In my short 60+ years of collecting, hunting and reloading I have owners about 50 Howa rifles over the years not including the Vanguards. They are quality rifles at a budget price and very reliable! I bought my dons some Meateaters rifles and they were a good rifle but a bit heavy for non magnums. Randy Newberg must love them too since he hunts with them! I might just have to pick one up! I am a big Tikka, SAKO rifle guy for hunting! They are the most accurate rifle with factory ammo they I have seen with a wider range of factory ammo even though I reloader and have owned hundreds of hunting rifles over the years and traded some because they would not shoot MOA or better! Thanks for taking the time to show us that awesome rifle!
30 years ago I bought a Howa 1500 in 270 Winchester from Service Merchandise, stock & barrel in Realtree Camo. It was on clearance for $185, at the time, it was more than I could afford but I made it happen. After sighting in, it shot clover-leaf 100yd groups and still does to this day. It has taken many whitetail but damn it weighs 9lbs 6oz. This Howa Super Lite in 7mm-08 looks to be a dream come true! Really good videos and stories Ron.
You have to love how no nonsense Ron is. Most influencers, and his is technically an influencer, would dial the rifle in perfect, put a fresh target up, and make it look like they just sat down and started shooting bullseyes. With Ron you get the target he started with before he has it completely zeroed. This is what you can expect yourself if you know how to shoot.
Howa 1500 bolts are some of the best on the market. Extremely basic and easy to take apart and clean. Also, their triggers are probably the best stock trigger on the market. Zero creep and can be adjusted down to any weight you desire while still being safe. There is a reason why many competition shooters start with a Howa 1500 barrelled action.
I have the howa carbon stalker in 6.5 Grendel with the same scope on it. Love that gun, for midwest deer hunt that is a great combo for any hunter, the Grendel has minimal recoil as well.
Ron I've been using Howa 1500 's since the 1990's my very first was a Barreled action in 223 a true tack driver . I have taken my biggest Buck with my Howa 1500 chambered in 7mm Mag.. these rifles are accurate .
Mi esposa me regalo uno en navidad, en weatherby pero es el mismo hecho por howa y esta de lujo en 300WinMag y ligero como ninguno, life is good here in Mexico
I’ve owned two howa rifles I bought to build as target guns. One a 24” heavy barrel and one was 26” heavy barrel. Their prices have went up some since then, but what hasn’t these days. Both I bought were just the barreled actions off of Brownells website. Bedded both in B&C medalist stocks (the newer one with adjustable cheek riser). Howa’s are a dream to bed with that flat bottomed action and huge integral recoil lug by the way. I only shot one box of factory ammo through each, and they were both around 3/4” moa with that ammo right out the gate. With match loads you had to really try to shoot a group over 1/2” I mean like having a terrible day lol. One ended up averaging groups around .350”. The 26” barrel averaged 1/4” moa or better with many groups around .100” and slightly less. Forgot both were in 6.5 CM, and I no longer own either rifle but I do miss them. Been thinking hard of picking up a sporter weight barreled action in 7mm08, or maybe even the good old 270 win for new deer rifle.
I have a super lite. There were definite inletting issues with the trigger guard. Contacted legacy and they sent me a new stock, as I had a hunt coming up and needed it as a backup rifle. 2nd stock was also inlet poorly, I think probably because it is finished after it is inlet. I fixed the problem by inletting the trigger guard myself with some chisels. I also glass bedded it. The rifle shoots OK with my handloads, but is it not MOA, probably 1.5” on average which is workable. The zipper sounding bolt also annoyed me so I fixed that with some 400grit sandpaper. I really shouldn’t have to do this on a new rifle costing $1000+, but I’m happy enough now that it’s all done, I just wish it shot a smidge better. I’m hoping some more load development and a muzzle brake will help with that. If someone makes a metal trigger guard (Jefferson outdoors??) in the future it will be perfect as a backcountry pack rifle. Also, get the Talley rings.
I've got a few Howas and Vanguards. Don't need any more rifles besides what I have. I have handloaded ammo for every single one except for my 243 Howa that doesn't care if it's a Remington or winchester 100 grain softpoint. I'll poke all three rounds into a single jagged hole. I always give my rifles 15 minutes between shots to retract and cool off with the bolt open. This gives me a true reading from a cold bore, and gives me all the confidence in the world when I am hunting.
Good review Ron. I completely agree about that 3 position safety feature. Your completly correct about carry a rifle and that darn bolt opening up and catching on things.
I don't think there is any excuse for manufacturer's to bring out flush box mags taking only 3 rounds. Staggering the stack will give 5 around with any caliber.
I love my Howa. I almost bought the superlite 6.5 Grendel Mini-Action version, but ended up buying the barrelled action from Brownells and added a stock. I went with a Boyd's At-One stock and put a scope about the same size.
Howa is a good quality, well priced, reliable rifle. We use them a lot in South Africa. Not picky eaters, the ones ive seen have shot well with different ammo types and loadings. And they have an acceptable trigger
I think all Howas are capable of close to ½MOA with handloads, the only aspect is the COAL of the cartridge that is restricted by the DBM. Please note that the the mounting holes are the same as the Rem 700, so throw away the Pic rail and use two-piece mounts.
Snagged myself a Howa 1500 mini action in 7.62 x 39mm (with threaded muzzle) for some cheap range shooting but it turned out to be surprisingly accurate out to 200-250 yards. Scrounged up some 123 & 154 grain steel case SP's. Results were positive enough to buy dies and start collecting brass for reloads. Intrigued to persue load development, bullet jump, etc.. *note*: The Howa bore is true to 7.62 x 39mm dimensions (.311"). Bullet selection is limited. NOSLER assured me their projectiles are true to cartridge. Most 7.62x39 bullet manufacturers are .308 - .310". Caveat emptor (buyer beware). If all goes well l may spring for an EC TUNER just to see IF more can be squeezed out.
Another great Video Ron. Perfect rifle for those of us that were not born with a silver spoon. Your video's make it much easier for those of us to purchase a quality rifle that will work for the hunting we do. Thank you!!
Looks like a great gun! Lightweight rifles can be awesome. I’ve got a Savage 99F topped with a peep sight and front bead that tips the scale at ~5.5 lbs. That gun is surprisingly accurate to shoot free-hand. Love that rifle!
@@Gerald-do9ygThe Savage 99 is an old unique lever gun that isn’t made anymore, but they’re out there on used market. There are many variants available, but the “F” version is the featherweight model. It was chambered in many calibers, but most aren’t popular anymore. There were some chambered in 308, though.
Nothing some compound couldn't fix. I'd rather a quick cycling zipper sounding bolt than a tight tolerance unit you need to muscle into battery on a hunt. My Sako had a precision made action, but it was stiff to work in a hurry. Again, compound would have fixed this I'm sure (or just cycling it/shooting it more often) but my Howa 1500 is just practical to use right out of the box.
Fantastic, great timing, I’ve been thinking seriously of getting one of the Howa’s knowing their history as you explained and especially the Weatherby history which I’ve owned and knew that Howa made them and what a fine fit and finish. Your timing is perfect and any hesitation left has left the room, I’m gonna pull the trigger, thanks again for this and all your work/information.
I rebarreled my Weatherby Vanguard, which is just a renamed Howa 1500, and turned it into a 6.5 PRC. The accuracy with 156g Berger EOL hunting bullets is incredible.
I have the 1500 Mini action in 6.5 Grendel, incredible rifle for the price I paid for it. Prints .5-.75 groups all day, and is a 'Yote smashing wand. CFE 223 and 129 SST's.
🎉I have a 6.5 Creedmore Howa 1500 with a 26 inch barrel in an MDT Oryx chassis and it is a great rifle. Feeds and extracts perfectly and shoots 1/2 moa all day.
It's not hard to be a howa fan! They make great rifles. Action and bolt lift are pretty good, not fanominal, but still good. For a budget rifle ($500-800 for their base models) I'd take a howa over a savage or ruger of the same price
I went Howa Superlite in .308 with 125 grain Accubond reloads this year. Fantastic rifle. I got rid of the rail and went with Talley and a Leupold 3.5-10...so light
@@ziruk-king4466 Fit and finish is similar to Bergara. Ahead of Ruger and behind Tikka. The carbon model comes with a small diameter brake. It works well. I've also shot it with my suppressor, which reduces the recoil about the same. Finally, I've shot it bare barrel and it still feels more pleasant than my Abolt. I've only shot 125, 130, and 150 grain loads; so I don't know how the heavier stuff is going to feel. I've settled on the 130 Barnes as my whitetail load.
@ziruk-king4466 Forgot to give accuracy...48 grains of Varget under the 130 Barnes is comfortably a 1 MOA load, but you have to pace the shots as it heats up pretty quick. I've shot 5 shot groups that ranged from .6 to 1.1 inches while testing different bullet jumps. 35 thou and 50 thou both shot well under an inch. When I get my hands on more bullets, I'm going to do a 20 shot group with 3 minutes between shots. I'm also going to circle back and shoot 48.5 and 49 grains of Varget. Unless I got lucky, this load isn't fine tuned yet.
I have 3 Howas.270 30/06 .300 ultra mag use them different types of hunting. Never had a problem out of them. 30/06 has 20 deer an 12 hogs .300 has 3 elk and 2 moose and rabid fox😮
Just recently bought this in 6.5cm for my son. Preeeeetty sure Daddy's gonna have to get himself one as well!! The light weight is sooo appreciated! (We were going to climbing some ugly buckthorn covered ridges) And just like you've found...ACCURATE! The ONLY thing... that bugs my psuedo OCD, is the "zip" sound it makes when you're actuating the bolt. For some reason that irks me, a lot. Presumably due to machining marks? Speaking with others on rokslide, soon I'll try lightly/mildly polishing the machining marks on the bolt possibly, with some J-B Bore Bright Bore Finishing Compound and see if that helps the "zip" sound. And this year on my .308, I decided to drop down to 130gr TTSX. And interestingly... I compared the ballistics between a 6.5cm and a .308 Win... both in 130gr, and they energy is very similar on both, and then at 400yds the 6.5cm with it's high B.C. projectiles, overtakes the .308 shooting similar 130gr.
People love to hate on the 6.5 Creedmoor but Hornady knew what they were doing when they made it. Higher BC and, depending on bullet weight, higher sectional density than a 308. What does this all mean…6.5 Creedmoor will generally penetrate further than a 308. It might start off with less velocity and energy, but it carries that velocity and energy better down range. It’s also more mild to shoot, thus making a more accurate/ethical hunter.
@@scotteger6271 after having to dial-in his scope a bit, then observing my son and coaching him a lil on his benchrest holding of the weapon... he literally.. not figuratively... managed to then hit the center red dot out of two bullseyes @ 100yd. I was watching in the spotter at the time too! Talk about stoked! And also important, you can hold onto the safety with two fingers instead and move it over fairly SILENTLY if you practice for a second. This can be important on a hunt.
I'm mostly an AR guy. I want to build a bolt action next. I've very interested in the Howa 1500 in 300 PRC. I haven't decided on a stock or chassis for it.
My next gun will be a Howa 1500 in 22-250. Been eyeing them up for a while, very impressive. I hunt Woodchuck with a friend who demoed his for me, over the summer. Wonderful gun, silk smooth action and that 3 position safety is gold. I don't need a new chuck gun... my old Stevens is a printer at 200 yards at has taken hogs at better than 400 yards. Do I like the Howa, and want a 22-250? Yup. Bullet selection is much nicer for hunting varmints, for the 22-250. Great video, I was sold back in June, though. Haha!
Splendid rifle. Howa do some great stuff. Still, though...the Mauser M18 remains my favourite among “modern” firearms. Yes, Tikka T3 x is great ( I have one in 8x57), still the Mauser feels better. Seen it in all calibers, all the way up to 300WM and the M18 performs splendidly,
The Howa shoots amazing. I have one in 223 with a stockys carbon vertical grip stock. 73gr eld handloads are easy and consistent 1/4-1/3MOA any day of the week. Im not sure how the Tikkas shoot, but I can't imagine it shoots significantly better.
They got that grip angle figured out better than most of the domestic models. Sounds like a great rifle. I dont mind carrying a 10lb rifle around though, as long as it has a chassis
Mmm so I have the same Howa Superlite, 6.5cred for almost a year but I still can not dial in to shoot it MOA. Checked torque every bolts n screws, tested various factory ammo at different bullet weights etc, Leupold VX-3HD can’t be bad, etc. weatherby Vanguard @.270win which is a very similar rifle but weigh almost double of superlite with all this and that shoot like I’m an army sniper.. I started to suspect that i need suppressor which is not allowed in NY..?
Why would you carry your gun on your back in a thicket. Come on now. I'm 73 been hunting all my life. You don't do that. I like your show but sometimes I think you say things that don't make any since. Like most of us.
Why do people load the rifles one bullet at a time? It has a magazine well, why not use it? How can you tell if it has feed issues without using the mag well? Anyone explain this to me cause I see all the youtubers doing it.
It does NOT make 4ld 7oz as it comes. So that is false. Yes it is light but not that light. Most people who shot it found accuracy to be ok with some ammo and not so good with others, typically not as good as the normal Howa. Sounds like a paid ad to me.
Rediculace pricing. Carbon is not worth the difference. Look what you can get a barrled action for from howa. This is not new technology. You can get a ruger american compact for around $450. That have tac driving accuracy. This is crazy...but ignorant people will pay it because everyone seems to be in competition of each other these days and they just want the new thing. This is whats driving cost of stuff up...people not having enough sense to say hell bo to these prices. America has gone to shit and the respected people of the day are driving it forward instead of saying yeah its a good rifle but way too pricey for what it is. Lets do better people.
Just received my howa carbon stalker 6mm arc and pretty disappointed.first the barrel is pinned to one side of the stock wont be sliding any paper under it then the bolt has spots on it where theirs no coating on and another part of the sock right by were bullets eject is chewed up…called legacy and they had me pull it apart and try to realign it and retourqe it and its clear the stockys stock is messed up and poor job on coating the bolt now the guns heading back with tags still on it…pretty bummed also the bolt sounds like a zipper when you work the action
Interarms had a lot to do with early Howa's , they used to sell both actions alone and barrelled actions which were popular with custom gun makers . How well does it shoot with out the suppressor .?
I got a Weatherby Vanguard in 30-06 in Feb this year, shortened the barrel to 20" (from 24") and put a Jaki Titanium suppressor on there with a LVPO 1-6x scope. My wife instantly claimed the rifle! Shoots great, the stock on that one is not as light as this but still very handy overall. She loves the 3-position safety as well. So now Im looking for another Howa/Vanguard for myself as well :)
Well the older one gets the more light weight is a thing. One of those on 300 blk would be the bomb for eastern woods. Browning and Winchester have their rifles over there I believe.
I agree on the easthics! Hate the look. But man, once I hunted with one of these and no longer had to fear blowing my ears out, I changed my mind. Still ugly, but pretty is as pretty does in this case. I'll still hunt with my classic rifles and stuff my ears before I shoot, but these cans are a hassle saver.
I have a Howa 1500 in .308 thats an awesome rifle. It out shot my Remington 700 and Ruger and like you said its light. does it kick? Not like you think, I shoot mainly 150 FMJ (American Eagle AE308D and 168 grain Hornady BTHP match) and its dead on. My scope is a Vortex viper 6.5-20X50 which was recommended by my gunsmith. I did put a MDT LSS XL chassis on it which changed the rifles personality. It was $500.00 well spent in my opinion because it fit me better plus it was easier to mount a bipod. For a rifle I have well under 2 grand in it holds its own to rifles I have a lot more money in. Excellent video by the way and im now subbed.
Howa used to make Weatherby and Smith & Wesson rifles the Smith didn't last long though. I wanted to ask what ballistics calculator do you prefer now a days, I used to use Strelock but seeing that you can use it now. It was decades ahead and it took till now for the manufacturers to come up with anything close.
I have a question that really bugs me and it shouldn't but it does. WHY, do people feel the need to put a cartridge one at a time in their bolt action especially when filming themselves????? if it holds 3, 4, 5, or whatever, just put them in the box and cycle them like it is suppose to work. Please don't come back with that safety argument as that is bull chit.
Just a personal preference, Altonguis. I find it simple and fast to load one at a time, collect the brass, and switch to other test rounds without having to remove and replace the drop out magazine. And, yes, there is the safety factor, what with manipulating multiple cameras, checking the chronograph, and otherwise moving around the bench with one's mind elsewhere.
Ron I appreciate your show and I've learned quite a bit about cartridges and the development of them. I would like you to compare the 7mm STW vs the 7mm RUM. According to my research the STW reigns supreme in performance. Not by much but it's faster and flatter. Please let us know the truth.
In my short 60+ years of collecting, hunting and reloading I have owners about 50 Howa rifles over the years not including the Vanguards. They are quality rifles at a budget price and very reliable! I bought my dons some Meateaters rifles and they were a good rifle but a bit heavy for non magnums. Randy Newberg must love them too since he hunts with them! I might just have to pick one up! I am a big Tikka, SAKO rifle guy for hunting! They are the most accurate rifle with factory ammo they I have seen with a wider range of factory ammo even though I reloader and have owned hundreds of hunting rifles over the years and traded some because they would not shoot MOA or better! Thanks for taking the time to show us that awesome rifle!
30 years ago I bought a Howa 1500 in 270 Winchester from Service Merchandise, stock & barrel in Realtree Camo. It was on clearance for $185, at the time, it was more than I could afford but I made it happen. After sighting in, it shot clover-leaf 100yd groups and still does to this day. It has taken many whitetail but damn it weighs 9lbs 6oz. This Howa Super Lite in 7mm-08 looks to be a dream come true! Really good videos and stories Ron.
The rifle out lived service merchandise by a long way. 😂
You have to love how no nonsense Ron is. Most influencers, and his is technically an influencer, would dial the rifle in perfect, put a fresh target up, and make it look like they just sat down and started shooting bullseyes. With Ron you get the target he started with before he has it completely zeroed. This is what you can expect yourself if you know how to shoot.
Howa 1500 bolts are some of the best on the market. Extremely basic and easy to take apart and clean. Also, their triggers are probably the best stock trigger on the market. Zero creep and can be adjusted down to any weight you desire while still being safe. There is a reason why many competition shooters start with a Howa 1500 barrelled action.
I have the howa carbon stalker in 6.5 Grendel with the same scope on it. Love that gun, for midwest deer hunt that is a great combo for any hunter, the Grendel has minimal recoil as well.
I have a6.5 but feel there are better calibers for deer and similar game, personally I prefer 7-08 or 6.5x55
I bought a 1500 chambered in .300 PRC earlier this year. Nothing but good things to say about the feel, function, and accuracy.
I had a Vanguard .270 back in the 90's mwde by Howa. It was a sweet shooter. That safety is a huge improvement.
Ron I've been using Howa 1500 's since the 1990's my very first was a Barreled action in 223 a true tack driver . I have taken my biggest Buck with my Howa 1500 chambered in 7mm Mag.. these rifles are accurate .
Funny how non paid reviews have different thoughts on the Stocky stock. Sadly you and Randy are sell outs……. You know it’s the truth
Mi esposa me regalo uno en navidad, en weatherby pero es el mismo hecho por howa y esta de lujo en 300WinMag y ligero como ninguno, life is good here in Mexico
Howa is no slouch. I've got 2 minis and 2 Weatherby Vanguards and they are all pretty sweet shooters.
I picked up a new Weatherby Vangaurd in 7mm08 and it’s a great rifle. Howa has never let me down.
I've got a Vanguard in 7mm-08 as well and I love that rifle. It's definitely hard to beat that quality at that price point.
@@B.Simpsonphoto hopefully your will be as accurate as mine. Only thing mine won’t group is 139 grain SST’s. Can’t get it better than 1.25”
I’ve owned two howa rifles I bought to build as target guns. One a 24” heavy barrel and one was 26” heavy barrel. Their prices have went up some since then, but what hasn’t these days. Both I bought were just the barreled actions off of Brownells website. Bedded both in B&C medalist stocks (the newer one with adjustable cheek riser). Howa’s are a dream to bed with that flat bottomed action and huge integral recoil lug by the way. I only shot one box of factory ammo through each, and they were both around 3/4” moa with that ammo right out the gate. With match loads you had to really try to shoot a group over 1/2” I mean like having a terrible day lol. One ended up averaging groups around .350”. The 26” barrel averaged 1/4” moa or better with many groups around .100” and slightly less. Forgot both were in 6.5 CM, and I no longer own either rifle but I do miss them. Been thinking hard of picking up a sporter weight barreled action in 7mm08, or maybe even the good old 270 win for new deer rifle.
I have a super lite. There were definite inletting issues with the trigger guard. Contacted legacy and they sent me a new stock, as I had a hunt coming up and needed it as a backup rifle. 2nd stock was also inlet poorly, I think probably because it is finished after it is inlet. I fixed the problem by inletting the trigger guard myself with some chisels. I also glass bedded it.
The rifle shoots OK with my handloads, but is it not MOA, probably 1.5” on average which is workable. The zipper sounding bolt also annoyed me so I fixed that with some 400grit sandpaper.
I really shouldn’t have to do this on a new rifle costing $1000+, but I’m happy enough now that it’s all done, I just wish it shot a smidge better. I’m hoping some more load development and a muzzle brake will help with that.
If someone makes a metal trigger guard (Jefferson outdoors??) in the future it will be perfect as a backcountry pack rifle. Also, get the Talley rings.
I've got a few Howas and Vanguards. Don't need any more rifles besides what I have. I have handloaded ammo for every single one except for my 243 Howa that doesn't care if it's a Remington or winchester 100 grain softpoint.
I'll poke all three rounds into a single jagged hole. I always give my rifles 15 minutes between shots to retract and cool off with the bolt open.
This gives me a true reading from a cold bore, and gives me all the confidence in the world when I am hunting.
Good review Ron. I completely agree about that 3 position safety feature. Your completly correct about carry a rifle and that darn bolt opening up and catching on things.
I really like the Howas. Only wish they came in stainless. The mini action in stainless 6.5 Grendel would be awesome.
They do have one with a wood stock and a stainless barrel over at Gun Broker and it comes that way from the factory.
Great video, Ron. I have field test rifle #1 of this rifle. My results and impressions are similar to yours.
I'm with ya on the 3 position safety...
I don't think there is any excuse for manufacturer's to bring out flush box mags taking only 3 rounds. Staggering the stack will give 5 around with any caliber.
My thoughts exactly. The 3 round magazine might be the determining factor if I buy it or not.
I love my Howa. I almost bought the superlite 6.5 Grendel Mini-Action version, but ended up buying the barrelled action from Brownells and added a stock. I went with a Boyd's At-One stock and put a scope about the same size.
I restocked 2 riflies with Boyds and I am very pleased with them I opted for laminated thumbholes and they are gorgeous and shoot well.
Howa is a good quality, well priced, reliable rifle. We use them a lot in South Africa. Not picky eaters, the ones ive seen have shot well with different ammo types and loadings. And they have an acceptable trigger
Howa rifles are very popular down here in New Zealand. The first centerfire rifle I had was a 1500 in .308. Good shooter
I think all Howas are capable of close to ½MOA with handloads, the only aspect is the COAL of the cartridge that is restricted by the DBM. Please note that the the mounting holes are the same as the Rem 700, so throw away the Pic rail and use two-piece mounts.
Agreed. Talley makes a two-piece mount for the SuperLite.
Snagged myself a Howa 1500 mini action in 7.62 x 39mm (with threaded muzzle) for some cheap range shooting but it turned out to be surprisingly accurate out to 200-250 yards. Scrounged up some 123 & 154 grain steel case SP's. Results were positive enough to buy dies and start collecting brass for reloads. Intrigued to persue load development, bullet jump, etc..
*note*: The Howa bore is true to 7.62 x 39mm dimensions (.311"). Bullet selection is limited. NOSLER assured me their projectiles are true to cartridge. Most 7.62x39 bullet manufacturers are .308 - .310". Caveat emptor (buyer beware).
If all goes well l may spring for an EC TUNER just to see IF more can be squeezed out.
Please update if you wind up getting some impressive results. I’ve been super curious about this for a while now
I bought my son a Howa 1500 in 270 Winchester for Christmas. They do make a pretty nice rifle.
Another great Video Ron. Perfect rifle for those of us that were not born with a silver spoon. Your video's make it much easier for those of us to purchase a quality rifle that will work for the hunting we do. Thank you!!
Howa makes a great factory rifle in my opinion. Love em.. 😁🤓
My brother has one in 30-06. Very smooth feeding, V E R Y smoooooth. Shoots very accurately as well.
Great content as always Mr. Spomer. I will definitely be looking at those
Looks like a great gun! Lightweight rifles can be awesome. I’ve got a Savage 99F topped with a peep sight and front bead that tips the scale at ~5.5 lbs. That gun is surprisingly accurate to shoot free-hand. Love that rifle!
Say friend, that Savage sounds great! What caliber and, is it factory or custom? Blsgs, gg
@@Gerald-do9ygThe Savage 99 is an old unique lever gun that isn’t made anymore, but they’re out there on used market. There are many variants available, but the “F” version is the featherweight model. It was chambered in many calibers, but most aren’t popular anymore. There were some chambered in 308, though.
they made em in .300 Savage .250-3000 Savage .243 .308 and an old friend I have has one in .284. that one has to be rare.@@Gerald-do9yg
Zipper sounding bolt. Booo
Nothing some compound couldn't fix. I'd rather a quick cycling zipper sounding bolt than a tight tolerance unit you need to muscle into battery on a hunt. My Sako had a precision made action, but it was stiff to work in a hurry. Again, compound would have fixed this I'm sure (or just cycling it/shooting it more often) but my Howa 1500 is just practical to use right out of the box.
Fantastic, great timing, I’ve been thinking seriously of getting one of the Howa’s knowing their history as you explained and especially the Weatherby history which I’ve owned and knew that Howa made them and what a fine fit and finish. Your timing is perfect and any hesitation left has left the room, I’m gonna pull the trigger, thanks again for this and all your work/information.
I rebarreled my Weatherby Vanguard, which is just a renamed Howa 1500, and turned it into a 6.5 PRC. The accuracy with 156g Berger EOL hunting bullets is incredible.
Nice! 156gr Berger..!
Do you know what the twist is on the barrel? Howard or Vanguard Barrel?
I have the 1500 Mini action in 6.5 Grendel, incredible rifle for the price I paid for it. Prints .5-.75 groups all day, and is a 'Yote smashing wand. CFE 223 and 129 SST's.
🎉I have a 6.5 Creedmore Howa 1500 with a 26 inch barrel in an MDT Oryx chassis and it is a great rifle. Feeds and extracts perfectly and shoots 1/2 moa all day.
Yeah, I like Howa's too. I think they have just about the best out of the box trigger, compared to anything I've used.
I have one , they are a fantastic Rifle 💯Great Video Ron thanks💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
Ron, it's fun to see you excited... I don't need or want another rifle but that one has appeal! nice, honest review. good stuff.
Wow Ron. You made me a Howa fan.
It's not hard to be a howa fan! They make great rifles. Action and bolt lift are pretty good, not fanominal, but still good. For a budget rifle ($500-800 for their base models) I'd take a howa over a savage or ruger of the same price
looks like a goer to me in 6.5 PRC or 7mm.08 maybe with that suppressor for a hunting rifle.
I've been looking at one of those... Awesome vid! Thanks.
I got the mosberg 1500 in 243, it’s a Howa. Accuracy was not good with factory ammo, handholds got 1 MOA, got that rifle about 35 years ago.
I have 2 Howa's. One in .243 as well as 6.5 Creedmoor and have had a lot of great success with both.
Howas are great. When they get into Tikka prices I’d take a tikka. Not a fan of 90 degree bolt throws.
I have a 25/06 Weatherby/ Howa and that thing hasnt found any ammo it doesnt like. Very nice rifle.
I went Howa Superlite in .308 with 125 grain Accubond reloads this year. Fantastic rifle. I got rid of the rail and went with Talley and a Leupold 3.5-10...so light
How does your 308 shoot? How is the recoil? Did you put a muzzle break. Any issues with action barrel not fitting the stock well? Wyoming guy
@@ziruk-king4466 Fit and finish is similar to Bergara. Ahead of Ruger and behind Tikka.
The carbon model comes with a small diameter brake. It works well. I've also shot it with my suppressor, which reduces the recoil about the same. Finally, I've shot it bare barrel and it still feels more pleasant than my Abolt.
I've only shot 125, 130, and 150 grain loads; so I don't know how the heavier stuff is going to feel. I've settled on the 130 Barnes as my whitetail load.
@ziruk-king4466 Forgot to give accuracy...48 grains of Varget under the 130 Barnes is comfortably a 1 MOA load, but you have to pace the shots as it heats up pretty quick. I've shot 5 shot groups that ranged from .6 to 1.1 inches while testing different bullet jumps. 35 thou and 50 thou both shot well under an inch. When I get my hands on more bullets, I'm going to do a 20 shot group with 3 minutes between shots. I'm also going to circle back and shoot 48.5 and 49 grains of Varget. Unless I got lucky, this load isn't fine tuned yet.
@@diggernash1 thanks for info
I have 3 Howas.270 30/06 .300 ultra mag use them different types of hunting. Never had a problem out of them. 30/06 has 20 deer an 12 hogs .300 has 3 elk and 2 moose and rabid fox😮
Just recently bought this in 6.5cm for my son. Preeeeetty sure Daddy's gonna have to get himself one as well!! The light weight is sooo appreciated! (We were going to climbing some ugly buckthorn covered ridges) And just like you've found...ACCURATE! The ONLY thing... that bugs my psuedo OCD, is the "zip" sound it makes when you're actuating the bolt. For some reason that irks me, a lot. Presumably due to machining marks? Speaking with others on rokslide, soon I'll try lightly/mildly polishing the machining marks on the bolt possibly, with some J-B Bore Bright Bore Finishing Compound and see if that helps the "zip" sound. And this year on my .308, I decided to drop down to 130gr TTSX. And interestingly... I compared the ballistics between a 6.5cm and a .308 Win... both in 130gr, and they energy is very similar on both, and then at 400yds the 6.5cm with it's high B.C. projectiles, overtakes the .308 shooting similar 130gr.
People love to hate on the 6.5 Creedmoor but Hornady knew what they were doing when they made it. Higher BC and, depending on bullet weight, higher sectional density than a 308. What does this all mean…6.5 Creedmoor will generally penetrate further than a 308. It might start off with less velocity and energy, but it carries that velocity and energy better down range. It’s also more mild to shoot, thus making a more accurate/ethical hunter.
@@scotteger6271 after having to dial-in his scope a bit, then observing my son and coaching him a lil on his benchrest holding of the weapon... he literally.. not figuratively... managed to then hit the center red dot out of two bullseyes @ 100yd. I was watching in the spotter at the time too! Talk about stoked!
And also important, you can hold onto the safety with two fingers instead and move it over fairly SILENTLY if you practice for a second. This can be important on a hunt.
I just bought a 7mm howa 1500 walnut. It’s stock is beautiful and the gun is smooth. Haven’t shot it yet. Fit and finish is perfect for the money
I'm mostly an AR guy. I want to build a bolt action next. I've very interested in the Howa 1500 in 300 PRC. I haven't decided on a stock or chassis for it.
My next gun will be a Howa 1500 in 22-250. Been eyeing them up for a while, very impressive.
I hunt Woodchuck with a friend who demoed his for me, over the summer. Wonderful gun, silk smooth action and that 3 position safety is gold.
I don't need a new chuck gun... my old Stevens is a printer at 200 yards at has taken hogs at better than 400 yards.
Do I like the Howa, and want a 22-250? Yup. Bullet selection is much nicer for hunting varmints, for the 22-250. Great video, I was sold back in June, though. Haha!
Splendid rifle. Howa do some great stuff. Still, though...the Mauser M18 remains my favourite among “modern” firearms. Yes, Tikka T3 x is great ( I have one in 8x57), still the Mauser feels better. Seen it in all calibers, all the way up to 300WM and the M18 performs splendidly,
I've been toying with the idea of getting a Howa 1500 in 6mm Arc for some time now.
Mountain rifle
I don't carry a round in the chamber either... Used to, not worth it... It's never slowed me down.
The Howa shoots amazing. I have one in 223 with a stockys carbon vertical grip stock. 73gr eld handloads are easy and consistent 1/4-1/3MOA any day of the week. Im not sure how the Tikkas shoot, but I can't imagine it shoots significantly better.
They got that grip angle figured out better than most of the domestic models. Sounds like a great rifle. I dont mind carrying a 10lb rifle around though, as long as it has a chassis
If it’s a Tika T-3, in 3006 you are right on. If not, well the drawing board awaits 😂
Howa also coming out with a much needed 7.62x39 bolt gun.
Mmm so I have the same Howa Superlite, 6.5cred for almost a year but I still can not dial in to shoot it MOA. Checked torque every bolts n screws, tested various factory ammo at different bullet weights etc, Leupold VX-3HD can’t be bad, etc. weatherby Vanguard @.270win which is a very similar rifle but weigh almost double of superlite with all this and that shoot like I’m an army sniper.. I started to suspect that i need suppressor which is not allowed in NY..?
Wonder what kind of groups you'd be getting without the weight of the suppressor 🤔
Nice looking rifle
They make great rifles. I would have a Howa over a Tikka T3X every time. I have had 2 of them , they were great rifles..
Howa rifles are brilliant.....and VERY reasonably priced too, even here in NZ
My Howa Mini 6 ARC is a tack driver with hsndloads. Ran a bore scope and the hammer forged bore looks like glass.
Why would you carry your gun on your back in a thicket. Come on now. I'm 73 been hunting all my life. You don't do that. I like your show but sometimes I think you say things that don't make any since. Like most of us.
Why do people load the rifles one bullet at a time? It has a magazine well, why not use it? How can you tell if it has feed issues without using the mag well? Anyone explain this to me cause I see all the youtubers doing it.
NO Ron!
Any loud noise over 100 DB is bad for a humans ears.
Cheaper to go with Walkers game ears muffs.
It does NOT make 4ld 7oz as it comes. So that is false. Yes it is light but not that light. Most people who shot it found accuracy to be ok with some ammo and not so good with others, typically not as good as the normal Howa. Sounds like a paid ad to me.
I shoot a walmart rem 700 adl 30:06 half inch groups. O yes 389$
Scope v 3 4.5 - 14 . 50 mm leupold
Lightweight half stock bolt guns wobble like crazy when you shoot them off hand in the field. Off a bench, sure. Nope.
Rediculace pricing. Carbon is not worth the difference. Look what you can get a barrled action for from howa. This is not new technology. You can get a ruger american compact for around $450. That have tac driving accuracy. This is crazy...but ignorant people will pay it because everyone seems to be in competition of each other these days and they just want the new thing. This is whats driving cost of stuff up...people not having enough sense to say hell bo to these prices. America has gone to shit and the respected people of the day are driving it forward instead of saying yeah its a good rifle but way too pricey for what it is. Lets do better people.
It comes in .308 Winchester too!
The Howa 1500 is a very good action/rifle. Old school in a lot of ways (which is great) but with modern touches.
Brown Laura Lopez Kimberly Clark Richard
I’ve had mine, in 6.5CM, for over a year and I love mine!!! 💪🏼
Just received my howa carbon stalker 6mm arc and pretty disappointed.first the barrel is pinned to one side of the stock wont be sliding any paper under it then the bolt has spots on it where theirs no coating on and another part of the sock right by were bullets eject is chewed up…called legacy and they had me pull it apart and try to realign it and retourqe it and its clear the stockys stock is messed up and poor job on coating the bolt now the guns heading back with tags still on it…pretty bummed also the bolt sounds like a zipper when you work the action
I’d be wearing ear pro with a Banish suppressor too. Those things sound AWFUL
Interarms had a lot to do with early Howa's , they used to sell both actions alone and barrelled actions which were popular with custom gun makers . How well does it shoot with out the suppressor .?
I got a Weatherby Vanguard in 30-06 in Feb this year, shortened the barrel to 20" (from 24") and put a Jaki Titanium suppressor on there with a LVPO 1-6x scope. My wife instantly claimed the rifle! Shoots great, the stock on that one is not as light as this but still very handy overall. She loves the 3-position safety as well. So now Im looking for another Howa/Vanguard for myself as well :)
Well the older one gets the more light weight is a thing. One of those on 300 blk would be the bomb for eastern woods. Browning and Winchester have their rifles over there I believe.
For whatever reason Howa hasn’t really showed the 300 BLK any love. They do make the mini action in 223, 6 ARC, 6.5 Grendel 350 legend and 7.62x39.
Most accurate out of the box rifle I’ve ever shot and that’s a lot in the last 40 years
They are fine fine rifle
I'm intrigued , is this the Toyota/Lexus of rifles?
Please compare this to a wilson combat NULA 20
Reminders me of the Remington model 7.
One of my favorite
Anyone know some budget target rifles in 308?
That is a nice looking rifle, but that suppressor ruins the looks completely. I personally hate those things.
Lol
I agree on the easthics! Hate the look. But man, once I hunted with one of these and no longer had to fear blowing my ears out, I changed my mind. Still ugly, but pretty is as pretty does in this case. I'll still hunt with my classic rifles and stuff my ears before I shoot, but these cans are a hassle saver.
A good clearing rifle. Cause you can't turn around with it in the woods.
Vertically slpit scope rings are the worst design svailable.
That pencil barrel probably becomes red hot in two shots.
I've wanted to try Howa but no lefty stuff.... :/
Do these have a two stage trigger? I have three vanguards and have grown to hate the two stage trigger.
Do they offer these rifles with a hinged floor plate?
Sorry Ron, I have one and the stock is embarrassing for Stockys. I have to bed mine and had other problems with it as well. Vids are on my channel.
I have a Howa 1500 in .308 thats an awesome rifle. It out shot my Remington 700 and Ruger and like you said its light. does it kick? Not like you think, I shoot mainly 150 FMJ (American Eagle AE308D and 168 grain Hornady BTHP match) and its dead on. My scope is a Vortex viper 6.5-20X50 which was recommended by my gunsmith. I did put a MDT LSS XL chassis on it which changed the rifles personality. It was $500.00 well spent in my opinion because it fit me better plus it was easier to mount a bipod. For a rifle I have well under 2 grand in it holds its own to rifles I have a lot more money in. Excellent video by the way and im now subbed.
Howa used to make Weatherby and Smith & Wesson rifles the Smith didn't last long though. I wanted to ask what ballistics calculator do you prefer now a days, I used to use Strelock but seeing that you can use it now. It was decades ahead and it took till now for the manufacturers to come up with anything close.
I have a question that really bugs me and it shouldn't but it does. WHY, do people feel the need to put a cartridge one at a time in their bolt action especially when filming themselves????? if it holds 3, 4, 5, or whatever, just put them in the box and cycle them like it is suppose to work. Please don't come back with that safety argument as that is bull chit.
Just a personal preference, Altonguis. I find it simple and fast to load one at a time, collect the brass, and switch to other test rounds without having to remove and replace the drop out magazine. And, yes, there is the safety factor, what with manipulating multiple cameras, checking the chronograph, and otherwise moving around the bench with one's mind elsewhere.
Whats that goofy thing on the end of the barrel?
Ron I appreciate your show and I've learned quite a bit about cartridges and the development of them. I would like you to compare the 7mm STW vs the 7mm RUM. According to my research the STW reigns supreme in performance. Not by much but it's faster and flatter. Please let us know the truth.