Input on a Howa 1500 varmint barrel

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hsiddall

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Well I found one at a reasonable:D price today (under 400) and it should be here some time next week. I have this agreement with myself that I will buyat least two guns a year and ifI find a low price on a nw gun I have to buy it. Anyhow, what can I expect in the accuracy department? 1500 with varmint barrel and Hogue OD stock. Chambered in .223rem also what an I expect as far as range? I understand that that depends on bullet weight so what is the max distance for paper as well as effective range?
 
Accuracy would depend largely on your finding the perfect load for it, and the stock. I know a prairie dog shooter with that barreled action, but he has it in a custom stock (gorgeous extra-fancy walnut hand made thing). Don't know much firsthand about the Hogue stocks, or how the Varmint version is bedded.

The 1500 Varmint is definitely capable of excellent accuracy. My Vanguard Sporter (#2 barrel in walnut stock, same action, .30-06) does quite well even with a sporter-weight barrel and Wal-Mart hunting ammo.

Max distance for paper? Well, these guys blast pdogs at past 600 yards. Max effective range? Depends on what you're trying to shoot.
 
The Howa is a good gun, unfortunately I think their varmint barrels have a 1:12 twist, which means stick to light bullets. It should work great with 45-55 grain weights, those should stay minute of prairie poodle out to 450-600 yards. The problem with the lighter bullets of course is wind drift.

I would be very surprised if it didn't group sub moa with at least one or two factory loads.
 
Probably be limited by the trigger, if it's like the last two Howas I bought. Talk about gritty. And creepy. But I've made the most amazing shots with the 25-06.
 
Per the legacy sports INc page, It is pillar bedded and free floated and the barrel is 1/12 twist.
 
the barrel is 1/12 twist.
Click to expand...

well hope ya don't wanna shoot anything heavier than about 55gr through it....
not sure but a 1in12 might be marginal with the current Mil-Surp 62gr loads.

i thought EVERYBODY had switched to 1in9 for current production .223 rifles.
 
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