NEF HandiRifle

[RonO777]

I just got a NEF handi in 270 from a friend for $70. Im going to get an extra barrel for it. I was thinking a 223 or the 22 hornet or maybe both. Ill mainly be hunting small to medium size varmints. So what to yall think about the rifle and the caliber im planing on going with?
I already have a 22lr, 243,30/30,7.62x39,& a 7.62x54.


Ron

 

[Okiecruffler]

I had one in .223 that, contrary to what most people report, just couldn't shoot. Best I could do was 3 inches at 100yrds. Still you always hear good things, so I may give it another go. Maybe a 25-06 next time. Of the .223 or the hornet, I'd probably go with the .223 just due to the ammo being so much cheaper. BTW, may I be the first to say welcome to the board.

 

[Dave R]

Welcome, Ron! Glad to have you with us.

I agree with Okie. .223 is more versatile than Hornet. If you handload, you can always load it down to Hornet levels. And with regular ammo, you have more range and can cleanly take slightly larger varmits.

OTOH, if you shoot where noise is an issue, the Hornet will keep you quieter.

 

[JohnMc]

Ron,
$70 for a rifle is only about the equivilent of 10 six packs of Sam Adams, and the rifle will last a lot longer! (Not that I'm against Sam Adams, it's just a point of reference) Plus, they're supposed to shoot.
Of 223 vs 22 Hornet, I went with .223 because Wally-Mart sells the Winchester stuff for $11 for 40. I can get sub inch groups with it (only on no coffee days) in my CZ. Basically, .223 is no fuss, no muss for a shooter.
JohnMc

 

[plateshooter]

I have to second the success stories with the 223 Handi, sub 1" at 100 yds on a day when my eyes work.
I have to use 55 gr or lighter bullets in the one I have to get those groups. The 1/12 twist just doesn't do it for the heavier bullets from my experience.

 

[badgerrr]

Yes Ron, I think that looks like a caliber you need.

As far as the accuracy of the NEF .223 - here's my 2c.

I Have shot some sub-inch 100 yard groups with mine. But not with most bullets. Think those sub-inch groups came from 40gr Nosler Bt and 55gr Nosler Zippedo's (the Zippedo's are no longer made).

But a number of bullets can come in about 1". My favorite Speer 40gr Sp is like that. 35gr and 40gr will likely give the best accuracy inside 150 yards.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think things have changed some since Marlin bought them.

Don't think you can order the barrel now without sending them the reciever. Think they are worried about people putting the rifle barrels on the old shotgun recievers, or improper fit.

Therefore, it's a bit more of a pain than in the past (FFL, whole deal I think). If you do it I would get all the barrels you want in that one shot. Wouldn't want to have to repeat the hassle.

I didn't do it. However, that was my understanding. Let us know what the deal really is if you go through with it.