[CTI1USNRET]

Finally did it. Today I bought a New England Firearms Pardner Handi Rifle SB2 bull barrel .223 Remington.

But ... I haven't a clue what rings and scope to get. I don't know much about them.

The max range I expect to shoot is 300 yards, at paper targets, but with the possibility of coyotes in the future.

And, I haven't handloaded .223 yet. All my loading experience has been with straight-walled cartridges; 45 ACP and 45-70 Govt.

Tell me about scopes, and about handloading for a cartridge that headspaces on the shoulder.

Thanks.

[Dot_mdb]

Another forum where you might get some good opinions:

http://www.hr1871.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi

Bill

[JA]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nef-singleshot/
You will want to join this Yahoo group as there is lots of good info.

[Black Snowman]

I've considered getting one of these as well. My only concern was the quality of the bore but it sounds like the a lot of people are getting 1/2 MOA from them.

If this is your only .223 your best choice for handloading will likely be a neck-only sizer. It will give you the best consistancy and stretch the brass much less letting you put off trimming just about indefinately. If you need to do a full length resize you'll eventually need to trim but it otherwise works the same as straight wall cartridges.

If you're going to varmit and punch paper a good variable scope might not be a bad idea since you can lower the magnification for quicly finding targets or crank it up for punching paper. My choice would be a classic 3-9 power in a moderate price range such as a Tasco or Bushnell. Recoil won't be harsh so it should hold up ok and if you smash it jumping a fence or something you won't be out too much money ;)

YMMV but that's my thoughts.