You realize he was doing a load work up? The groups have different powder charge weights labeled above them....unless I'm mistaken
@igotta40 ?
Ya, I kinda felt bad after I posted that, and apologize if I hurt any feelings. Mainly because they are pretty decent groups with a lightweight rifle, and might get better as he refines his loads. After all of the input here and elsewhere, though, I've decided not to take a chance on the Howa. Still thinking on the American, largely based on
@LoonWulf 's experience with his. Definitely going to check out the Savage 110 Tac as I think that is going to be the best chance in a production rifle to be better than what I'm shooting now and I have a 6-24x50 Bushnell that would be a perfect fit for that rifle.
I loaded up the rest of the 55 Bergers which will get me through the 2 remaining matches this year. We'll see how it goes. I've been shooting mid-90's with my Varget/55 VMax loads which has gotten me on the podium once this year. July results come out next week, with a 95-1x for me. The Bergers look like they shoot a little bit tighter than those.
I realize that I can buy my way into the .2's but don't have that level of commitment (yet). If I do get something new I'm dreading trying to find, then paying for, bullets, brass, and several jugs of powder to work up loads let alone a $2000+ rifle. BTW, any hunting will take place in the woods behind the house; longest shot might be 150 yds.
Thanks for your help and discussion!