20” barrel Tikka UPR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Loaded up 4 rounds and shot this cold bore group today. 1800 rounds down the bore and still shooting beautifully.
Reloading is the way. I was reluctant but a few years now its the greatest thing I've done by far for shooting. I was able to dial in the powder charge with my Howa Mini.
Don’t give up yet. Try another range trip or two to see if anything changes. Get more rounds down the bore and get familiar/comfortable with the 2 stage HACT trigger. My 22” Howa Mini groups great with the can. The added weight to the barrel stabilizes it I guess.
I’ve got 970 rounds on my Howa Mini. I have gotten very comfortable with the HACT two stage trigger. For all the folks with Howa Minis, once you figure out the trigger and when it breaks, groups will tighten up.
700 rounds a year = Could need a rebarrel with 6 CM in 2 years.
700 rounds a year = Could need a rebarrel with 6 ARC in 7 years
6 ARC in a 20-22” barrel Howa Mini will have a 108 ELDM going 1800 FPS at 600 yards. 6 ARC has deer killing power beyond the range that is typical and even ethical...
Snuck out for some afternoon range time with my 22” sporter barrel Howa mini 6 ARC.
Sub MOA at 600 yards 1792 FPS with my 108 ELDM Varget handloads gives me a lot of confidence.
It doesn’t compare to my single stage Tikkas. The Howa is a two stage but it’s good. I’ve gotten pretty good with it. It has very little travel and can be lightened a little to about 3 lbs. I think it’s a great trigger for a hunting rifle.
Uncovered one negative and it has more to do with the app.
If you get different results down range than the velocity curve generated in the app from my data, there is no way to “true” the curve. I have to create a new bullet profile and tweak the velocity.
I plan on buying the same CVA Scout to shoot subs with a can for urban deer management. I will also shoot supersonic ammo at my lease. Should make a great treestand gun.
Spent a couple hours at the range today with my 6 ARC. 600 yards steel no problem. 108 ELDM handloads are rivaling my Tikka UPR 6.5 CM. My 6 ARC likely will be my #1 hunting rifle this year. The 6 ARC is just a pleasant rifle to shoot.
Another bonus of the 6 ARC is barrel life. I’m approaching...