H&R Single shot rifle

P

Phil_s

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Vancouver Island
Hey CGN,

So I've been looking into getting a centerfire rifle, something in .223. I was looking at the usual 700's etc, but I stumbled on the H&R ultra varmint. It's alot cheaper than other .223 options. So anyways, I was just curious if anybody has had any first hand experience with them? Personally, I don't think the single shot would be too much of a hassle, just curious what they are like. Thanks
 
It's definitely a good hunting rifle for the cost, but for making small groups on paper, I would say you are better off spending a little more. I had the ultra varmint in 223, but I couldn't get a load to work on it. I ended up selling after trying about 4 different bullets (40gr and 50gr V-max, 69gr SMK, and 50gr Varmint Grenades) with H335 and Varget powders. It started to frustrate me to no end because I couldn't get it to group better than cheap Rem UMC factory 55gr fmj at around 1 to 1.5 MOA. After selling it, I bought a Savage 10 precision carbine in 223 and I'm not regretting it one bit.

If you are reloading and want accuracy, I would recommend the Rem 700 sps tactical or a Savage model 10 or 12 for a lower cost rifle. JMHO
 
Hi Phil_s, I just shot my new (to me) .223 Ultra Hunter, with 22" barrel, on Saturday. Giant fun factor:) This was my first experience with a single shot rifle and a .223. My health has been suffering lately, and my pals wanted to get me out for some fresh air. I wasn't worried about accuracy, and it was a good thing, as the wind was cold, and the pain and fatigue set in quickly. My pals shot it, and they really enjoyed it. Mine is a 2005 model, so has a 1 in 12 rate of twist and an ejector. We shot Winchester USA 45 gr and Remington UMC 55 gr. A bit more recoil and report with the 55 gr. I have Hornady 53 gr and 55 gr V-Max for coyotes. I look forward to getting out again....hopefully I'll feel better and it will be warmer. Feel free to PM me, if you want to discuss price. All the best:)
 
I owned one of these in the "Handi Rifle" version in a 22-250 and had issues with the action coming open upon recoil. I had the rifle come from cabelas and returned it. 3 months later i received the same rifle back with a new trigger guard and parts(the finish was slightly different than the rest of the gun) and the issue still continued. I later sold the rifle disclosing the issue to the new owner. The rifle still functioned but accuracy was very poor, i'm thinking because of the mentioned problem and not due to the barrel or type of ammunition. This was about 8 years ago so maybe the issue was fixed since then or maybe i just had a lemon. Something to consider.
 
I had poor results with my .223 handi. Tried EVERYTHING including:
1. dumping a pile of graphite powder into the trigger mech to bring down from seemingly-factory-standard 50 pound down to around 4 pounds. Powder wore off over time, and I'm not interested in the 20 hour polishing method for the trigger.
2. "free floating" the foreend with a washer. Not really free floating as the foreend is still bolted to the barrel.
3. hand loads with vmax; thing still couldn't group much better than 3 moa.
4. also noticed often the action would break open upon ignition.

Should have saved a few bucks more and gotten a stevens 200.
 
I've had pretty consistent good luck and excellent results with a string of H&R singles I've had over the years. Really only 2, out of probably a couple dozen, that didn't produce good results with little or no effort at load development or tinkering. I think they are an outstanding value for the money, whether rimfire, centerfire rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader.

My only real complaint is that the break-open action gets to be a bit of a PITA to maneuver when shooting off a bench.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom