I was thinking of purchasing a H & R Ultra Hunter rifle in 25-06. I am a reloader and I am just curious if anyone has one, and if they see any negatives with it? Thanks!

-Bukmstr-

I'm all ears too, just sent my .223 ultra varmint frame in for a trigger job and a 25-06 barrel, hope to learn as much about it as I can. I've got some info on recommended 25-06 factory loads if you're not rollin' yer own, if you're interested.

I have one but only recantly started reloading have had good luck with winchester 115gr silvertips would also like to here about some good loads.

I have the Laminated Handi in 25-06. I got a heck of a deal on it from Wal-Mart. It wasn't in their catalog but, they had it at the warehouse.

I have tried 6-8 diff load combos w/ 2 diff bullets (Hdy 117 BTSP and Speer Hot-Core 100). My best results have been w/ the 100 Hot-Cores and R22 @ 3300 fps. Groups are around 1.25 @ 100. Not great groups but, certainly good enough for whitetails out to 300.

My reloading w/ this rifle is far from finished. I believe I can shoot Sub MOA w/ the NBT 115s and maybe the SMK 120s.

I didn't mention that the rifle has a real nice 2.5-3# trigger on it. Though, I have heard many others say their Handis came w/ a heavy trigger.

I intend on working w/ the rifle much more, I just can't find enough time because of travel for work.

I put a Simmons Whitetail Classic 4x12x44 AO and Weaver High-Style rings on the rifle. Nice looking rifle for just a tad over 300 bucks scope and all.

I have several nice bolt guns but, I had alittle money and decided to buy this rifle for alittle experimenting. After a few tests, I have decided I will definitely take it to the woods this fall.

The Speer Hot-Cores held up quite well after shooting through 1/2" Plywood and into a clay bank (3300 FPS MV) so, I believe they will be more than adequate for WT deer.

This is an excellent rifle for a man/women w/ a tight budget. Great rifle for anyone.

Good Luck!

Reloader

This ought to tickle everyone's fancy!

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

What ever happened to big Mortie?
Dean

bukmstr: I recently purchased an Ultra in .308 and shot it for the first time yesterday. The H&R's/NEF's had a reputation for having heavy triggers, but every one that I handled before purchasing seem to have good, crisp triggers with reasonable pull weights. The rifles do need a thorough cleaning before use, as H&R uses a thick grease-like substance for rust prevention. For the money ($250 in Maryland), I am pleased with mine. The only real negative I have is that I find the forearm stock to be too short - I find myself holding it at the very tip when I grip the rifle naturally, and I am not long-armed. H&R used to have a forum devoted to these rifles and there was a great deal of useful info on it but, alas, they pulled it a few months ago - the infamous Mortie that DeanCascio refers too was a regular there. Some of the forum members had extraction issues, but a thorough cleaning or mild polishing of the chamber seem to be the cure to those problems. I shot mine 39 times yesterday without an issue. I would recommend one for the money.

I've got a NEF in .22 Hornet. The trigger is heavy on mine but it still prints about one inch at a hundred. The main thing to watch for is the ejection of the spent brass. I think someone should chronogragh it just to verify the speed of the brass coming out. Seriously, don't open that thing lined up with your face.

Thanks to all on the answers. I have purchased one now and I can't wait to give it a try. It sounds like a good buy for the little money I spent. Also thanks for the advise on the ejection of the brass. I will keep that thought!