best groups and the best price!

Just purchased a 40 pack of Winchester 45 grain JHP but have not shot any yet, I will post back when I have tried it.
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Offline xsilver03x

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2009, 09:39:49 PM »
I woulod think that the 68 grain would have a shorter range, making the path of the bullet higher at 100 yards then the 55.  just like when you through a big rock and a little rock, the big rock will reach its high point in its path faster then the little one.  I would think anyway!!??!!
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2009, 03:52:40 AM »
Congratulations on the GREAT deal, most .223 barrels here, Superlight or not, go for about $95 to $105 and you got the complete gun WITH a scope that works well for $120...OUTSTANDING!!!

Your regimen of waiting a bit between shots with the superlight is what is needed by them. They are not for shooting 100's of shots one after another. 7/8th's of an inch to 1 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100 yards makes that a wonderful hunting rifle and a fun gun for the range. I have a similar barrel and they are great for hunting. Best of Luck....<><....:) 
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2009, 05:52:29 AM »
This has to be a new record for the oldest thread ever dug up from the graveyard!! :D

Tim
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2009, 06:04:44 AM »
yep, the "search" is a wonderful feature!!!....<><....:)
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Offline merkelerk

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2009, 03:25:29 PM »
I tried the Winchester value pack ammo in 45 grain (.223) and was thrilled!
The best groupings yet, but to be fair, I had done the "O" ring trick (in the FAQ) before going to the range.
It is possible that the improvement came from "floating" the barrel and not the lighter bullet.

I also tried 3 rounds of Swiss made .223 in a 63 grain (thereabouts) and it may have been very good as well, (shot 1 and 3 were within a 1/2 inch, shot 2 was 3 inches low). I would need to shoot a bit more of this to know.

As for the barrel floating, I can see that the wood was pressing against the right side of the barrel before the "O" ring and still is a bit, so I will have to sand the right side a bit and see if it improves even more.

I have also been cleaning the bore very meticulously between outings to the range and swabbing the bore every 6 to 9 shots. This combine with the large amount of ammo going through this gun over the last two weeks (approx 180 rounds) seems to be improving it.
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Offline merkelerk

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Re: .223 Synthetic Superlight at the range
« Reply #12 on: January 12, 2009, 03:32:33 PM »
I should have mentioned that I was shooting at 100 yards, the 200 yard is opening up as would be expected but still... if paper were coyotes, they don't stand a chance.

The 100 yard with Winchester 45 grain JHP is grouping .75 to 1 inch using only a short Harris bi-pod and a 3-9 X 40 Bushnell on the bench.

This site has turned my purchase of a Handi rifle into a thrill, thanks for the info (FAQ) even if this is an ancient thread.
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