Single Shot 5.56

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lobo9er

lobo9er

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I have a some surplus and steel cased 5.56. I think a handy little single shot would be great. I would like to put a scope on it and would like a 20 inch barrel. so far I have had no luck finding one if one exists. I have read extensive threads and stuff online about 223/5.56 and for one person that says NO, theres a guy or gal that says YES. so.... I am thinking 5.56 is the way to go, I think....
 
http://www.hr1871.com/support/accessoryprogram.asp

.223 20" barrel with open sights and drilled and tapped for scope rail. Twist rate is 1:9 (although on older H&R .223 barrels it's 1:12)

If you can't find a whoole one for sale in this configuration, buy a post 1990 SB2 reciver on GBO http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,142.0.html There are currently several for sale, usually between $85 and $115. Then send it to Ilion to be fit with the 20" barrel (and scope rail) for $96 plus rail and shipping etc., figure $130. You can also get a new stock set while it's in should you so wish. A BC Carbine stock set (shorter than the Buffalo Classic and originally for the 45LC 20" barrel) which come up for sale on GBO from time to time would give you a jolly nice looking little rifle. Something like this:

405winoctbarrel_1.jpg


Or you could get a Monte Carlo or Cheekpiece semi-finished stock set from Gunstocks Inc like I did for my 454 Stutzen:

001-5.jpg

The H&R receiver is good to 65,000 psi so you can load as hot as you like or make up some 4.5gr TB plinkers. Enjoy!:D
 
Yes on the Contender/Encore. Places like Bullberry Barrel Works and others will custom make a barrel for you any length and about any twist rate.

I have a Bullberry Contender barrel (221 Remington Fireball) and an Encore barrel (6.5x54 M.S.). Good barrels.
 
For many years, T/C offered a 21" .223 carbine barrel with iron sights. Replace the rear sight with a peep and you have a very nice and easy-to-carry rifle.
 
HR make a Handi rifle in .223. Very accurate firearm and simple to use. I put down a deer with one in a field that was about 115 or 120 away right at the shoulder using a standard 4x20 sight while standing.
 
Yeah but these are all 223 I was looking specifically for a 5.56. or do you think it would matter? I did the reading on the 2 on here and tons of other websites and really couldn't come up with a for sure answer on 223 and 5.56 compatibility. I also couldn't find ONE case where it caused anyone a problem either.
 
I would not worry about shooting 5.56 out of a .223 contender barrel. If you wear it out after 3000 rounds go get a new one for $200
 
The 5.56 has roughly an extra 5,000 psi of cup pressure IIRC.

The HR .223 rifle barrels are drilled from the same blanks they use for .308/.30-06 so its already a heavy barrel. Mine handles 5.56 just fine.
 
the ruger number1 and tompson center contender both come in 223 and are strong enough actions to handle 5.56 pressures if I recall correctly.
 
Yeah but these are all 223 I was looking specifically for a 5.56. or do you think it would matter?
Click to expand...

from what I found its not the pressure but the head spacing that is the issue, or non issue depending who you ask.
Click to expand...

Much to do about almost nothing. I have always shot the two rounds interchangably without problem. I suppose there could be a gun somewhere that won't do that, but I have yet to see one.
 
The 5.56 has roughly an extra 5,000 psi of cup pressure IIRC.

The HR .223 rifle barrels are drilled from the same blanks they use for .308/.30-06 so its already a heavy barrel. Mine handles 5.56 just fine.
Click to expand...

This is pretty interesting and one of the reasons I had not bought a .223 barrel for my gun, or another NEF gun altogether. You are saying you shoot 5.56 in yours regularly? I may try and contact them with the question, though I would guess they will respond with .223 only.
 
I have one of the TC 21" rifles and it is a dandy. removed the old irons and put a simple 3x9 scope on it...will eventually place a fixed 4x scope though...prefer fixed power scopes. :)

but I have shot EVERYTHING out of it...all 62 gr and less....tried some friends 75 grain and it keyholed badly on the paper. it LOVED some 52 grain hollow points that I loaded with BLC2 and WSRM primers.
factory ammo like WWB and Federal was always minute of milk jug at 100 shooting off hand.

plus the nice thing about a TC, you get tired of the 223 barrel, slap on your 30-30, 45-70, or pistol caliber carbine barrel and keep going. :)

D
 
The one issue with 5.56 in a handi rifle is the harder primers. You will almost absolutely have to install a heavier hammer spring. I have some Malaysian 5.56 and it often won't fire in the handi. I have heard the same about the Rossi single shots.

As far as your concerns about pressures, the Handi handles all sorts of calibers on the same frame and barrel blank. Many of those push 65k or so. I don't worry about any difference in 223/556.
 
Roadchoad - is your 223 / 5.56 barrel mounted on a recent SB2 receiver. Earlier receivers had large diameter (pistol and shotgun receivers) and small diameter firing pins (centerfire rifles). If you have the former, it will represent both a problem with hard primers and a safety issue as the older large diameter firing pin receivers are probably not rated to above 40kpsi.

Stubbicatt - I cannot take issue with you expressing an opinion but given the substantial cost differential, for such a straightforward caliber the argument is clearly in favor of the Handi (NEF no longer exists it is just H&R, a brand manufactured by Remington). A better quality than the H&R and lower cost than the Contender option would be a CVA Scout - although I confess I am not certain they are available in 223/5.56
 
I believe mine was sold as a complete 223 or 22 hornet rifle. The firing pin dent looks smaller than any of my shotguns.
 
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