Today I acquired a New England handi-rifle in .25/06. The gun has a 26 in. medium heay barrel.
I was wondering if anyone has ever hand loaded for this particular brand/ model rifle? How will the break action design stand up to moderate to warm loads (Well BELOW manual MAXIMUMS)
Good Shooting,
HBB

I had the same question when I picked one up in 45/70, I called NEF and they said it can be loaded to industry max. Mine gets a steady flow of max loads intended for Ruger 1 rifles, and it shows no signs of trouble.

Sooner,
Thanks for the info
Good shooting
HBB

Sooner--- FWIW: industry standard for the 45/70 and the Ruger One's ability to handle hot loads are radically different. SAAMI spec for the 45/70 is 28000 Cup or psi- in this case they're the same. I'm sure that's what NEF was referring to.

I do believe your over stressing that gun long term. Chamber pressures of course could run the same as say any 06 headsize case. BUT bolt thrust- which is figured by the inside dia of the case- is much greater in the obviously larger 45/70 case. This is the rearward push/pressure applied to the breech face by the case base. No matter the bullet wt, fps, or wt of the powder chg- bolt thrust is figured as a ratio of chamber pressure. I just would not use high pressure loads in any break open 45/70-- and stay within industry standards of 28000 psi/cup.

Aladin, NEF consideres the Handi Rifle able to handle Ruger 1 power levels. I even bought some Buffalo Bore ammo and it came with a disclaimer telling me not to use it in rifle except for Ruger 1, Nef Handi Rifle, and modern Marlin lever action. Buffalo Bore claimed their ammo was loaded to 50,000. I am using 405 gr ammo and it is chronographing at 2020 with a 22" barrel. Here is a copy of a warning that comes with the ammo. (All .45-70 Magnum loadings are intended for use in the following firearms:
All Marlin Model 1895 variations made since 1972
Browning Model 1885 and 1886
New England Arms Handi-Rifle
Ruger #1 and #3
T/C Encore
Shiloh, Christian and Pedersoli Sharps
New Production Winchester 1886 )

Sooner

HillBilly;,,I also shoot max loads listed in the Lyman47th edition for the Ruger#1 in 45/70.These in my TC Encore, Marlin 1895 Cowboy,and NEF Handi-rifle.
I have so far had no problems of any kind or undue pressure,,and have excellent accuracy,,
Just Kicks like a MULE!,,,good shooting and have fun.