I bought a Howa last week. - (Results from Hunting)

Teknys · Member Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho

While wondering around the local shops last week. I came across a Howa 1500 Ranch Compact in a 22-250. It has the rubber armor stock. It came with a scope but I sold that the next day and put a Leupold VIII on it. I don't have time to work up a "good" load, so I went to factory specs on size and midddle road of H322 with a 60gn Part. I'm surprised, 1/2" group and two into the same hole after sighting in.
Trigger is not too bad for a "cheap" gun. Anyway, I'm going to have fun with it.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 7:06 am Post subject: Re: I bought a Howa last week.

Don't sell Howas short. They are a good enough for the actions to be used in the Vanguard series Weatherby rifles. Since I'm pretty sure that tyour rifle has a 1/14" twist, you might be right on the edge as far as stabilization is concerned. Most shooters with that twist rate find their best accuracy with 50-55 grain bullets. If yours shoots the 60 grain bullets well and you are happy with them, then by all means fire away!

Have fun and be safe!

gelandangan · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: I bought a Howa last week.

Howa are pretty good rifle for the price it cost.

I have a mate here that have a 243 and a 308 that could consistently shoot an Oz 20c coin (about 1 inch diameter) at 200 meters.
I find their bolt action to be a tad better than Ruger 77MKII., tighter and sliker..

Teknys · Member Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Idaho

Well, I used this gun for Deer hunting this last few weeks. I know the debate over using a 22-250 on deer. Again this was a 60gn part @3250fps.

My results: 4pt buck - standing broad side 300 yds(lasered) - uphill - entry behind shoulder- exited off side shoulder - deer went 30yds and flop! Lungs and top of heart gone.

2nd deer, doe - standing broadside 75yds - shoulders in and out(oops). Went 20ft and down. Bloodshot shoulders on her.

Both entry and exit holes the size of golf balls in the rib cage, the hide had small holes. Note: no obvious blood on the ground (no snow) either.

Not trying to start this old debate. Just adding data.

Pumpkinslinger

Teknys, thanks for the update!

sniper

Howas are good!
I would love to have one of their blue 6.5X55 Swedish models.
With your accuracy, forget load development, and just enjoy! Laughing