Howa 1500 6.5X55 availability

[nodlenor]

Talked to my local dealer yesterday. Tried to order a new Howa 1500 chambered in 6.5X55. He called his supplier and was told that the barreled action was all that was available at this time. Not sure why. Would there be a different stock especially for this caliber? The barreled actions were on order but hadn't been shipped yet. I don't want to buy the barreled action and then find out I can't get a stock for it. Anyone been there and done that.

[2ndtimer]

I have had a Howa 1500 in 6.5x55 for a few years.  In an effort to improve accuracy, I bought and installed a laminated stock from Boyd's.  It is for the standard long action Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard with sporter barrel.  If you can get a barreled action, the stock should be no problem.  Although you might want to wait for one of the new Hogue synthetic stock models to become available.  Less hassle, and should be an improvement over the old tupperware version.

[nodlenor]

Did the Boyds stock help? I have a boyds stock on my 270 win. and like it a lot. To tell you the truth I didn't know wheather the 6.5 was a long or short action. I guess I'll wait and see what my dealer can come up with and go from there. I think I would rather have a laminated stock for looks but as long as it shoots good I'm not too picky.

I thought Howa had just came out with the 6.5X55 this year or did they discontinue it and come back with it. I'm confused, (but that's nothing new).

[reelhook]

I believe that your dealer is mistaken. If LSI has the barrel action, they have the stock-a Hogue. You might want to try another dealer or have them try another dist.

[2ndtimer]

Did the Boyds stock help? I have a boyds stock on my 270 win. and like it a lot. To tell you the truth I didn't know wheather the 6.5 was a long or short action. I guess I'll wait and see what my dealer can come up with and go from there. I think I would rather have a laminated stock for looks but as long as it shoots good I'm not too picky.

I thought Howa had just came out with the 6.5X55 this year or did they discontinue it and come back with it. I'm confused, (but that's nothing new).

The Boyd's stock did help somewhat, and seating the bullets out to SAAMI maximum overall length seemed to help even more.  Actually the rifle shoots okay now as long as I use heavier bullets like the Hornady 129 and 140 gr Spire Points and the Sierra 160 gr RN.  Generally it will keep 100 yard 3 shot groups in less than an inch and a half.  And yes, they did offer the Howa 1500 Lightning in 6.5x55 for a few years, discontinued it for awhile and apparently are now reintroducing it again.  I like the cartridge a lot, very low recoil, yet is supposed to be a reliable medium game getter.  I haven't taken anything with mine yet, but hopefully next season....  If you do get one, don't spend a lot of money on 120 gr or lighter bullets, I would be very surprised if they would shoot accurately.  Even the 120 gr bullets seemed a little erratic in my rifle.  (Too bad, I really was hoping to push the 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip to 2800 fps or so)

[nodlenor]

Thanks for the info, 2ndtimer. I haven't found out any more about the availibility yet but am still yearning for one. If I can get 1 1/2" groups consistantly I'll be happy. I was planning on using the 120 - 140 gr bullets and I'll probably give the 120"s a try just to see.

reelhook, I can't help but think you are right. I can't imagine why the barreled action would be availible and not the complete rifle, unless it would use a different stock than the other rifles, but according to 2ndtimer it takes the standard long action stock. I may take your advise and contact another dealer and find out what he says.

[MGMorden]

Looking at the stock choices shown on LSI's website, I think I'd rather buy just the barreled action and  just grab a more traditional stock from Boyd's or Richard's.  Sadly I'm not seeing the 6.5x55 barreled action alone show up on Gunbroker or Auction Arms yet, and my local dealers are price gougers to say the least (whereas most places you can except to pay roughly 25% LESS than MSRP, the closest gunshop around here marks things 10% MORE than MSRP . . .). 

Oh well.  Hopefully they'll show up on there within the next couple months.  I had a Mauser 96 sporter in 6.5x55 that I sold for a variety of reasons, and I'm itching to get a replacement for it.  Deer season opens in 1 month here.  I've got other rifles to hunt with but I'd like to try for at least one deer with a 6.5 this season .