Which Huntsman barrel?

[JBhunter]

Just bought a synthetic handi in 45-70, and will send it in shortly for a stainless Huntsman barrel, and a few others. 

My question is which barrel the 24" or 26" is rated for 150gr loads of powder?

I think I would like the 26" for a little more velocity.

thanks

[Keith Lewis]

I believe the main reason they did not recommend 150gr. on the 24 inch barrels is that they thought it would not burn all the powder so only recommended for the 26inch.  I have the 26 and would recommend it.

[JBhunter]

So both are rated for 150gr charge?

I figure the 26" would still be shorter overall than a gun with a breech or action.

[Busta]

So both are rated for 150gr charge?

I figure the 26" would still be shorter overall than a gun with a breech or action.

No they are not both rated for 150, but refer back to Keiths post. The only difference in the rifles is 2" of barrel. Some of the older ones, both 24" and 26" had 7/8" breech plugs, since 2005 they are 5/8" plugs. The 26" barrels were the only ones rated for 150 grains.

Here is what my 2003 Owners manual says for a 24" SS Huntsman. These are recommended loads for accuracy. Disregard the .45 caliber information, they never released those.

This is exactly what it says in the Owners Manual, but remember they did not offer the 26" barrel until 2004. 2002 and 2003 were only 24" barrels.

"NOTE: These loads are recommended for optimum accuracy. Exceeding them is not likely to increase performance and can result in higher pressures and unsafe conditions. Do not exceed propellant manufacturers' recommendations. Loads recommended for FFG black powder may also be used for Pyrodex RS on a volume basis. This rifle is designed to use #209 primers."

[Keith Lewis]

I would not worry a lot about the 24 inch not being rated for 150gr. as that is way too much for any reasonable load anyway. I believe that the 24 inch is likely just as strong as the 26 inch but due to the inability to burn all of the powder in 24 inches they elected to not recommend it. Some of the faster burning powders like Tripple Seven would likely burn in the shorter distance but in my opinion I would go with the longer barrel anyway. As you suspected the 26 inch barrel on the Sidekick or Huntsman or SB2 action is still shorter than a 24 inch barrel on a bolt or inertia hammer type of rifle (like the Knights or the Whites or the older CVAs etc).  My Huntsman with the 26 inch barrel is only one and a half inches longer than my White 97 with a 22 inch barrel and balances well for me.

[JBhunter]

I'm going with the 26" barrel.

One more question,  Huntsmans are drilled and tapped for scope bases right?
I think I will order a base and hammer ext with the barrel.

thanks

[Keith Lewis]

Good plan to order from H&R as their base works. Some of the aftermarket bases are too short to the rear to allow the scope to be mounted correctly. I know I have one of the ones that do not work. Also when you order the base from H&R the hammer extension is part of the deal.

[d_hiker]

The hammer extension only comes with the rail if you order it that way.  Or you can order them separately.

[ken2222]

Buy the 26"....I did and I'm really happy abou itt.....and stock up on Lightfield's 300 grainer and 777, might as well invest in the .25 acp ignition while you're at it. Mine cloverliefs at 100 yrds with 90 gr. and the ignition!  it sure made great whitetail medicine.....

[petemi]

Page 13 of the New NEF huntsman manual which came with my 24 inch stainless barrel states 40-120 gr. powder and 150 gr. Max pellets.  Amen.

[petemi]

Last Fall, when I ordered the 26" stainless barrel, NEF called to tell me the 26" would not be available "until after the first of the year", so I took the 24 inch.  You may want to make sure it is in inventory before you order.