Handi-rifle vertical stringing

[krank]

I have two Handi AACs.........I bought them both brand new in the box last year. One is OK and the other is all over the place.

Both of them shot OK plinking and then I was getting ready for deer season and moved out to 100 yards. The one that I iron sighted shoots better than the scoped one.

*All symptoms point to a headspace problem (vertical stringing)

*I tried factory hornady and barnes as well as handloaded sub and super.

*I thought it was my formed .223 brass but same problem with whisper and blackout brass.

* forearm allows a piece of paper between barrel and forearm

* chamber closes and shells fire and look great when I eject.

*It has an STD on the barrel and would be shocked if that was it.

* All my ammo shoots great in my 700 bolt and the other iron sighted handi.

*I do not have the needed gauges to find out if its a headspace issue.

Out of frustration, I parked the scoped handi.
I guess I need to try a different scope (third one) and remove the forearm and STD. This is a humbling experience as I put together Handis and contenders all the time as well as reload. What am I missing?

[80hp]

I have two Handi AACs.........I bought them both brand new in the box last year. One is OK and the other is all over the place.

Both of them shot OK plinking and then I was getting ready for deer season and moved out to 100 yards. The one that I iron sighted shoots better than the scoped one.

*All symptoms point to a headspace problem (vertical stringing)

*I tried factory hornady and barnes as well as handloaded sub and super.

*I thought it was my formed .223 brass but same problem with whisper and blackout brass.

* forearm allows a piece of paper between barrel and forearm

* chamber closes and shells fire and look great when I eject.

*It has an STD on the barrel and would be shocked if that was it.

* All my ammo shoots great in my 700 bolt and the other iron sighted handi.

*I do not have the needed gauges to find out if its a headspace issue.

Out of frustration, I parked the scoped handi.
I guess I need to try a different scope (third one) and remove the forearm and STD. This is a humbling experience as I put together Handis and contenders all the time as well as reload. What am I missing?

Two suggestions:
Take off the STD and carefully inspect crown of the barrel for damage. Try shooting it without the STD installed.
Read this article about headspace for Contender/Encore's. It also works for any break action gun, Handi, CVA.
http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=172
M.

[krank]

Well.....I'm shocked.......It was the STD. I see why...The internal threads on the STD are way longer than the barrel threads so you screw it down and it stops on the barrel shoulder. That leaves a void between back area of the STD and the crown of the muzzle. The void is a "vortex".