Thank you so much for this video! I'm excited to build my first precision rifle. I saw in the comments where you have your bushing done. It would be super helpful if you don't mind putting the names of the businesses that you have do all the work to your receiver. People like me who are just starting and no don't know anybody. It's to worrisome to know if you're sending it to someone with quality. Thanks again. I actually feel your videos are very smooth and easy to follow
There are no fly’s on Howa actions, they are rugged well built reliable actions that are a bit rough around the edges but nothing that a bit of smoothing out couldn’t make better. Great job, I bet it shoots great. Some people turn their noses up at Howa’s but they’ve never fired one. They are very accurate straight out of the box for the price that they cost . Cheers 🍻 🍻
Really good video, I have wondered if a barrel nut on a Howa would be a possibility, and now I know. I'll just have to shoot out my current barrel first!
I started with a howa action for my first custom heavy barreled long range setup in 308W. I'm waiting for my barrel to arrive for me second howa build. This one is a 223.
Go with a weatherby vanguard. Uses the same action but there all finished by weatherby in Wyoming. So there all true and lapped . Smooth running and no issues.
I disagree with this, a Weatherby Vanguard is a rebranded Howa 1500 action. There is no extra work done to the action. Please do not buy a Weatherby Vanguard believing it’s already blueprinted because it is not. If a company was trueing actions and lapping bolts they would publish it in the rifles description as a selling point, which they don’t
@@Bench_Talk I own both. Sitting right here. The weatherby is smoother and tighter and silent. The howa is grittier and sounds like a zipper. Pretty sure there was lapping work done by weatherby
@@REDNECKROOTS for anyone wanting to build a Weatherby Vanguard I would still recommend blueprinting the action and having the bolt face bushed. Together that will cost $220 to $250 and it will guarantee you start with a rock solid action
When I built my Howa 1500 Custom, I had to machine that tab at the back of the receiver so my PTG bottom metal for AICS mags would work with my GRS Bifrost stock. Did you have to machine that tab to work with the MDT chassis you used?
I have a howa 1500 in 300 prc and the bolt feels sloppy and sometimes binds not bad though just a little stick when reloading. Is there anything I can do to tighten this up or make it smoother
I should have mentioned in my comment that I have no problem with using any action from a "sacrificial" rifle or factory purchased action to build a rifle. (and they will shoot if trued correctly) I have seen some impressive consistency from these type of builds. I have a Remington Model 788, which was a .308 Win that I "trued" and chambered to 6.5 Creedmoor. With Hunter powder and Badlands Precision Bull Dozer II's it will consistently shoot in the .600" and occasionally shoot in the .400" five shot groups. I would like to put some match grade bullets down the barrel as I believe it will do better than the above mentioned performance . John
A quick note: What your describing being done to the action is "truing the action". "Blueprinting" the action would entail much more work and would cost much more than 250.00. The receiver threads minor diameter would be cut .010" which would then mandate the barrel tenon threads be cut .010" oversize. The action would be indicated in to 1 or 2 ten thousandths inch in order to do this work along with your action face and bolt lug abutments, as mentioned. The bolt firing pin hole would be drilled and bushed as to be in the center of the bolt face and a corresponding firing pin hole would be drilled. This bushing would also be made to maintain alignment with the firing pin and the hole so there is no drag on the pin as it moves forward to impact the primer. Also, the primary extraction timing would be adjusted via the bolt handle or material replacement or removal at the camming contact points to facilitate proper primary extraction. The fire control system would be checked for spring contact in the bolt body and the firing pin shroud would be relieved of material for clearance to make for contact free travel in it's forward movement. If there was no external bolt release one would be installed and if no after market extractor was installed, such as a mini m-16 style that would also be done. One step further would be to sleeve the bolt for a better fit to the race way. This would decrease play in the bolt body and make for better round to chamber feeding. This is why I suggest to my clients wanting a custom build is to purchase a custom action with all of the above mentioned completed from the factory. Any of the actions out there that can be purchased for under $1K are well worth the money. POA Precision Rifle, LLC.
Is the Howa 1500 gamepro 2.0 chambered in .308 a short or long action? I haven't been able to figure that out yet, and am not sure of which rail mount I can go with. My main choice is the Talley optic rings, but I am not sure for my rifle named above... Which height I need for the vortex 6-24x50 30mm tube optic.
@@samlebo4704 congratulations👍🏻 I’m glad you haven’t experienced it but it’s a very well known issue with Howa 1500 actions. I understand the vanguard is a Howa action but there is a possibility Weatherby has better quality control than legacy sports
Stockeys carbon stocks make damn near mirror image action imprints for the weatherby vanguard actions. Witch are just a rebranded and with a better fit finished lapping ect howa1500. I'm sure they make the equivalent for howa. I was impressed with how well it fit and shot wo a bedding job. Just drops rite in
They there great video!! I have a question you might be able to answer. I have a youth model 7MM-08 howa 1500 after 3 shots the barrel is just trash. Any heat and bullets go everywhere but on target. Is it possible to junk that barrel, and replace it with a heavier competition style bull barrel? And if so do you have any recommendations? 🍻
@@Oregon-airguns I’m guessing the barrel on your 7mm-08 is a pencil barrel or very thin contour? You can definitely replace the barrel. I would recommend getting a barrel nut style Prefit from Northland shooters supply, which offers Shilen and criterion stainless barrels for Howa 1500’s. Both barrels shoot great but I definitely favor the Shilen Alternut barrels
@@Bench_Talk hey thanks for getting back to me bud. Yes you are spot on! Paper thin barrel. Would really like a 24 or 26inch fluted heavy barrel. Also is there a trigger you would recommend?
@@Oregon-airguns I’ve tried the drop in trigger by timney but didn’t like it. Each one of my Howas has had the spring reduction done where you trim a single coil off of the sear spring to allow it to get a lighter pull weight. I really like the modified two stage HACT triggers
@@Bench_Talk thank you soo much for the info man!! Really appreciate it! I’m a complete noob when it comes to powder burners. I could tell you any and everything about pcp airguns but powder burners are out of my lane!! However I did just buy a Danial defense delta 5 pro in 6.5 and that damn rifle will freaking shoot! Running 140grain hornady match. But I feel like I kinda cheated and bought a gun that already had all the work done lol. Now I need to make a total shitter a decent shooter.
@@Oregon-airguns I’m still learning every day man so I’m glad to help where I can. To be completely honest man I would skip turning a shitty rifle into a shooter if you can afford to go fully custom off the bat. Buy once, cry once always if you can afford it. Getting a Rem 700 clone and doing a build is 100% what I would recommend if you can swing it because converting the Howa will be very minimally cheaper. Mack brothers Evo 2 actions are a great option $770, Aero precision was just selling blem Solus actions for $750 recently, or go full send and get a defiance or impact precision 737 action. I promise you will out grow the Howa at some point if it’s intended to be a PRS gun
Hi Bench Talk! Where would you advise me get my Action Bushed? I just got my Brand New Howa 1500, and I have been learning that I should Bush my Action, I just don't know Where to send it and How much will it cost. Any Advise? Nice Looking Rifle, I love the Stock and the Short Action. Peace ✌🏾, and Thanks for the Videos , thay are Awesomly Informational! 👏🏾🏆
That’s awesome! What caliber is your Howa 1500. I’m not at all associated with this company but I use Desh LLC for bushing my bolts (I’ve had 4 bolts done with great success). It costs about $100 including shipping, and it’s about a week turn around time. I appreciate the positive feedback! I’ll have some new content up soon so definitely stay tuned
Volume too low on your mic. I've got my volume at 100% and have had to turn everything else in the office OFF in order to hear you. Do I see a barrel nut on this rifle? I thought the big push by "custom" rifle builders these days is to get away from barrel nuts, and have the barrel ONLY thread into the action, and stop solid on a perfectly machined square shoulder on both the action and the barrel. Also, did you do anything to address the excessive free bore? Or does your rifle not have this issue? I have a Howa 1500 in 204 Ruger and even seating heavy for caliber bullets it is not easy to reach the lands.. and if you try and seat out far enough to be closer to the lands, those rounds will then NOT fit in the magazine. I'm going to have to set back the barrel, and then use a short (as it relates to the area in front of the shoulder) reamer to get the lands closer so that my loaded rounds can actually be close to the lands, and still fit in the magazine. I'm also going to remove my ejector. Even though I hunt with my 204 Ruger, I don't want my hand crafted, neck turned, annealed, primer pockets perfected, brass flying off into the ether when I go to jack the round out.. Right now after firing a shot I have to physically put my hand over the ejection port while working the bolt to catch the brass.. Many videos I've seen people have eliminated the ejector and then the brass just sits in the chamber area until you roll the rifle over and allow the brass to roll out into your hand. These same people are claiming better accuracy after eliminating the ejector so there is an added bonus.
@@Go69 so yes this barrel is a Howage barrel nut barrel by Shilen in 243 Ackley Improved. This rifle was completely taken apart and trued and a new stock, barrel were put on the rifle. Custom chambered barrel fixed the freebore issue
@@Bench_Talk Maybe you got shitty American made ones, and here in Australia we get better Jap made ones. I shit you not....email and I will send pics of pin, pin hole and down the bolt.
Good video. Thanks for the info. I plan on buying the howa 1500 7prc barreled action when i can find it.
Thank you so much for this video! I'm excited to build my first precision rifle.
I saw in the comments where you have your bushing done. It would be super helpful if you don't mind putting the names of the businesses that you have do all the work to your receiver. People like me who are just starting and no don't know anybody. It's to worrisome to know if you're sending it to someone with quality.
Thanks again. I actually feel your videos are very smooth and easy to follow
The sound on this video is too low.
There are no fly’s on Howa actions, they are rugged well built reliable actions that are a bit rough around the edges but nothing that a bit of smoothing out couldn’t make better. Great job, I bet it shoots great. Some people turn their noses up at Howa’s but they’ve never fired one. They are very accurate straight out of the box for the price that they cost . Cheers 🍻 🍻
Really good video, I have wondered if a barrel nut on a Howa would be a possibility, and now I know.
I'll just have to shoot out my current barrel first!
I started with a howa action for my first custom heavy barreled long range setup in 308W. I'm waiting for my barrel to arrive for me second howa build.
This one is a 223.
Go with a weatherby vanguard. Uses the same action but there all finished by weatherby in Wyoming. So there all true and lapped . Smooth running and no issues.
I disagree with this, a Weatherby Vanguard is a rebranded Howa 1500 action. There is no extra work done to the action. Please do not buy a Weatherby Vanguard believing it’s already blueprinted because it is not. If a company was trueing actions and lapping bolts they would publish it in the rifles description as a selling point, which they don’t
@@Bench_Talk I own both. Sitting right here. The weatherby is smoother and tighter and silent. The howa is grittier and sounds like a zipper. Pretty sure there was lapping work done by weatherby
@@Bench_Talk it is a rebranded 1500 I said that,. It's just worked and finished better than howa does.
@@REDNECKROOTS for anyone wanting to build a Weatherby Vanguard I would still recommend blueprinting the action and having the bolt face bushed. Together that will cost $220 to $250 and it will guarantee you start with a rock solid action
@@Bench_Talk I would for most people also. I personally didn't and it's doing great. But yea I'd recommend at least a skim bed job
When I built my Howa 1500 Custom, I had to machine that tab at the back of the receiver so my PTG bottom metal for AICS mags would work with my GRS Bifrost stock. Did you have to machine that tab to work with the MDT chassis you used?
Using the KRG stock I did not have to do that. From my understanding if you use an MDT chassis you will have to do that modification
You also could’ve worked on the magazine a little instead. That’s the route I went with the MDT metal mags I got. I have an MDT XRS chassis
Where do you send your actions to have all the work done ?
Where did you have the action and bolt trued?
Aaron from Tierney Arms company in Grants Pass Oregon
Would you be able to send me his info?
@@toddcarl1779 here is his website
www.precisionrifleparts.org
I have a howa 1500 in 300 prc and the bolt feels sloppy and sometimes binds not bad though just a little stick when reloading. Is there anything I can do to tighten this up or make it smoother
Out of curiosity, who fluted that bolt? Looks alot like LRI’s wrought Iron fluting! Fantastic!
Tierney Arms fluted that bolt!
I should have mentioned in my comment that I have no problem with using any action from a "sacrificial" rifle or factory purchased action to build a rifle. (and they will shoot if trued correctly) I have seen some impressive consistency from these type of builds. I have a Remington Model 788, which was a .308 Win that I "trued" and chambered to 6.5 Creedmoor. With Hunter powder and Badlands Precision Bull Dozer II's it will consistently shoot in the .600" and occasionally shoot in the .400" five shot groups. I would like to put some match grade bullets down the barrel as I believe it will do better than the above mentioned performance . John
Great video, just started shooting Howa rifles. They seem good so far. .223 is what I am using for Prairie dog hunting. Gave you a sub.
Thank you! Howa’s are great and 223 is. a great target caliber!
@@Bench_Talk Thanks. My wife is shooting 6.5 Creedmoor and loves the accuracy of the Bergara, so I will work with the Howa.
A quick note: What your describing being done to the action is "truing the action". "Blueprinting" the action would entail much more work and would cost much more than 250.00. The receiver threads minor diameter would be cut .010" which would then mandate the barrel tenon threads be cut .010" oversize. The action would be indicated in to 1 or 2 ten thousandths inch in order to do this work along with your action face and bolt lug abutments, as mentioned. The bolt firing pin hole would be drilled and bushed as to be in the center of the bolt face and a corresponding firing pin hole would be drilled. This bushing would also be made to maintain alignment with the firing pin and the hole so there is no drag on the pin as it moves forward to impact the primer. Also, the primary extraction timing would be adjusted via the bolt handle or material replacement or removal at the camming contact points to facilitate proper primary extraction. The fire control system would be checked for spring contact in the bolt body and the firing pin shroud would be relieved of material for clearance to make for contact free travel in it's forward movement. If there was no external bolt release one would be installed and if no after market extractor was installed, such as a mini m-16 style that would also be done. One step further would be to sleeve the bolt for a better fit to the race way. This would decrease play in the bolt body and make for better round to chamber feeding. This is why I suggest to my clients wanting a custom build is to purchase a custom action with all of the above mentioned completed from the factory. Any of the actions out there that can be purchased for under $1K are well worth the money. POA Precision Rifle, LLC.
Is the Howa 1500 gamepro 2.0 chambered in .308 a short or long action? I haven't been able to figure that out yet, and am not sure of which rail mount I can go with.
My main choice is the Talley optic rings, but I am not sure for my rifle named above... Which height I need for the vortex 6-24x50 30mm tube optic.
Short action
I would go with “high” rings
U need high rings with 50mm n 52mm bell always. Med rings for 44mm n 42mm bell and low rings for 40mm n 32mm bell. Hope that helps.
That's a killer paint job. How did you do it? Looks awesome.
Never pierced a single primer with my vanguard series 1 or 2 even on over pressured loads
@@samlebo4704 congratulations👍🏻 I’m glad you haven’t experienced it but it’s a very well known issue with Howa 1500 actions. I understand the vanguard is a Howa action but there is a possibility Weatherby has better quality control than legacy sports
Did a gunsmith thread that knob for you?
No I had the bolt threaded by Walnut Creek Precision
Any issues with dropping the Howa 1500 into the KRG Bravo stock? Or is a a true drop in stock?
No issues at all, it is a true drop in stock. Also No alterations to take metal AIC mags
Stockeys carbon stocks make damn near mirror image action imprints for the weatherby vanguard actions. Witch are just a rebranded and with a better fit finished lapping ect howa1500. I'm sure they make the equivalent for howa. I was impressed with how well it fit and shot wo a bedding job. Just drops rite in
They there great video!! I have a question you might be able to answer.
I have a youth model 7MM-08 howa 1500 after 3 shots the barrel is just trash. Any heat and bullets go everywhere but on target.
Is it possible to junk that barrel, and replace it with a heavier competition style bull barrel? And if so do you have any recommendations? 🍻
@@Oregon-airguns I’m guessing the barrel on your 7mm-08 is a pencil barrel or very thin contour?
You can definitely replace the barrel. I would recommend getting a barrel nut style Prefit from Northland shooters supply, which offers Shilen and criterion stainless barrels for Howa 1500’s. Both barrels shoot great but I definitely favor the Shilen Alternut barrels
@@Bench_Talk hey thanks for getting back to me bud. Yes you are spot on! Paper thin barrel. Would really like a 24 or 26inch fluted heavy barrel. Also is there a trigger you would recommend?
@@Oregon-airguns I’ve tried the drop in trigger by timney but didn’t like it. Each one of my Howas has had the spring reduction done where you trim a single coil off of the sear spring to allow it to get a lighter pull weight. I really like the modified two stage HACT triggers
@@Bench_Talk thank you soo much for the info man!! Really appreciate it! I’m a complete noob when it comes to powder burners. I could tell you any and everything about pcp airguns but powder burners are out of my lane!! However I did just buy a Danial defense delta 5 pro in 6.5 and that damn rifle will freaking shoot! Running 140grain hornady match. But I feel like I kinda cheated and bought a gun that already had all the work done lol. Now I need to make a total shitter a decent shooter.
@@Oregon-airguns I’m still learning every day man so I’m glad to help where I can. To be completely honest man I would skip turning a shitty rifle into a shooter if you can afford to go fully custom off the bat. Buy once, cry once always if you can afford it. Getting a Rem 700 clone and doing a build is 100% what I would recommend if you can swing it because converting the Howa will be very minimally cheaper. Mack brothers Evo 2 actions are a great option $770, Aero precision was just selling blem Solus actions for $750 recently, or go full send and get a defiance or impact precision 737 action. I promise you will out grow the Howa at some point if it’s intended to be a PRS gun
How much would it cost to blue print ?
Tierney arms average price is $120 to $150 depending on how out of spec it is. More out of spec, more machining time. That’s min and max price
Do we have to contact them? Im not seeing a "gunsmithing" link on their site
@@sauce6092 call the phone number or email them. They are mainly a gunsmith if company
Ackley improved then chopping the barrel so short....whats the point?
Higher velocity in a shorter barrel compared to a normal 243win or 6mm creedmoor
Hi Bench Talk!
Where would you advise me get my Action Bushed?
I just got my Brand New Howa 1500, and I have been learning that I should Bush my Action, I just don't know Where to send it and How much will it cost.
Any Advise?
Nice Looking Rifle, I love the Stock and the Short Action. Peace ✌🏾, and Thanks for the Videos , thay are Awesomly Informational! 👏🏾🏆
That’s awesome! What caliber is your Howa 1500.
I’m not at all associated with this company but I use Desh LLC for bushing my bolts (I’ve had 4 bolts done with great success). It costs about $100 including shipping, and it’s about a week turn around time.
I appreciate the positive feedback! I’ll have some new content up soon so definitely stay tuned
.308
@@kaikuwatanabe729 that’s awesome👍🏻
Does Desh LLC also true & lap bolts as well? Waiting on my Howa 1500 barreled action as we speak (.308/20"). Thanks - I like your channel
So who blue printed your action?
Aaron from Tierney Arms Company
Really need to work on the sound quality in ALL YOUR VIDEOS
Thank you so much for the information
Too quite!!! Can’t hear
Speak up or get a better microphone, your showing a video to people that are already hard of hearing! I didn't make it 2 minutes in and quit!
A microphone would help, but subtitles are a thing too, you know.
Good information and no BS.
Can't hear a damn thing
@@waltz608 sorry man
Volume too low on your mic. I've got my volume at 100% and have had to turn everything else in the office OFF in order to hear you. Do I see a barrel nut on this rifle? I thought the big push by "custom" rifle builders these days is to get away from barrel nuts, and have the barrel ONLY thread into the action, and stop solid on a perfectly machined square shoulder on both the action and the barrel. Also, did you do anything to address the excessive free bore? Or does your rifle not have this issue? I have a Howa 1500 in 204 Ruger and even seating heavy for caliber bullets it is not easy to reach the lands.. and if you try and seat out far enough to be closer to the lands, those rounds will then NOT fit in the magazine. I'm going to have to set back the barrel, and then use a short (as it relates to the area in front of the shoulder) reamer to get the lands closer so that my loaded rounds can actually be close to the lands, and still fit in the magazine. I'm also going to remove my ejector. Even though I hunt with my 204 Ruger, I don't want my hand crafted, neck turned, annealed, primer pockets perfected, brass flying off into the ether when I go to jack the round out.. Right now after firing a shot I have to physically put my hand over the ejection port while working the bolt to catch the brass.. Many videos I've seen people have eliminated the ejector and then the brass just sits in the chamber area until you roll the rifle over and allow the brass to roll out into your hand. These same people are claiming better accuracy after eliminating the ejector so there is an added bonus.
@@Go69 so yes this barrel is a Howage barrel nut barrel by Shilen in 243 Ackley Improved. This rifle was completely taken apart and trued and a new stock, barrel were put on the rifle. Custom chambered barrel fixed the freebore issue
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Howa's have a reduced pin and a long bush/sleave already...just checked both of mine. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You don’t get it. It’s okay, you don’t need to believe me
@@Bench_Talk Maybe you got shitty American made ones, and here in Australia we get better Jap made ones. I shit you not....email and I will send pics of pin, pin hole and down the bolt.