Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

Marshfly

WKR
Joined
Sep 18, 2022
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1,328
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Missoula, Montana
True, although I bet it makes the Mini in 6ARC even more stable and possible more accurate. My primary #1 hunting rifle is a Tikka UPR in 6.5 CM and it is 11 lbs.
I'll tell you what. Build a Mini 6ARC with the goal of keeping it light. Kill something with 108 ELDMs. I wouldn't be surprised if that 11# Tikka sits on the shelf when hunting for the most part. These rifles are just so darn easy to shoot.
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2019
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I'll tell you what. Build a Mini 6ARC with the goal of keeping it light. Kill something with 108 ELDMs. I wouldn't be surprised if that 11# Tikka sits on the shelf when hunting for the most part. These rifles are just so darn easy to shoot.

Couple kills with 6 ARC and 108 ELDM handloads

Doe 501 yards dialed 11 MOA


IMG_2346.jpeg

Doe 250 yards

IMG_2322.jpeg
 

JAC8504

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 1, 2021
Messages
223
do you think Howa will make a 338 ARC mini? I mostly hunt in an area where its 40-100 yards and thought the ARC would be fantastic in this mini action
 
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The Guide

WKR
Joined
Aug 20, 2023
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969
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Montana
do you think Howa will make a 338 ARC mini? I mostly hunt in an area where its 40-100 yards and thought the ARC would be fantastic in this mini action
Why not just use the 7.62x39 that the Mini already comes it? Seems like a pretty good match for your needs. Howa can be slow to pickup new cartridges, often a year or more behind other manufacturers.

Jay
 

JCMCUBIC

WKR
Joined
Nov 22, 2020
Messages
477
Why not just use the 7.62x39 that the Mini already comes it? Seems like a pretty good match for your needs. Howa can be slow to pickup new cartridges, often a year or more behind other manufacturers.

Jay

...or the .350 Legend. For the limited 40-100 yard range he mentioned it would be about as good as it gets with a lot of available ammo.
 

The Guide

WKR
Joined
Aug 20, 2023
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969
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Montana
...or the .350 Legend. For the limited 40-100 yard range he mentioned it would be about as good as it gets with a lot of available ammo.
Or the 300 BO would work and have both subsonic and super sonic hunting loads available. If I was in an area where my shot distance limitations were as discussed, I'd be hunting suppressed with the 300 BO if it wasn't a straight wall state and a 350 Legend if it was a straight wall state.

Jay
 

KyleR1985

WKR
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
598
I had the 95TMK approaching 2700fps out of 16” 6ARC barrel and 2.3” COAL with Varget. I have no doubt I could get 2750-2800 loading at 2.5”. Just don’t have a bolt gun to need it for…yet.

Factory 108’s 2540 average out of same barrel.



Not verified at distance. Muzzle velocities with a Magneto V3
 
Joined
Dec 3, 2024
Messages
11
Actually dipping my toes into the Howa mini line for the first time, also working up a second build as a scout set up on a 7.62x39 base model 22", plan to chop the barrel close to 16" and see what works.
 

waspocrew

WKR
Joined
Apr 2, 2022
Messages
848
Location
MT
I haven't spent a ton of time behind my 6 ARC mini yet, but it's showing promise. I'm going to have it bedded in a few weeks when a local gunsmith is back in action after hunting season. I figure it'll eliminate any variables while working up a load. So far, factory 108 ELDM has shot the best. I've done pressure tests with alpha brass and the 76 gr Norma tipstrike, 100 gr tipped gameking, and the 105 gr hybrid.

To keep the Mini light and balanced, I'm thinking of going with a Ti can. I really enjoy shooting my Gunwerks 8ight, but it's a stainless can and weighs 18-19 oz, which doesn't exactly help with balance.

Definitely excited to get this up and running.
 
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