Howa 1500 vs Ruger American Predator in 308, which one should I get?

[mkp750]

I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun. I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.

Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.

Just wanted to see what everyone else's opinion is before I visit the shop this weekend.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/howa-1500-hogue-bolt-action-rifle/p/p52615

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/ruger-american-predator-blackgreen-bolt-action-rifle-308-winchester/p/1394593

If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.

[JackEllis]

I have a Howa 1500 in .223 with a varmint barrel. It's heavy (varmint barrel) but I like the way it shoots.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

[sigstroker]

The Howa comes with a stiffer stock but you can get more options with the Ruger.

[Divernhunter]

Get the Ruger. I have a couple of them and like them.

The best thing to do is handle both of them and get the one that fits YOU best.

[Kokopelli]

I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun. I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.

Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.

Just wanted to see what everyone else's opinion is before I visit the shop this weekend.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/howa-1500-hogue-bolt-action-rifle/p/p52615

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/ruger-american-predator-blackgreen-bolt-action-rifle-308-winchester/p/1394593

If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.

[mkp750]

Pretty sure the Ranch doesn't come in 308 unfortunately

[ar15barrels]

I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun.
I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.
Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/howa-1500-hogue-bolt-action-rifle/p/p52615

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/ruger-american-predator-blackgreen-bolt-action-rifle-308-winchester/p/1394593

If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.

The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa.
The Ruger has a threaded muzzle and is suppressor ready.
The Howa has a lighter barrel that will be lighter to carry in the field all day.
The Howa will not be good as a target rifle.
You can hunt with a heavier barrel if you don't mind the extra weight.

[Kokopelli]

The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa.
The Ruger has a threaded muzzle and is suppressor ready.
The Howa has a lighter barrel that will be lighter to carry in the field all day.
The Howa will not be good as a target rifle.
You can hunt with a heavier barrel if you don't mind the extra weight.

Thank you, Randall. You just bumped the 308 Ruger Predator to the top of my list.

[Kevin11mee]

Looks like the Ruger is only 6.6 pounds according to Bass Pro, which is nice for a hunting rifle. I would've assumed the predator would be heavier. I'd go with the Ruger if that weight is accurate. Also, get a 6.5 Creedmoor. The .308 does nothing better than the 6.5 CM. If elk is on the table, get a .300 win mag. It does everything better than both but recoils more.

[ar15barrels]

Looks like the Ruger is only 6.6 pounds according to Bass Pro, which is nice for a hunting rifle. I would've assumed the predator would be heavier. I'd go with the Ruger if that weight is accurate.

The predator in 308 that he is looking at has an 18" barrel so while it's a heavy barrel, it's similar in weight to a 22" skinny barrel.

[Tere_Hanges]

Get the Ruger predator. I want one. The barrel contour is a great balance between light and heavy, its more like medium. And i think the mag is AICS pattern if the model you are looking at has that bottom metal. Get it. Dont even second guess it. The action is super smooth too, smoother than a Howa, almost as smooth as a Tikka.

I have a 24" threaded heavy bbl H1500 so i like Howas. But between a standard H1500 and Ruger Predator, get the Predator.

[Kevin11mee]

Get the Howa in a 6.5 then. If you want a .30 cal, go for a .30-06 or .300 WM.

[Kevin11mee]

Get the Howa in a 6.5 then. If you want a .30 cal, go for a .30-06 or .300 WM.

[sigstroker]

Get the Ruger predator. I want one. The barrel contour is a great balance between light and heavy, its more like medium. And i think the mag is AICS pattern if the model you are looking at has that bottom metal. Get it. Dont even second guess it. The action is super smooth too, smoother than a Howa, almost as smooth as a Tikka.

I have a 24" threaded heavy bbl H1500 so i like Howas. But between a standard H1500 and Ruger Predator, get the Predator.

Those Rugers must be inconsistent, because the one I fiddled with was loose and rough. I would suggest you play with the one you'll be buying. Don't just accept one in a box without putting the bolt in and running it. The one I tried was nowhere near as smooth and solid as a Howa.

[M1NM]

The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa..

Hunting rifles get away with thinner barrels because they don't fire many rounds at a sitting. My Weatherby has what I would consider a very thin barrel and it will group under 1" at 100 yards - for the first 3 shots. After there it opens up due to heat in the barrel.

The Weatherby Vanguard is a Howa: https://weatherby.com/rifles/vanguard/

They were not kind to the Ruger

https://www.snipercentral.com/ruger-american-predator/