H&R

[John_NY]

I just picked up a H&R SB2 ultra .223 with a bushnell 3.5 - 10 x 45 scope. Don't know much about these guns but I decided to quit using the .270 on predators and try this out. I haven't had a chance to set down and really try to zero it in yet. I only put 9 rounds through it to get it hitting a can at about 75 yards. I'll finish it up when I can get back into  the woods "no shooting range around here" . It's a single shot and I'd like to say I prefer them over the new fangled rifles with the 50 round mags but it's really simple, can't afford them $1400.00 guns.    Anybody own one of these and do you like it?

John

[kyfuzzyface]

I had one a while back,(truck gun) like the gun but didn't like the heavy barrel or the trigger.
If your has a rough trigger try some extra fine graphite poured down around the trigger and keep firing it with a empty round in it. helped mine a lot

[John_NY]

Actually I like the trigger pull. But it is heavy for such a small rifle.

John

[Bopeye]

I got a friend that has one. He loves it. I never shot it, so I don't really know a thing about them. It is a good looking gun however.
Congratulations and I really hope it does well for you John. 

[John_NY]

I sure hope I like it. Unless I find a woodchuck to test it on I'll have to wait till next fall. That's gonna be hard to do.   

John

[HaMeR]

Nice rig John!! Congrats!! With it being a 223 I'm sure you'll find a load it likes. 

[coyotehunter_1]

John,
I believe you will be pleasantly surprised how well your rifle can shoot. I own a 223 H&R Ultra almost identical to yours, except for scope. I also have two more NEF (pre-Marlin) sporter weight SB-2 Handi- Rifles, one chambered in 243, the other in 30-30. Out of the box accuracy, all shot MOA (or better). Although it may not be a $1400 rifle they are quite capable of shooting little bitty groups.

As far as the heavy trigger, this is a very simple design but there are no real adjustments. While a Google search will reveal several articles about how to tweak the H&R/NEF. Some of these do-it-yourself methods will recommend going into the action, altering springs and filing certain internal parts. Some of these modifications can cause the trigger/sear to become unsafe after it wears in. Also internal modifications will void any factory warranties, not good if you need to send it back for authorized factory repair.  That said, I've done several trigger jobs on break actions like the H&R. It's not that extensive, mostly polishing out the rough spots but due to their design they can be a trick to get back together and the final results can vary. Before attempting anything drastic I would suggest doing like kyfuzzyface said and let the parts wear in naturally.


Also keep a close eye on the scope base screws. A Weaver base comes installed, they have a history of being loose from the factory or else working loose after a bit of shooting. If problems are found, remove the scope base, degrease the screws/holes. Then apply a drop of blue Locktite on the screw threads, then tighten to "snug". This will help keep the mount good 'n tight.

[HuntnCarve]

I have that very same rifle, also in .223   I topped mine off with a 4-16x Weaver v16 scope.  I've experimented with all types of reloads.  And got it shooting around .75 to 1.0 inch groups.  I ended up putting one of those green rubber castration bands under the forearm to float the barrel.  It did improve the grouping, but required resighting as it was now shooting 8" high.  I did find the rifle is particular in how it is rested on sandbags, or shooting rests.  Here I found it would change it's point of impact alittle bit, typically high.  So the "consistency" of it's accuracy irks me alittle bit?  The other problem I had was that the fired cases would periodically stick.  The ejector would slip past the rim.  It would require a cleaning rod pushed from the bore end to remove the case.  Not very handy to carry one around all the time.  -I finally got tired of it doing this, and took my SCM air engraver with a straight bit, and removed a small rectangular portion of the metal out along the edge of the barrel adjacent to the rim of the cartridge.  This allows me to get the tip of a knife, or tool in to remove the case.  Saw this done on another website to address the stuck case problem.  My overall opinion of my rifle is that it will do the job hunting.  But not as accurately, or consistently as my other bolt guns.  I mainly bought it like mentioned by Kyfuzzyface, as truck gun.  For which it serves it's purpose.

Dave

[coyotehunter_1]

Dave pointed out a couple of quirks that some owners have had with their H&R/NEF's. The break open actions don't have strong extractor (or ejector) claws or springs like most bolt action firearms. I've read where some of these rifles seem to be more prone to these malfunctions than others. A rough or dirty chamber, which causes the spent brass to stick, is often blamed. Sending the rifle back to the factory is one option, polishing the chamber is also suggested.

[FOsteology]

Many moons ago I had an H&R heavy barrel .223 with the laminate stock. I don't recall precisely what brand and model scope was mounted..... but do recall it being "Hubble-esk". 

Extremely accurate rifle with several off the shelf brands of ammunition. If memory serves me correctly, we typically used Winchester 64gr. PP
As has already been pointed out, keep the  chamber clean and it'll reduce the likelihood of spent brass sticking.

Both my boys killed a few head of game with said rifle. Ultimately, since it was mainly for the boys, I ended up selling it as it was simply too heavy and unwieldy in the hands of young boys. Ended up with the NEF/H&R Youth ultra-lite synthetic handi-rifle in .22 Hornet.

[John_NY]

Thanks for all of the info on the rifle. I will keep it all in mind. I got this from an individual. He gave me about 25 reloads he had with  Vmax? bullets.  Once I'm sure I have it sighted in as best I can I'll give a couple of them a try and see where they hit. I reload but have always just reloaded for my handguns so maybe if it's cost effective I might get a set of dies for this if I decide I like it. So far the brass flys out when I break it open and I really hate hunting for brass.   
Thanks for all the tips and opinions.
John

[coyotehunter_1]

John, may I suggest getting dies that resize the brass to full length. I found out the hard way they are needed for the break actions.

You also stated your range time is fairly limited. By chance did you happen to get any load data with the custom loads? The reason I ask, most of these rifles have longer throats than recommended specs. Sometimes better accuracy can be gotten by seating the bullets out further than normal. The previous owner may have tested and proven those loads for pressure and accuracy in your particular firearm. It could save you a lot of time and effort. 
Not knowing how much experience you have behind the reloading bench... you may already be aware of this stuff, if so great... if not then hopefully it will be of some help. 

[kyfuzzyface]

John, I looked back and found this that I had saved, Hope is some use to you.
I really enjoyed the little gun but like I said a little heavy for a carry gun.

http://www.varminthunters.com/tech/nef.html

I see coyotehunter_1 has already been here, Didn't notice that before 

[coyotehunter_1]

kyfuzzyface, that was a long time ago but it sure brings back good memories. The info posted by my good friend Chris Young aka Popgun (since deceased) is no longer valid. At the time there was no H&R they had went under many years before. New England Firearms had bought up their rights and was building the NEF Handi-Rifle based on the old model H&R. Sometime later NEF sold to the Marlin Firearms company, who today produce the H&R Ultra and Handi-Rifle. 

I believe I still have a drawing of AJ's forearm/washer modification if anyone wants to see it 

[John_NY]

I haven't got the load data yet but I can at any time. I will try the rounds before I ask as I may or may not like them. I have been reloading for over 30 years with an old CH turret press. but as I said I mostly load for my handguns. The only others I load is for an old 32 win. Special That my dad had and even then I haven't loaded any shells for it in probably 20 years.    I should take the old winchester out someday and put a few through it again. Thanks for all the tips and link. Very interesting reading.

John