SmallCaliberCentral

I just recently purchased a Howa 1500 204 Ruger. I am looking for feedback from anyone that owns or has shot one of these rifles. How accurate are they? What are the pro's and Con's on the rifle? Thanks

If you look back on past posts via a search, you'll find tons of input about the Howa 1500 in 204.....tons. You'll like what you find too.

I have had several customers state that they are tack drivers. Enjoy it. Try some 39 grain Sierra Blitzkings. Be sure to show pictures of the critters that you test it on.

I am one of the proud owners of a Howa 1500 Varmint model, in 204 Ruger. I have spent a lot of time working up loads, and I am very impressed with the results. It will shoot under an inch with most loads I have tried. With work though I have her shooting my pet loads under 1/2 in with 32gr Vmax's over Benchmark. Also I have worked up a load w/39gr SBK' over RE10x, that I have shooting under 3/8 in and some tests under 1/4 in. All groups are 5 shot groups. I have also worked up a load with the 40gr Vmax over H4895, that I have groups really close to 1/2 in. This is my backup load for just in case!!!!

Twist is 1 in 12, and a factory chamber. The only work on the rifle is a timney trigger adjusted down to 13 to 15 ozs. To me, the trigger just wasn't up to what I have become familiar with.

IMHO, This is one of the best values on the market, and the price is very affordable!

futuretrades, what is your pet load 32gr vmax and Benchmark?

Here's the proud owner himself with his Howa 204, giving Skippy a miserable day last summer:



Note the wet towel cooling method.....it was 95*F and rats were everywhere. "Jungle-hot, target-rich environment".

Won't be too much longer till it's time to warm up some varmint barrels once again.......

[quote="Big Horn Barney"]futuretrades, what is your pet load 32gr vmax and Benchmark?

Big Horn Barney: My pet load for this bullet is 27.2 gr. Benchmark. This load is .8 gr. under max charge. Velocity is pushing 4000 fps. I am using Winchester small rifle primers. The OAL is 1.886 using a comparator. I have checked the chamber length, and I am seating the bullet at just under .125 in. to the lands. As mentioned many times on this site, most 204's seem to like a long bullet jump, and so does my Howa. At this time, I am testing some loads, with OAL of 1.925 with comparator, just to see If I can get some groups closer to what the 39 gr. SBK's are doing. At this seating depth, I only have close to .166 in of the bullet in the case, which is not a lot, but tests are showing promise. When the weather around here cooperates, I will be testing loads up to 28.0 gr. benchmark.

Don't really know why I am doing this. Just wanting to get out and pull the trigger I guess. Plus I get a whole lot of enjoyment out of reloading and working as close to a perfect load as I can get!
Like some others say, Is it spring yet?

i picked up the new howa 204 yesterday. Seems to be a very good quality rifle for the price. I adjusted the trigger down to a nice crisp 1.5 lbs. I can't believe how good these triggers are with a little bit of work. They are without a doubt better than the remington x-mark pro trigger that comes standard on the remington 700's.

I love my Howa 204, But the groundhogs hate it.

I wouldnt trade my Howa 1500 for anything. I use 39 gr Sierra Blitzkings with H 4895 powder, I love this combination, but the coyotes hate it.

I finally got a chance to shoot the Howa today. I was very impressed to say the least. I look forward to getting a little more range time with this rifle. From what i can tell it is every bit as accurate as my Savage's and CZ's.