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NEF .223 heavybarrel
- Thread starter BMiracle
- Start date
BMiracle, I have an NEF .223 with the standard contour barrel and wooden stock. It shoots pretty good. Without any specially prepped handloads, I was getting 1 1/2" groups at 100 yds. Now that's not "gee wizz" accuracy but it's not bad for a break action $225 rifle with ordinary reloads. Once I get enough cases that have been fireformed in this rifle, I'm going to do some serious accuracy reloading. I'm going to seat the bullets out closer to the rifling in neck sized cases. Since these guns have a 1:12" twist, best accuracy will be with bullets of 55gr. or lighter. I'm concentrating my efforts on the 52 and 53 gr. Sierra Match Kings.
Sub-MOA groups are not only possible, but likley.
If you haven't already, you need to send your rifle to NEF and have a shotgun barrel fit to it!
These NEF Handy Rifles are some of the best kept secrets out there! And once you get a switch barrel, you won't be able to stop until you have them all!
Regards! DaMan
Sub-MOA groups are not only possible, but likley.
If you haven't already, you need to send your rifle to NEF and have a shotgun barrel fit to it!
These NEF Handy Rifles are some of the best kept secrets out there! And once you get a switch barrel, you won't be able to stop until you have them all!
Regards! DaMan
Thanks for the info. From what you are saying, it should shoot pretty good with the heavier barrel. I have bought some 52gr Hornady match BTHP to load for it. I had originally looked at getting some 68 grainers but was unsure of the twist on this barrel. Thanks again for providing me with that info as well. Will let you know how it shoots. I already have some loads with my particualarly favorite bullets.....Noslers Ballistic Tips.
DaMan,
How's the trigger on your NEF? Mine is real bad. I mean it's atrocious! Also, I get a couple failures to eject from time to time. Do you know any fixes other than sending it back to the factory?
In terms of accuracy, I know this rifle has potential. It's a good value, and it'll be great once I get these couple of bugs worked out.
BTW, how long does it take to get the spare barrels?
How's the trigger on your NEF? Mine is real bad. I mean it's atrocious! Also, I get a couple failures to eject from time to time. Do you know any fixes other than sending it back to the factory?
In terms of accuracy, I know this rifle has potential. It's a good value, and it'll be great once I get these couple of bugs worked out.
BTW, how long does it take to get the spare barrels?
Tom Matiska
New member
The order form that came with mine says allow 6 to 8 weeks for new barrel to be fitted to the action. My .243 hasn't had any ejection problems yet, but I understand that rimless cases just don't eject as realiably as rimmed ones do.
I'm thinking about spending the $75 to have a 30-30 or 44 Mag barrel fitted and asking them nicely if they can clean the trigger up a little while they have it.
Tom
I'm thinking about spending the $75 to have a 30-30 or 44 Mag barrel fitted and asking them nicely if they can clean the trigger up a little while they have it.
Tom
I have since called NEF customer service and inquired about this barrel. Apparently the .243 is only available as a complete rifle. The only interchangeable barrels are the ones listed on the card. I guess I will have to look and see what would be another good caliber. .44 mag might be fun!
I have this rifle in .223 - the Ultra Varmint. It will need a trigger job - mine was about 12 lbs. I had a gunsmith do it costing me $40. After I paid to have the trigger done, I heard that H&R will do it free if you ship it back and put your request in writing - turn around only 2 weeks. The trigger job made all the difference in the world - I took some prairie dogs with it out to 250yds with factory reloads. I'll be working up some homegrown for my next trip. Good luck.