Howa 270 Win build

[puddleglum]

Hi all,

I bought a Howa 270 Win 22" barreled action from Brownells, that I am going to be using for whitetail hunting in WI. A Stocky's carbon fiber VG hunter is getting delivered today. I have an AB Raptor 8 and one of ABs 1/2x28 - 5/8x24 adaptors. I haven't gotten into reloading yet, but have most of the equipment, just gotta set up my bench/space. I likely will re-barrel to a PBB Taperless .75 in a faster twist rate eventually, but hope I can find a decent factory ammo that the Howa barrel likes with my Raptor hanging on it for at least this winter, maybe the next as well.

I know that hammer forged barrels don't require a break in the way cut barrels do, but will a hammer forged barrel speed up noticeably with use? Would it be worth putting some cheaper ammo through it before finding what ammo it likes best?

Thanks,
-pg

 

[puddleglum]

I am happier with this stock than I thought I would be. I originally had though I might sponge more colors in and cover all of it, since I don’t normally like carbon fiber weave, but this actually looks kind of cool, IMO.

Feels good, if a little short. I have orangutang arms, about 15” LOP, so I am going to talk to some friends with a 3D printer about printing some spacers.

 

[AZ_squid]

Looking good!

 

[puddleglum]

I picked up a lightly used Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42 and a DNZ Game Reaper Medium height mount.
I thought I would need a cheek riser, but I am looking pretty much perfectly through the middle of the scope as is. I put a Victor Titan cheek riser on it, with no inserts, and it was a little too high and moves me a little too much to the side.

For the record, the Victor Titan fit really well, and the green one looks great with this “forest” carbon fiber Stocky’s Stock. I have a big head and round cheeks. Someone else might find the cheek rest beneficial.

 

[puddleglum]

I pulled the pad off the stock, traced and scanned it, and drew up some spacers in CAD. Sent the file to my buddy and he 3D printed a few of different thicknesses, so I can get my LOP right.

Here is the 1/2”, I also have 3/8”, 1/4” and 1/8” so I can stack and vary them until it feels right.