Howa 1500 builds **post them**

[ddridan]

HAHAHA I’m in the exact same spot life-wise: getting married next year so I’m getting my “last” couple gun and guitar wants out of the way before the checkbook is shared ?

Ok good to hear it’s not because you hate it or found it glaringly deficient in one way or another. KRG Bravo and a really nice bipod are all I’m waiting on; 26” barreled action in 6.5CM w/home trigger job, Vortex Razor Gen 2, Burris 25 moa rail, and APA little bastard brake are all in the safe already ? Sounds like you’ve enjoyed yours, I’m excited!

Hahaha 100% mate! That’s the same situation plus hopefully if I can have the gun safe a little lighter maybe I’ll be able to buy more parts ?
The only things I’ll change on my set up is an Arca Spigot for the chassis to get the bipod further out and closer to the bore plus making it QD, and the APA LB brake over the Area 419 Hellfire (just due to ease of cleaning).
When the new rifle arrives I’ll get this one rebarrelled with a 18” for hunting and pick up another Razor Gen 2.
Good luck with your build mate it’ll really serve you well ??

 

[bentbolt308]

My buddy just got a howa 1500 today. It’s a 6cm he plans on using it for prs style shooting. What’s the best weight to get a trigger pull under 1#? Most of us have 8-12oz trigger pulls. I know his factory trigger is adjustable. I have a tikka and I got a spring to make the pull lighter, is there an option for the howa trigger?

 

[stilesg57]

What’s the best weight to get a trigger pull under 1#? Most of us have 8-12oz trigger pulls. I know his factory trigger is adjustable. I have a tikka and I got a spring to make the pull lighter, is there an option for the howa trigger?

I just did the home trigger job a week or two ago.

Assuming it’s the newer HACT (it should be), the trigger is a little adjustable via a set screw and nut combo (once you scrape the white goop off the assembly). I’ve got some pics I’ll track down later, but this can get you down in the high 2#s to mid 3#s by itself. This is all I did for my lightweight hunting Howa in Grendel because that’s perfect for a hunting rifle IMO.

To get below that you’ve got to open up the HACT assembly and clip/swap springs. There’s a great YouTube vid on it that’s about a dozen mins long and anyone can follow. I didn’t clip my springs because I wanted to keep the OEM parts to return to stock if need be, so I swapped the actuator out for a 0.3x3x10 spring and the sear for a 0.4x4x10. I haven’t measured it yet, will do that this week, but it’s probably under 2#s now and feels great. My finger isn’t perfectly calibrated but I’m guessing it’s around 1.5#s; if it’s much under 1# I’d be surprised. I MIGHT clip a coil off each spring to try dropping the weight a little more, but it feels good now and passes all bump tests.

 

[Wannabustbunnies]

I did a similar thing to the post above. I bought a pack of 5 springs from eBay for the second stage travel and have them in my 3 Howas and the others are in mates rifles.
They are all set pretty much bang on 2lbs with no issues and no chopping springs required.
I did try changing out the first stage spring as well but to me that made the trigger feel worse.

 

[AxeMan397]

Here's mine. It's a 22-250 with a 20 inch barrel. Dropped it into a Bell and Carlson varmint stock, DNZ mount, and an Athlon Talos BTR. Still haven't had the chance to shoot it yet.

 

[aslrookie]

I will post an updated picture of mine once it comes back from the gunsmith next week.

 

[308pirate]

Has anyone been able to buy just the Howa Action? (Not the barreled actions)

To my knowledge, the action alone is not available from anyone first hand.

 

[zimm17]

Got the SHV F1 scope installed today. KRG bravo stock. Clipped 1.25 coils on trigger spring results in 1lb, 11oz pull. AAC muzzle break on backorder.

I wonder if my medium rings are too tall? Also I just realized my ring bases are facing right- should the screws be on the left side?

 

[Chips26]

The Coyote Hammer

I can finally say its done. Used to be a black rubber stocked stainless 1500 in .243. Killed many coyotes with it. Hated the original stock and went with a chassis and it all went downhill from there.

Howa 1500 .243 stainless
22" 1-10 twist #2 Sporter barrel (cut down to 18.5" by GAP)
Athlon Midas Tac 4-16x44
KRG Bravo chassis in FDE
7" OAL Form1 Suppressor, 90% Ti 10% SS
Griffin Minimalist taper brake

This is my go to hunting gun as of the moment. I Just got the tube back from cerakote today so I am excited to shoot it in its shorter, quieter configuration. Also starting to reload as well, I'm gonna try and see how fast I can push 70gr Nosler purple tips and 87gr V-max out of this short barrel.

 

[stello1001]

The Coyote Hammer

I can finally say its done. Used to be a black rubber stocked stainless 1500 in .243. Killed many coyotes with it. Hated the original stock and went with a chassis and it all went downhill from there.

Howa 1500 .243 stainless
22" 1-10 twist (cut down to 18.5" by GAP)
Athlon Midas Tac 4x16
KRG Bravo chassis in FDE
7" OAL Form1 Suppressor, 90% Ti 10% SS

This is my go to hunting gun as of the moment.

This one is really nice

 

[Anthonyc]

1500 6mm creedmoor with a 26” barrel, apa little bastard, bravo chassis and Vortex HST scope.

 

[Chips26]

1500 6mm creedmoor with a 26” barrel, apa little bastard, bravo chassis and Vortex HST scope.
View attachment 7121201

Did you pull your plastic paddle off your mag release?

 

[Anthonyc]

Did you pull your plastic paddle off your mag release?

Mine didn’t come with one. I just looked at brownells screen pics too and it doesn’t show a plastic paddle

 

[Chips26]

Mine didn’t come with one. I just looked at brownells screen pics too and it doesn’t show a plastic paddle

Ah I gotcha. Yeah mine came with the plastic paddle, it essentially just screws into the metal release and flares out on both ends, just makes the mag release larger.

Anyone have any problems with mags not dropping free? I'm using Magpul AICS mags (which may be the issue).

 

[dntworry]

Really eyeing up the Howa Bravo 6CM at Brownells for $950. Yet to own a Howa, only two Tikkas a T1X and a T3X. As Tikka does not have a factory 6mm offering, how do you think this will compare? Thoughts after owning for a while? Any 'must do' recommendations?

 

[Anthonyc]

Ah I gotcha. Yeah mine came with the plastic paddle, it essentially just screws into the metal release and flares out on both ends, just makes the mag release larger.

Anyone have any problems with mags not dropping free? I'm using Magpul AICS mags (which may be the issue).

I’m using AICS mags. No issues with 2 of them so far.. maybe it’s your plastic paddle haha (obviously a joke)

 

[pmalec85]

Hi all,
I'm relatively new to Sniper's Hide, but thought I will post my 1 week old Howa:
Howa 1500SA .308Win 24" threaded heavy barrel
GRS Berserk stock
Harris 6-9" swivel bipod
Burris XTR II 3-15x50 SCR-Mil
Burris Signature XTR rings
Recknagel base

I had only chance to take it to 50m local range, but 100m and 300m already planned.

 

[Lowholer]

That stock is awesome.It looks very ergonomic.Did you have to bed this stock?

 

[pmalec85]

That stock is awesome.It looks very ergonomic.Did you have to bed this stock?

It's indeed very comfortable, many hunters in Europe use GRS stocks. It comes already pillar bedded and with QD flush cup sling mounts on the left side. At the time I don't see need to custom bed it.

 

[jdodd]

To my knowledge, the action alone is not available from anyone first hand.

Correct, they only import them as barreled actions.

 

[jdodd]

Ah I gotcha. Yeah mine came with the plastic paddle, it essentially just screws into the metal release and flares out on both ends, just makes the mag release larger.

Anyone have any problems with mags not dropping free? I'm using Magpul AICS mags (which may be the issue).

Mine drop free if the chassis is mostly level. If its canted too much to an angle takes a little wiggle of the chassis.

 

[jdodd]

I just got my HCR in 6.5cm but Im thinking about selling the chassis and swapping to a KRG bravo. I have a Bravo on my .308 build and it just fits me. #firstworldproblems.

 

[308pirate]

Anyone have any problems with mags not dropping free? I'm using Magpul AICS mags (which may be the issue).

No problems whatsoever with two 1500s (308 and SA 223) in KRG 180-Xray chassis using Magpul, MDT (plastic), and Alpha Industries AICS mags.

Adjust your forend fwd/aft to change the size of the magwell opening.

 

[308pirate]

Has anyone been able to grab the Howa bolt knobs being made by G&G Varminting?

I get mine here: https://www.boltonquickloadknob.com/

 

[jl937]

Finally got my muzzle threaded. PVA Jet Blast makes this 6.5cm kick less than my 16" AR

 

[stilesg57]

I just did the home trigger job a week or two ago...

...I didn’t clip my springs because I wanted to keep the OEM parts to return to stock if need be, so I swapped the actuator out for a 0.3x3x10 spring and the sear for a 0.4x4x10. I haven’t measured it yet...but it feels good now and passes all bump tests.

Update: did 10 measured pulls tonight. 1lb 6oz average (and modal) pull weight with the highest coming in at 1lb 10oz and the lowest coming in at 1lb 4oz (which is actually a pretty narrow range).

I’d like another ~half pound taken off that (all in the 2nd stage if possible) and will try clipping some springs since I have several extras to play with, but I’ll reiterate that it feels GREAT.

+1 for the HACT, can’t wait to get this built out and looking as pretty as some of yours on this thread!

 

[jdodd]

I just picked up 2 of G&Gs bolt knobs this morning. Should have them in a week or so.

I can't decide if I want to do the bolt ons or just have SAC thread them... Might be a nice winter project.

 

[jdodd]

While still falling into the "bolt on" category, these seem pretty interesting as they attach by a way of a friction fit (instead of screws).

It seems to have a ton of knurling, too. I'll post about it once I get it.

I had a KRG bolt lift for a 700 years part. Worked great and its the same idea. I just like the idea of it being threaded on "better".

 

[Wannabustbunnies]

I had my 223 threaded by a gunsmith when I first got it and installed an oversize knob. My 6.5 I got with the factory oversized knob on already

 

[CavReconScout]

I just got my HCR in 6.5cm but Im thinking about selling the chassis and swapping to a KRG bravo. I have a Bravo on my .308 build and it just fits me. #firstworldproblems.

I have a KRG Bravo I would trade for that HCR chassis. I will even throw in an Arca rail.

 

[Ranger.RSA]

I just picked up 2 of G&Gs bolt knobs this morning. Should have them in a week or so.

I have been using one for a while now, well worth the money. There is a second one on the way for my hunting rifle.

 

[Godofallu]

I'm a new shooter but i'll post up my build. Howa 1500 24" 6.5 Creedmoor Bull barrel. Boyds at One Sky stock. Athlon Ares ETR Scope.

In 1 range session I went from shooting 3 inch groups to .8 inch groups. 5 shots at 100 yards. Next range session I kept 11 out of 12 groups sub moa and even got a few half moa groups. Works for me considering it's my first bolt gun.

I do have a few dumb questions. How do you adjust the stock trigger? I heard you just turn some screw somewhere but if anyone could explain which one and what direction that would be helpful.

How do I get magazines for my gun? Right now I have a little metal trap door on the bottom of my gun with the HOWA label on it. Does that mean I can't have a magazine or is there some option somewhere to pop that out and buy some sort of magazine?

Should I be loading a bipod when shooting a bolt action? I load hard for my AR 15 but it seems like this gun does not like being held hard and loaded.

 

[pmalec85]

There is very good graphic on internet explaining how the trigger works and can be adjusted, just search google with Howa HACT Trigger. You will have to take the action out from the stock.
Only easy option for mag I've found is kit from Legacy. You need Trigger guard for your Howa and mag from them (sell separately), but be aware it's plastic, not like the original one, but works great on mine Howa.

Cheers

 

[sava]

Just received them yesterday. On first impressions, the machining is nice and feels pretty good during dryfire.

Any chance you can take some pics and post them in here? I’ve been eyeing those bolt handles.

 

[stilesg57]

How do you adjust the stock trigger? I heard you just turn some screw somewhere but if anyone could explain which one and what direction that would be helpful.

Nice sounding build man, congrats!

Go here first for simple trigger adjustment info:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/adjusting-howa-hact-trigger.6906723/

You can get down to around the 3lb range just adjusting the factory screw and that thread covers it, along with pictures.

If you want to get closer to the 1lb range check out earlier in this thread for info on spring swapping inside the HACT mechanism (you can search my username). Not difficult at all and very much worth the minimal time and effort on a target rifle.

 

[kwb377]

Decided to get back into bolt guns a few months ago after being out for quite a while, but wanted to keep it in a budget.

Found a decent deal on a slightly used rifle, swapped the original Hogue stock for a used B&C ebay find, and bought a Vortex 6-18x44 Strike Eagle on closeout.

I've only tried Federal 168 GMM and some Australian Outback 168 that was on sale at Global. So far, the A/O definitely outshoots the Federal.

Took my boys out and let them give it a try...both of em's first time on a bolt gun.

 

[Wannabustbunnies]

Australian Outback is good ammo in all available calibres

 

[Harman117]

Factory Cerakote FDE Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor 24" in FDE KRG Bravo:

Factory 6 Creedmoor in a McMillan A5 OD Green Stock, with S.A.C. Bolt knob installation done:

I was originally quoted 4-4.5 months for a painted A5, but it came in after 3.5 months!
Also impressed by SAC's work, they matched a portion of the factory knob to the profile of the new one. It looks good IMO

 

[sava]

@Harman117
How long was the turn around for the SAC bolt knob work?

 

[Harman117]

@Harman117
How long was the turn around for the SAC bolt knob work?

8 days total, if I remember correctly. Essentially one week from shipping it to receiving it.
It’s not necessarily a needed upgrade, but after playing with it for a while it makes manipulation very easy and should add some more clearance between the knob and scope eyepiece.

 

[sava]

@Harman117
It looks great! I’ll be sending mine over to them soon.

 

[sam4886]

I guess this is the only pic ive got of mine....

24" 6.5 cm barreled action in Boyds stock. 6-24 viper hst, seekins rings, 20 moa rail, JP tank (after pic), and a tiptop bipod. Also glass and pillar bedded.

Half moa regularly, 3/4 easy.

Don't hear much about the bipods, but its a quality Harris type with cant, swivel, and a lever built in.

 

[sava]

Purchased the Hogue version of the Howa 1500 in 308 with 24" barrel. Immediately removed the stock and swapped for KRG Bravo. The Hogue stock and bottom metal are available for cheap if anyone wants it.

- KRG Bravo
- Burris XTR 25 MOA Rail (bedded)
- HACT Trigger Job - 1.5 coils cut
- Vortex Razor G2 4.5-27x56mm
- Vortex PMR 34mm 1.26" Rings

I have Vortex Defender caps in the mail and will be sending the bolt to Short Action Customs for their bolt knob modification.

I shot it for the first time today and fired 10 rounds of Magtech 150 grain and 10 rounds of Federal GMM 168gr. Best group was 1.25" at 100 yards, so I'm not impressed. Then again the barrel is brand new and may need some more rounds through it before it gets into the groove.

The action feels great and is very smooth. I'll be doing some load testing next range day and am hoping the groups tighten up.

 

[Gaznazdiak]

G'day all,

I always like a chance to show someone my current favourite, some nice rigs shown above, this is mine.

It's a Howa 1500 .223 9 twist 24" fluted varmint. I removed the very pretty piece of walnut that came standard and fitted an XLR Industries Element chassis, a Gunbloke 1.5lb 2 stage trigger, a Hawke 10-50x60 Sidewinder scope and for night time a Trustfire SST-50 with a quick release mount. With the torch mounted on that big scope this is not a walk around type rifle so I only ever use it when on or in a vehicle or lurking prone in an ambush position.

The benefit of letting your OCD take full control in the quest for the perfect hand load is visible above. After 18 months of experimentation I hit the sweet spot. Weight batching both projectiles and brass, and using Hornady 55gn Roo Max soft nose projectiles seated to the cannelure, ADI cases weighing 93.3gn and 25.6gn of ADI 2206H powder, the group above the bull is 5 rounds at 250m.
For a comparison I fired my last 2 Buffalo River factory rounds (the 2 flyers). Buffalo River is an Australian brand using Sierra 55gn soft nose and ADI brass, so serves as a good reference point.

 

[Harman117]

@sava
Was that a 10 shot group that measured 1.25”? 5 shots? 3 shots?

Something that helps a lot is dry fire practice. Try to do it everyday for a couple weeks, focusing on fundamentals.


Here’s 3 shots @300 yards from my last range visit. 10” gong. (Using my 6.5 CM factory ammo in the KRG Bravo) it’s a little over 1.25”

 

[Stalking the Wild]

.300 Win mag
26" Semi Heavy barrel
KDF Muzzle Brake
Timney trigger @ 3#
Manners Elite MCS-T (Bedded with Devcon #10110)
Nightforce 20moa rail (Bedded)
Weaver Tactical 3-15x50mm w/ illum. FFP enhanced Mil dot reticle.
A.R.M.S. #22 Low rings
Magpul Bipod w/ Larue LT271
Atlas Bipod rail with QD
Nosler 190gr ABLR, OAL 3.51", 2980fps

 

[sava]

@Harman117
The 4 round group measured 1.25”.

The first 10 rounds were magtech 150gr and used to sight in.

The second 10 were Federal GMM 168gr. I fired two 3 round groups and one 4 round group.

I’m kind of at a loss because I can shoot my 6.5 into 1/2” - 3/4” groups consistently.

But then again the Howa only has 20 rounds down the barrel and it may need some more copper in the barrel to get things to settle down.

I’ll be shooting it again this week and doing some load testing with various match ammo. Hopefully I start getting the kind of results others are experiencing in this thread.

 

[TurboR32]

Here’s my Howa 1500 .308 20” factory bull barrel

Bell and Carlson stock (bedded myself)
PTG bottom metal
Nightforce 20 moa base
Threaded bolt handle (threaded myself)
Timney trigger (can’t remember the model off hand)
Vortex rings
Vortex pst gen 2 5-25x50
Cerakoted myself as I hate blued rifles.

Here’s a 4 round group at 100 yards with factory Hornady black 168gr. Bought a few cases a couple years back on sale and this rifle seemed to love that stuff.

 

[zimm17]

Finally got my build to the range today and followed Howas break in procedure. I spent more time running patches than shooting!

After 20 break in shots while sighting in, I got a pretty nice group at 100 yards. That's with a bipod directly on a concrete bench, a crappy midway mini rear bag and budget Hornady American ammo in a 50 ground box.

The build: 6.5CM barreled action, KRG bravo, clipped trigger spring for a 1lb 11oz pull, Nightforce SHV F1 scope, seekins low rings, 20moa mount, vortex bubble level, AAC muzzle break.

I have the Howa bolt on enlarged bolt handle. It's only okay. Doesn't fit with both o-rings. With 1 o-ring it still has a slight gap. I might send it off to get threaded. Maybe flute the bolt too?

Zeroed at 100 yards, I only have 4 clicks until the elevation turret is fully bottomed. I guess that's okay? I have lots of room to wind up.

 

[Ranger.RSA]

Here’s my 24” heavy barreled 6.5 Creedmoor, also posted in the KRG Bravo thread.

I’m still fire forming new Lapua brass and I’m consistently getting sub- 0.5 MOA groups out to 300m. Real load development to start soon.

Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18x44
Seekins rings
Warne 20MOA rail
G&G Varminting bolt knob (great addition)
Atlas bipod
DIY cheek pad
Gunwarrior supressor with Legionnaire cover (soon to be replaced with an MDT brake)