HuntingNut
HuntingNut
   Login or Register
HomeCommunity ForumsPhoto AlbumsRegister
     
 

User Info

Welcome Anonymous


Membership:
Latest: RichardZ
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 13126

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 253
BOT: 1
Total: 254
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Forums
02: Forums
03: Forums
04: Your Account
05: Home
06: Forums
07: Your Account
08: Forums
09: Forums
10: Forums
11: Home
12: Forums
13: Forums
14: Forums
15: Photo Albums
16: Home
17: Forums
18: Forums
19: Home
20: Home
21: Your Account
22: Your Account
23: Forums
24: Forums
25: Forums
26: Forums
27: Forums
28: Your Account
29: Photo Albums
30: Forums
31: Forums
32: Forums
33: Your Account
34: Photo Albums
35: Forums
36: Forums
37: Forums
38: Forums
39: Forums
40: Forums
41: Forums
42: Home
43: Forums
44: Forums
45: Home
46: Forums
47: Home
48: Forums
49: Home
50: Your Account
51: Forums
52: Forums
53: Forums
54: Forums
55: Forums
56: Home
57: Home
58: Forums
59: Forums
60: Forums
61: Photo Albums
62: Forums
63: Home
64: Forums
65: Forums
66: Forums
67: Home
68: Home
69: Forums
70: Home
71: Forums
72: Home
73: Forums
74: Forums
75: Forums
76: Forums
77: Forums
78: Forums
79: Forums
80: Forums
81: Your Account
82: Forums
83: Your Account
84: Your Account
85: Forums
86: Forums
87: Forums
88: Forums
89: Your Account
90: Forums
91: Forums
92: Photo Albums
93: Forums
94: Photo Albums
95: Forums
96: Your Account
97: Forums
98: Forums
99: Forums
100: Photo Albums
101: Photo Albums
102: Forums
103: Forums
104: Forums
105: Home
106: Forums
107: Your Account
108: Forums
109: Home
110: Photo Albums
111: Forums
112: Forums
113: Your Account
114: Home
115: Your Account
116: Forums
117: Forums
118: Home
119: Your Account
120: Home
121: Forums
122: Forums
123: Home
124: Home
125: Forums
126: Home
127: Home
128: Forums
129: Forums
130: Home
131: Home
132: Your Account
133: Forums
134: Forums
135: Photo Albums
136: Your Account
137: Forums
138: Forums
139: Forums
140: Forums
141: Home
142: Forums
143: Your Account
144: Your Account
145: Forums
146: Forums
147: Home
148: Forums
149: Your Account
150: Forums
151: Home
152: Forums
153: Home
154: Forums
155: Home
156: Forums
157: Forums
158: Home
159: Your Account
160: Photo Albums
161: Home
162: Home
163: Home
164: Photo Albums
165: Forums
166: Your Account
167: Forums
168: Home
169: Forums
170: Forums
171: Forums
172: Forums
173: Forums
174: Photo Albums
175: Forums
176: Your Account
177: Forums
178: Forums
179: Forums
180: Forums
181: Forums
182: Your Account
183: Forums
184: Forums
185: Forums
186: Photo Albums
187: Forums
188: Forums
189: Forums
190: Forums
191: Your Account
192: Home
193: Your Account
194: Forums
195: Forums
196: Home
197: Forums
198: Forums
199: Forums
200: Forums
201: Forums
202: Forums
203: Forums
204: Home
205: Forums
206: Forums
207: Forums
208: Forums
209: Your Account
210: Forums
211: Forums
212: Forums
213: Forums
214: Forums
215: Photo Albums
216: Photo Albums
217: Photo Albums
218: Forums
219: Forums
220: Forums
221: Forums
222: Forums
223: Forums
224: Home
225: Forums
226: Your Account
227: Forums
228: Forums
229: Forums
230: Forums
231: Photo Albums
232: Home
233: Photo Albums
234: Forums
235: Home
236: Photo Albums
237: Forums
238: Home
239: Forums
240: Photo Albums
241: Photo Albums
242: Home
243: Home
244: Your Account
245: Forums
246: Photo Albums
247: Home
248: Your Account
249: Your Account
250: Photo Albums
251: Your Account
252: Photo Albums
253: Home
  BOT:
01: Home

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
 

Coppermine Stats
Photo Albums
 Albums: 308
 Pictures: 2451
  · Views: 820725
  · Votes: 1316
  · Comments: 86
 

Howa 1500 in .223
By Popular Demand: Discussions related to Varmint Hunting
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index » Varmint Hunting

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
radar
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Oct 01, 2008
Posts: 1109
Location: North Island New Zealand

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:30 pm    Post subject: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

I'm after a little advise on this set up.
I want it for long range 500+ rabbits, magpies Rooks and a scenario shooting competition here out to 1000 m. I know its light calibre wise etc but I really can't afford the higher ammo costs etc
The writeups seem to be favourable but I'm wondering if the twist rate 1:12 is suitable for long range shooting the larger pills 65 -70g or do I sacrifice bullet weight for wind compensation.
I'm looking at making my own stock but buying a barrelled action then hand loading from day 1. The barrelled action is heavy varmint at 26inch with the ability to shorten and recrown later if required.

All assistance/advice greatly appreciated

_________________
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

George Orwell
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Elvis
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Jul 27, 2008
Posts: 9239
Location: south island New Zealand

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:56 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

maybe 22-250 might be better?
have you spotted the build it 1...2...3 deal in the reloaders supply catalogue.
the other guys will have a better idea than me about the long range stuff but I wouldnt think that wee pill would have much go at that range.up to 500yrds yip all good but passed that ???maybe not.

_________________
You shot it You pluck it !
Them who eats the most duck eats the most feathers!
Back to top
View user's profile
SingleShotLover
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Dec 26, 2007
Posts: 1005
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:21 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

1-12 inch twist is a mite slow for anything much over 60 grains. Switching to the .22-250 isn't any help if you are looking at a standard barrel (usually 1-14" twist). As good a round as the .223 is it still has a limited powder capacity and I think the yardages you are talking about are stretching the barrel even if you can get it in the 1-8" twist rates that are becoming more popular for the .223.

I have often thought about re-barreling one of my rifles to .22-250 AI or another "improved" version with a 1-8" twist solely for 70 to 80 grain bullets for extended range. Just haven't gotten there yet. Even the standard .22-250 might be an option if you can get a fast twist rate barrel.

_________________
If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!

The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.

SSL
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
slimjim
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 16, 2009
Posts: 8314
Location: Fort Worth TX

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:22 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

+1 on above. To go long range with a .223 you need 75 or 80gr A-Max, 80gr SMK or Berger, etc. 1-8 twist is a minimum. I easily go 500+ yards with my AR set-up. .22-250 is a plus. However, I think some of the longer 6mm bullets and especially the 6.5mm cartridges would serve you better without driving up your reloading costs. Unless there are caliber restricstions, e.g., .223 only, for 1000 yard competitions, you are not going to be competitive with .223. 6.5mm is the better way to go.

_________________
"To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth." - Theodore Roosevelt

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
radar
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Oct 01, 2008
Posts: 1109
Location: North Island New Zealand

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:59 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Thanks for the options.
Best bet is to get an action then get fast twist barrel 1:8 or similar (Trueflight barrells in NZ have even got them in 6:1) and use larger pill; I have had it suggested the A Max 70g is the way to go in that department.

As much as I like the 6.5 I still want a .223 for the rabbits etc. Not so much damage for getting dog food.
As far as 1000m meters I'm only looking at punching holes in paper or smacking steel plates, popping balloons etc so even out that far I should be right.

Thanks for the advice

_________________
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

George Orwell
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Elvis
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Jul 27, 2008
Posts: 9239
Location: south island New Zealand

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:19 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

you could always use your regular hunting rifle for the looooong shots and have the .223 for bunnies etc.

_________________
You shot it You pluck it !
Them who eats the most duck eats the most feathers!
Back to top
View user's profile
slimjim
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 16, 2009
Posts: 8314
Location: Fort Worth TX

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:24 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

radar wrote:
Trueflight barrells in NZ have even got them in 6:1

watch out for twist rates greater than 7:1! the 6:1 and 6.5:1 twist are made for the 90 gr "pills". One of the top shooters in our area has (had) one and found it very finicky. He has dumped it. Hornady does not list a 70gr A-Max in the US. I use the 75gr and their COAL is 2.390" - longer than the 2.26 magazine length typical of .223. Make sure your magazine/action can handle the longer length. That is why I like the Tikka .223 Varmit which have a 8:1 and a longer action that can accept the longer length so you don't have to always a single shot.

_________________
"To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth." - Theodore Roosevelt

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
dan1dad
Member
Member


Joined: Aug 09, 2011
Posts: 247
Location: St.Louis Missery

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

this isn't exactly what you talking about , but its a great sight and a great program for bullets and twist. makes graphs and charts and printable optioins. all the bells and whistles.

www.border-barrels.com..._twist.htm
Back to top
View user's profile
SingleShotLover
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Dec 26, 2007
Posts: 1005
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 5:07 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Two things to bear in mind with the faster twist rates:
Fast twists and velocity make it critical to choose bullets that have jackets that can withstand them. Typical "varmint" bullets (Hornady SX for example) tend to come apart in mid-air when pushed above 3,400 fps or so with fast twist barrels.
Fast twists and lighter (shorter) bullets can create problems too. Supposedly, the lighter bullets can be over-stabilized causing them to fly with a slightly nose-up characteristic which, when coupled with the spin induced by the rifling not being centered around line-of-flight, can cause unpredictable yaw. I've never experience this phenomenon myself since I've never played with fast twist/light bullet combinations, but it is a thought.

_________________
If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!

The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.

SSL
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
radar
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Oct 01, 2008
Posts: 1109
Location: North Island New Zealand

PostPosted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 9:02 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Slim,
Thanks for that, My 7mm08 is a Tikka and its bloody good and surprise surprise one of our local gunshops is trying to flick off Tikka t3 Varmint in .223 with an 8:1 twist barrel.....now all I gotta do is convince SWMBO...its gonna cost me my shotgun and .223 plus some but I think its gonna be worth it

_________________
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

George Orwell
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Elvis
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Jul 27, 2008
Posts: 9239
Location: south island New Zealand

PostPosted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 9:23 pm    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Mate that sure sounds good. have you thought about doing a long range 7mm08 load and using that for your 1000yrd match? check in the varmit forum there is a thread about 1000+yrd that could be worth a look. my mate in Dunas has a t3 in .two for free that is a real tack driver.

_________________
You shot it You pluck it !
Them who eats the most duck eats the most feathers!
Back to top
View user's profile
slimjim
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 16, 2009
Posts: 8314
Location: Fort Worth TX

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:15 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

radar wrote:
our local gunshops is trying to flick off Tikka t3 Varmint in .223 with an 8:1 twist barrel.....now all I gotta do is convince SWMBO...

One of my buddies asked me help him with the purchase of a bolt action .223. We looked at many guns. The Tikka T3 Varmint with 8:1 twist was what he got. The action is smooth as silk and it has been a tack driver. It handled the Hornady 40gr V-max just fine. As long as light bullet jackets can can handle the fast twist/maintain integrity, being over-stabilized doesn't become until the bullet trajectory really starts to drop, typically after 500 yards. My AR .223 with 8:1 shoots the 40gr V-max at 3650 and under 1 MOA. If you want to feed the 80gr bullets through the magizine, it will have to be modified.

_________________
"To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth." - Theodore Roosevelt

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
slimjim
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: May 16, 2009
Posts: 8314
Location: Fort Worth TX

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:21 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Elvis wrote:
have you thought about doing a long range 7mm08 load and using that for your 1000yrd match?

The standard barrel Tikka T3's are very accurate. However, my .270 T3 barrel heats up enough after two shoots to start walking the POI. So I could shoot it out to 1000yds but it would not be able to sustain the rate of fire even in a slow fire match and maintain accuracy. The Tikka Varmint with its heavy barrel should do just fine.

Elvis, can you provide a link to the 1000+ .223 forum. I've heard several shooter say with the newer 80gr VLD bullets and 24" barrels with 8:1 twist they are making 1000 yards. I haven't got to that distance yet with my .223.

_________________
"To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth." - Theodore Roosevelt

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
Vince
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: May 25, 2005
Posts: 15704
Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:51 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

.223 and 1000 yds in the same sentence just don't sound right to me...although I just know I am about to be "educated".

Radar...I like Elvis's suggestion/idea of a .243 for both rabbits and the long range shooting. I have head shot rabbits with my Weatherby .243 and it does a brilliant job, and although I've never tried it, the .243 has quite a reputation for being a fairly tidy long range shooter as well. Best part about a .243 is the multitude of 6mm projectiles that are available.

Cheers, Vince

_________________
Cheers, Vince Cheers

Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done)
Back to top
View user's profile AIM Address MSN Messenger Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Dawgdad
Super Member
Super Member


Joined: Feb 08, 2006
Posts: 1065
Location: On the Prairie

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:59 am    Post subject: Re: Howa 1500 in .223 Reply with quote

Check the chamber too. A Wylde .223 will be better for heavy (75-80+gr) bullets than a SAAMI .223. more generous lead for the longer low drag bullets seated long in the case.(more powder capacity too)

Definitely need a 1:8 or 1:7 for 80 grain bullets.

I only shoot .223 to 600yards now and do very well with 75 and 80 Amax and 80 Sierra Match kings loaded to about .015" off of the lands in my AR.

Other have had good results with the Berger 80 and 82 gr loads too.

Reloader 15, Varget and IMR 8208XBR powders will get you good loads to 600 for sure but you may have to go outside the listed maxes to get the velocity you need to stay supersonic at 1000 yards.

_________________
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency...
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index » Varmint Hunting
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT - 7 Hours



Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Valid CSS! Valid HTML 4.01!
Click to check if this page is realy HTML 4.01 compliant for speed :)

All logos and trademarks in this site are property of HuntingNut.com.
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest © 2011 by HuntingNut.com
Interactive software released under GNU GPL, Code Credits, Privacy Policy

.: Upgraded to DragonFly 9.2 by *Dizfunkshunal* :.