Opinions on Howa mini-actions

[Milsurp1]

[JackEllis]

I have a Howa 1500 in .223 with a varmint barrel that was purchased used with a chip in the muzzle that doesn't affect the crown. Other than being heavy, it shoots well enough for my purpose (squirrels). It likes the same hand loads I use in a Tikka T3 Lite of the same caliber.

I've been pleased with my rifle, which I believe is in a Hogue stock. Especially for the price, which was just over $500 before CA fees, with a scope already mounted.

[Milsurp1]

^^ Thanks. How flexible is the Hogue stock?

[diverwcw]

I got one a few months ago and did a range report on it.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1557024

[Milsurp1]

That’s a pleasant surprise that the scope is decent. Good to hear that the action is smooth.

[JackEllis]

^^ Thanks. How flexible is the Hogue stock?

I'm probably not the best person to ask but... I just tried to see what parts to and do not flex. The forend does move, but only past the muzzle end of the front action screw where the barrel doesn't make contact anyway.

What kind of consistency (others refer to it as accuracy) are you looking for, because I get half inch groups from this rifle with cheap, 62 grain Federal Fusion pulls that have been hand loaded. I'm guessing my bench shooting gets a smidge of the credit and the load (which was developed for the Tikka) gets a bit but most of the credit goes to the rifle.

[Milsurp1]

My plan is to use it suppressed with 300 BO at 100 yards and closer. I would like to find a 45 ACP bolt action for the cheaper subsonic ammo but I don’t believe any are made.

2 MOA would be fine.

[JackEllis]

I can't vouch for a Howa with factory ammo but my bad handloads were better than 2 MOA.

[sigstroker]

You might also look at Ruger American, they have been out for awhile in Blackout.

[Milsurp1]

The AR mag compatibility for the Ruger would be handy.

[6mmintl]

I have 2 in 6.5 grendel, 22" pencil, 20" HB, both shoot 1/2 moa all day with hornady black.

[choprzrul]

I like mine. MOA with my 69gr SMK handloads.

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