SmallCaliberCentral

Have been reading the forum for a while now while and have recently bought a Howa 1500 sporter in Stainless Steel. Just wanted to share some of my experience with any newbs that care to read.

The biggest point I want to make is that the 40gr V-max and 45gr SP Hornadys will infact stabilize in a 1:12 twist. Which I will give you some results for later.

My purpose was to have a 'Walking Varminter' as my quarry would largely be rabbit and red fox, both of which are plentiful in Aus. but I also wanted to take it to the range every now and again.

this week I pimped it up with a boyd's thumbhole, Sightron SII 3-12x42AO and a bipod & strap. Photo's below.




I have only shot factory ammo so far with poor results from the Winchester HP and Winchester supreme (won't shoot less that 2") ok results from the federal 39 grain BK and Remingtion 32gr accupoint (just over an inch to 1.5")

Best results came from the 40gr V-max and 45gr SPs from Hornady with the 40's shooting at 0.8" and the 45's shooting at around 0.65" which was actually pretty good given the gun was fitted with a bushnell banner at this point and it was my first time shooting at 100 yards (it's my first centrefire rifle)

It is noticably louder than my brothers .223 which also has a 22" barrel and noticably quieter than another brothers 22-250. with the sporter barrel there is enough recoil that you lose the target after the shot which was a dissapointment, but then the gun is not uncomfortably heavy to carry around.

So far I have taken a few bunnies with it. best shot was taken at about 160 yards while resting against a tree. Now to get my new rig it's first fox!

Nice looking rig! I've been a fan of stainless / gray for a long time. Keep us posted on how it shoots for you.

That is a very nice rig Freeman!!!!!!

I've been shooting a Rem700ADL for a few years now on groundhogs here in Ohio. At 1st the loss of the target in the scope was disappointing for me as well. But then I started playing with the magnification. I don't need 12,14 or 18x for most of my shots so I just dialed it back down. I raraely take a shot above 8 around here now. After 150yds or so I can still see my hits now. The SII will allow you to crank back to 3-5 & see a lot of shots that you are missing. Just my thoughts.

i agree, stainless and grey laminate is a great combination. Nice looking rifle!

Freeman you can say it dose look nice (never mind mine will be here in a few weeks ) i.v order the brown 1 i think it,s nutmeg ? my mate has the pepper 1 on his howa IAN

Very nice rig mate. And welcome fellow Aussie.
That first fox will get your heart beating. Hope it happens soon - mating season not far off.
I'm hanging out for my first cat euthanasia
But after yesterday's hunt (see other post soon) I'm satisfied for now.
You might have luck seeing your shots with lighter projectiles, and a lighter trigger pull, and of course plenty of trigger time. I shot plenty and saw none for quite a while (and still don't sometimes), so forgot about it. But one day with a 32Nos I saw the hit and allowed myself a little grin.

Hey, Thanks to all,

I am proud of the rifle even though it isn't a big dollar outfit. The .204 it is great cartridge IMO. similar recoil to a .223 with a bit more exciting performance.

Just got word there are some small pigs getting around the family property. They're gonners!

Make sure you take some pics - we love pics.

You have every reason to be proud of your rig!! It's a nice looking stick & will get the job done for you. Can't wait to see it laying next to some "good" critters!!!!!!!!!

That's the great thing about rifles, they don't have to be a high dollar outfit to punch small holes, or obliderate the exact same thing someone spent alot more on to do the exact same thing.

I agree, the gray / stainless, or the brown / stainless has a sharp look to it. I built my 338 Win Mag on a Howa 1500 action. It has accounted for alot of animals and has never failed to operate as intended.

I hope you get your fox and many more soon, DO NOT forget to take your camera with you when you do.