I'd go for it. I have a model 1500 (full size, not youth) in .223, and the gun is a shooter. Haven't found anything yet that shoots over about 1.75" in it (every handload I've come up with, cheap "whitebox" ammo, etc.). Doesn't take much at all to get handloads under 1". My best so far is about 3/4" and I'm just getting started with it. And, I'm talking handloads with bullets from 50 to 65 grains, ranging from Sierra's to plain old Winchester power points. Also have two other Howa's (well, one is a Weatherby Vanguard) in .243 and .338 mag, and they're both shooters as well. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
