Author Topic: Huntsman loading limits (Read 1354 times)

Keith Lewis · « **on:** May 01, 2006, 06:06:30 AM »

Someone just posted a reply that the Sidkick can take higher loads than the Huntsman. What is the deal with this? As far as I know the only difference between the two is the location of the hinge pin relative to the breechface to eliminate the Sidekick from accepting any shotgun barrels in order to bypass the firearm registration paperwork. The barrels should be the same and consequently should both accept the same maximum loads. The only other thing I can guess is that possibly the older large breechplug design might be a little less strong but the newer 5/8 plug should be as strong as the Sidekick. Anyone able to add any clarification to this?

DickG · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2006, 08:30:31 AM »

Keith,

The current versions of the Sidekick and Huntsman have the " 26 inch Magnum barrel". The barrel is rated for 120 gr loose and 150 gr. pellets.

The previous version Huntsman had a 24 inch barrel and were rated for 100 gr. loose. I think all of the 26 inch Magnum barrels have the 5/8 inch breechplug and the 24 inch barrels had the 7/8 inch breechplug.

There may have been a transition period where you could could get either barrel on a Huntsman, but that may be as a result of continued availability of previous models after the 26 inch barrel became standard.

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2006, 09:32:28 PM »

I thought I replied to this but apparently I forgot to submit. My Huntsman I got second hand so I don't know how they advertised it. My barrel measures 26 inches from muzzle to breechface. If you subtract the breechplug the barrel is actually 24 1/2 inches. My breechplug is a 5/8 and the manual says 120gr. loose or 150gr. pellets. Apparently I have a "magnum" barrel. Have not shot it yet as I am setting up the scope and recoil pad first.

Busta · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2006, 02:56:25 AM »

Kieth,

You have a "magnum" barrel. All the 26" barrels were rated as "magnum", even the older ones with the 7/8" breech plugs. I don't think it was ever a strength issue at all, just that it is easier to burn more powder in a longer barrel. My 2003 SS Huntsman with the 7/8" breech plug and 24" barrel is not rated as a magnum. The loads in the manual states:

Quote

These loads are recommended for optimum accuracy. Exceeding them is not likely to increase performance and can result in higher pressures and unsafe conditions. Do not exceed propellant manufacturers' recommendations. Loads recommended for FFG black powder may also be used for Pyrodex RS on a volume basis. This rifle is designed to use #209 primers.

It then goes on to list the recommended loads as follows:

Quote

Conical bullets

Projectile Weight (grains------------------Black Powder Charge FFG (grains)
250-390-------------------------------------90
400-470-------------------------------------80

Saboted bullets

Projectile Weight (grains------------------Black Powder Charge FFG (grains)
200------------------------------------------100
240------------------------------------------100

Can someone with the "MAGNUM" barrel please publish the RECOMMENDED loads from the Qwners Manual?

The 2004 26" magnum barreled NEF Sidekick and NEF Heritage (Cabelas Exclusive w/Mossy Oak synthetic stock and forend) had the 7/8" breech plugs so it can't be a breech plug issue. In 2005 NEF came out with the 5/8" breech plug and of course it should be stronger because it leaves a lot more meat at the breech end of the barrel.

I have shot the 300 grain SST/Shockwave with 85 grains 777 FFG, 200 grain Shockwave with 100 grains BM'3, 430 grain White Super Slug with 80 grains 777 FFG (elk load), 460 grain No Excuses with 80 grains 777 FFFG and everything in between in my 24" barreled non-magnum rated Huntsman. I don't shoot any more powder than I can burn anyways and I have never felt undergunned. :grin:

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2006, 07:13:10 AM »

If someone does not beat me to it. I have a manual and after I go get it and have time to reaccess this site I will post.

DickG · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2006, 04:30:44 AM »

Yhe owners manual for my Sidekick is dated 4/04

The load information is as fpllows:

Conical bullets
weight 250 - 490
powder loose 40-120
pellets (max) 150

Saboted bullets
weight 200 - 300
powder loose 40-120
pellets (max) 150

Busta · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2006, 05:28:14 AM »

Thanks DickG.

I wish we could get a FAQ Sticky for this forum, lots of information gets flushed away to never be found again. This would also help prevent the same questions getting asked over and over taking up valuable space to the board.

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2006, 04:38:34 AM »

I'm with ya on that Busta, I gathered a bunch of info and politely suggested the same when I was going to buy a Huntsman but I guess the admin missed them... Maybe we should PM the Guys and see>>>> I asked quickd2 he said the same..

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:02:51 AM »

PM Redhawk1 and ask him to make it a sticky, Wes is out of town on training the last I read of him, so I don't think he can make it happen.

Tim

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2006, 03:07:00 AM »

Thanks Quick