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Handi-Rifle Question

hadjiihadjii Member Posts: 976 ✭✭
edited January 2007 in Ask the Experts
Is it possible, to say, take a Handi-Rifle in a 243 caliber, and have it bored to be a 257 Roberts?
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Comments

  • hadjiihadjii Member Posts: 976 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can anyone give me an idea of what size groups I could expect out of a .223 NEF/H&R Handi-Rifle when shooting milsurp ammunition?

    This sounds like it has potential as a good, inexpensive setup for training a youngster in 100-200 yd. shooting, but I'm wondering what this combination is capable of.
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  • TeamblueTeamblue Member Posts: 782 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For a competent gunsmith with the proper chamber reamer and applicable tools this would not seem to be a problem. It might cost one more than one could buy a decent bolt rifle in .257 Roberts; but if you got the $$, then it is a free country after all.

    I, for one, would like to see them offer the Handi Rifle in .260 Remington.

    TB
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  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hadjii,

    Re-boring Handi-Rifle type barrels is a good business on one hand because the barrel maker can provide barrels and chambers that are not available from the factory by re-boring an existing barrel. On the other hand, the problem that crops up most often is that you need to have a difference of 0.015" AT LEAST between the original groove depth and the new groove depth in order to be assured that the re-bore will clean up the original lands all the way down to the bottom of the existing groove plus a little more. When it's too close there is the possibility that the reamer for the new bore will not get all of the lands and you end up with a mess on the inside of the barrel.

    In this example, .243 to .257 is a difference of 0.014" so getting this one done will depend on the barrel maker. He might attempt it but not guarantee any results. You take the chance. If it works great, if not, you lose the barrel and the barrel maker isn't responsible. The barrel can be saved by pulling it up to a bigger caliber but you won't get it in .257 this time.

    Regular gunsmiths don't do this type of work because of the expense of the machinery required, amount of training and experience required to provide these services. It is usually handled by barrel makers since they have the machinery and the expertise.

    Best.
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  • dtknowlesdtknowles Member Posts: 810 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It appears you ask this questions merely as a hypothetical. If you want a .257 Roberts Handi-rifle it looks like you should start with one in .22-250. My data indicates that the .243 is very similar in performance to the .257 Roberts except for the small difference in diameter and the ability to handle 120 gr. bullets. H&R has single shots in 25-06 if you just want more gun and if you handload you can duplicate the .257 Roberts performance at lower pressures at the expence of burning a little more powder.

    Tim
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  • hadjiihadjii Member Posts: 976 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    dtknowles I suppose you're right in saying I was asking a hypothetical question. I have a 257 Roberts in a Remington 700 Classic. I would like to have a 257 Roberts that I could use without worrying about it getting beat up, or keeping it out in the barn in case I should get attacked by wild critters while taking care of the horses. Ha! Wouldn't really want to throw the 700 on the tractor and get bounced around and beat up that way either. The thing is, I really like the 257, for exactly what reason I can't tell you. I guess for the same reasons some people like Fords and some like Chevy's, and it seems to me that the Handi-Rifle would be a good beater, seeings how it would never be a collector or anything.
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    There is always the option of a T/C Encore too. They do not have a factory .257 barrel, but their custom shop offers it. But then again, there is the expense. On the other hand, it is a common thing, not like your .257 classic, that you really don't want to mess up.
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  • dtknowlesdtknowles Member Posts: 810 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hadjii
    dtknowles I suppose you're right in saying I was asking a hypothetical question. I have a 257 Roberts in a Remington 700 Classic. I would like to have a 257 Roberts that I could use without worrying about it getting beat up,

    I guess it was less hypothetical than I thought. I would repeat my suggestion that the Handi-rifle in .22-250 might be the best starting point for the indicated conversion. Nothing wrong with .257 Roberts if you like it but the cost of conversion is going to mean you have to really want it
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  • hadjiihadjii Member Posts: 976 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, according to nononsense's theory, and I'm sure he's right by the way, the 22-250 would make more sense to convert than a 243. I guess my next question would be, does anybody have a recommendation on who would or could do the conversion for me? Thanks Again.
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Perhaps, if you try calling the factory, they just might be able to take a 25 cal. barrel blank, and instead of putting the 25-06 chamber reamer in it, use the 257 Roberts reamer. That would most likely be the best possible solution.
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