Deer cartridges with minimal recoil

[KyleR1985]

My mini in stockys VG is 13”

 

[Skydog]

So...Howa has the mini actions available in a few different configurations, weights, different stock designs/materials, etc. My question is specifically about the 1500 Walnut Hunter version, which comes in mini, short and standard sized actions...

Are the stock dimensions exactly the same on the mini action (6ARC) and the short action (.243), or is the mini more compact in some way?

Would these be the only differences in the mini vs the short action:

• Slightly shorter action resulting in slightly shorter OAL
• Detachable magazine that extends below the stock (which can be easily changed out to an aftermarket floorplate that is flush with the stock)
• 20" barrel on the 6ARC vs 22" on the .243

Am I missing any other differences?

 

[General RE LEE]

So...Howa has the mini actions available in a few different configurations, weights, different stock designs/materials, etc. My question is specifically about the 1500 Walnut Hunter version, which comes in mini, short and standard sized actions...

Are the stock dimensions exactly the same on the mini action (6ARC) and the short action (.243), or is the mini more compact in some way?

Would these be the only differences in the mini vs the short action:

• Slightly shorter action resulting in slightly shorter OAL
• Detachable magazine that extends below the stock (which can be easily changed out to an aftermarket floorplate that is flush with the stock)
• 20" barrel on the 6ARC vs 22" on the .243

Am I missing any other differences?

Mini is a shorter action than Howas short action.

 

[Skydog]

Mini is a shorter action than Howas short action.

Yes, I understand that the mini action is shorter...I'm trying to determine what differences there are in the rifles, stock dimensions, features, etc.

 

[General RE LEE]

Yes, I understand that the mini action is shorter...I'm trying to determine what differences there are in the rifles, stock dimensions, features, etc.

Sorry about that. I do know when shopping for stocks, Howa Mini actions require stocks designed for the Mini. You can't fit a Mini in a short action Howa stock.

You will see a lot more options for Howa short and long action stocks vs Mini stocks.

 

[Hackleback]

I'd say the 243 is the easy button for sure. Other options (a bit more exotic) would be 6mm Remington, 257 Roberts or maybe even 25-06. Since you are mostly hunting out of a stand, going with a heavier "bull barrel" would help dampen recoil as would a well fitting stock and a good recoil pad (or a combo some/all of these).

 

[Skydog]

Sorry about that. I do know when shopping for stocks, Howa Mini actions require stocks designed for the Mini. You can't fit a Mini in a short action Howa stock.

You will see a lot more options for Howa short and long action stocks vs Mini stocks.

Good to know. Thank you.

 

[Skydog]

I'd say the 243 is the easy button for sure. Other options (a bit more exotic) would be 6mm Remington, 257 Roberts or maybe even 25-06. Since you are mostly hunting out of a stand, going with a heavier "bull barrel" would help dampen recoil as would a well fitting stock and a good recoil pad (or a combo some/all of these).

I haven't come across any .243s with a bull barrel in the price range ($600-$800) that I'm looking at. Are you aware of anything I'm overlooking? I'm assuming that would be more of a "varmint" style rifle.

 

[KenLee]

I haven't come across any .243s with a bull barrel in the price range ($600-$800) that I'm looking at. Are you aware of anything I'm overlooking? I'm assuming that would be more of a "varmint" style rifle.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1076676719

 

[Diemaker24]

the weight for a mini would be slightly less than a short action but as far as the stock size overall I have no idea

 

[RodgerB]

Honestly Mr. B, give the .223 a chance with 77tmks and i think youll be beyond surprised. It's more than adequate.

I will do that. Thanks.

 

[83cj-7]

Hey @83cj-7

How much powder behind a 6mm bullet do you need to kill deer like it’s your job?

Edit: inside 300 yards.

26.5 grains

 

[RodgerB]

This ^^^. The 108 ELDx is a killer and the recoil is absurdly light.

Isn't that a target bullet?

 

[General RE LEE]

Isn't that a target bullet?

Yes but its an excellent hunting bullet, especially at 6 ARC speeds.

 

[RodgerB]

I will do that. Thanks.

So...Howa has the mini actions available in a few different configurations, weights, different stock designs/materials, etc. My question is specifically about the 1500 Walnut Hunter version, which comes in mini, short and standard sized actions...

Are the stock dimensions exactly the same on the mini action (6ARC) and the short action (.243), or is the mini more compact in some way?

Would these be the only differences in the mini vs the short action:

• Slightly shorter action resulting in slightly shorter OAL
• Detachable magazine that extends below the stock (which can be easily changed out to an aftermarket floorplate that is flush with the stock)
• 20" barrel on the 6ARC vs 22" on the .243

Am I missing any other differences?

 

[RodgerB]

My Howa Mini .223 in a factory stock is 14 inches LOP. My Howa SA .308 in bought used in what I think is a H-S stock is 13.5 inches LOP.

 

[Skydog]

Yes but its an excellent hunting bullet, especially at 6 ARC speeds.

Is there any noticeable difference in terms of wound channels, penetration, etc. on deer between the 108 ELDM and the 103 ELDX, or are they pretty much interchangeable?

 

[Skydog]

My Howa Mini .223 in a factory stock is 14 inches LOP. My Howa SA .308 in bought used in what I think is a H-S stock is 13.5 inches LOP.

Is your .223 in the Walnut Hunter version? 14 inches is a bit long for me. I prefer something closer to 13.5.

 

[Deere_Man]

Is your .223 in the Walnut Hunter version? 14 inches is a bit long for me. I prefer something closer to 13.5.

My mini actions both have a 13.5” length of pull. Also, the barrels are actually available in 22” and 20”. The 20” is a bit heavier contour. Here is a mini Hunter in 6 ARC with walnut and a 22” barrel:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1085429892

 

[Ringbill27]

Wouldn’t going to a mini action reduce weight, in turn increasing recoil of any cartridge?