Howa 223 shooters?

[Igloo]

Question for the Roksliders shooting Howa 223 rifles, how do you like them?

I know the Tikka is a better all-around choice, but for several hundred less, would be interested in hearing any thoughts, pros and cons, etc

 

[The Guide]

I have 2 Howa Mini Action rifles in 223 and both shoot exceptionally well. I have no issues with them in the factory form. I did buy one as a barreled action and it is in a B&C stock with factory bottom and magazine.

Jay

 

[ericmcd]

I have a 6.5x55 weatherby vanguard which is a howa 1500 and a Tikka 223. The Tikka is much nicer, but accuracy and function I don't think the howa would disappoint you. Europptic has the Tikka for 670 I think I'd pay the difference

 

[Caseknife]

I have the Howa Mini in 223AI in a Stockys CF, fun accurate rifle.

 

[Igloo]

I have the Howa Mini in 223AI in a Stockys CF, fun accurate rifle.

Nice! Did you have its barrel punched out or rebarrel it? Guessing rebarrel with a faster twist?

Aftermarket bottom metal for longer COAL?

 

[KyleR1985]

Howa mini made for cartridges with sub 2.5” oal.

All of the aftermarket hinged metals allow 2.4-2.45” oal.

Windowing the front of a factory mag allows 2.39” oal for 5 rounds and takes about 45 seconds to modify.


Mini, stockys vg, aftermarket metal of choice (hinged or for mags, it’s a must) is a jam up combo.



7lb 6oz with 19ounce optic and 12 ounce can.

Balances right in front of front action screw.

 

[vonb]

I have both a Howa 1500 and Tikka T3, both in .223. The Tikka is definitely more accurate. The Howa is plenty accurate but not to the tune of the Tikka. If I had to do again, I’d just go the Tikka.

 

[Caseknife]

Nice! Did you have its barrel punched out or rebarrel it? Guessing rebarrel with a faster twist?

Aftermarket bottom metal for longer COAL?

Just had the chamber opened up, believe it is 1:8 twist.

 

[Veloci_Wrench]

I've not spent time with a Tikka 223, but my Howa does ok. If I were to do it all over again, I'd grab the Tikka and put it into the new KRG Echo stock.

I think my Howa is an MOA gun. It likes factory ELD-Ms, and the AAC 77 TMK is like 1.5 moa for 10 round group. I have the Black Hills load, but have not shot it yet.

I hunted with the AAC stuff this past year. Killed two bucks, both just beyond 300 yards. Bullet went where I aimed, so I can't complain.

 

[ianpadron]

Zero complaints on my .223 Mini

Just as accurate as a Tikka (pics to prove it) in a less refined package. Bolt smoothes out big time after a few hundred cycles, trigger is excellent.

I've got Tikkas/Sakos too, the true built to size action is pretty unique to the Howas and I'll continue to buy minis over Tikkas for that reason.