Author Topic: Howa Varmint M1500 (Read 702 times)

brasschaser · « **on:** July 06, 2004, 11:13:38 AM »

Been looking at the Howa Varmint 308, with heavy 24" barrel. Noticed though that it has a 1-12" twist rate, rather than the 1-10" twist you find on most other brands. Is that gonna cause trouble with heavier bullets around 180gr? Also how is the stock on this rifle? Haven't seen many replacement stocks for Howas.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2004, 04:35:07 PM »

I think Boyds makes several stocks for Howas.

As for the 1 in 12" twist, it should still be fine for 180 grain bullets.

Zachary

Bearwolf31 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:55:05 PM »

I think you have picked an excellent choice. I have the lightning in 308 and it it quite a shooter. Groups at the range today were from 0.22" to 0.70" @ 100yds with my 150gr hot cor reloads. The black plastic stock is kinda cheap, but it does its job without having to worry about banging up a nice expensive stock. I read somewhere (maybe from speer) that there is basically no difference between the 1 in 10 and 1 in 12 twist up to 200gr bullets. I dont think you would need or want to shoot a 200gr bullet out of a 308 anyway, when the lighter weight bullets will more than get the job done. If I ever get another rifle it will be the howa 1500 varminter in 223 rem. :grin:

brasschaser · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:37:31 PM »

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, from what I've been told, the same company that makes Weatherby rifles makes Howas. Also heard they have really good accuracy, and at $370 the price is right. I've been looking at this rifle and the Savage 12FV,10FP heavy barrel. I've got a Remington 700 with a lighter weight barrel right now and have been pretty disappointed with it. Seems at best I've only been able to get 2" groups @100, and that's with reloads too and a bedded stock, trigger work. Believe I'll try a few more loads and then likely go with one of these if I can't get much improvement.

Bearwolf31 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2004, 04:33:13 PM »

Thats correct, howa makes the weatherby vanguard. From what I remember, wally world had the blued 308 varminter for around 350$ when i got my stainless lightning (425$). Speaking of Remington, Ive got an older model 700bdl in 270 win and it is very accurate, a little bit better than the howa 1500, but I think it is most likely due to bullet type used (Nosler BT's and Speer BTSP) compared to the plane jane Speer Hot cor spitzer that I use in the 308. Anyway, good luck with your choice.