Opnions on Howa Mini-Actions

[Jorlcrin]

Looking for info on what people think of the Howa Mini-Actions; looking at .223 Rem Chambering.

We have a Howa 1500 Stainless/Hogue .223 here for a station rifle, and I couldnt fault it.
Simple, rugged, and durable, and shoots consistently well.
And I've lost count of the roo-shooters I've met who had both Howa 1500's and CMC Mountaineers, with many on their Nth barrel.

But I know sod-all about how the mini-actions have fared in the real world.
I remember not long after they came onto the market, the local dealer was telling me there had been a lot of returns.
[Cant remember the exact problem; possibly something to do with a plastic guard/grip deforming??]

But the rifle looks to have expanded it's product lineup, so I'm thinking that whatever these problems were, Howa addressed them?

Anyway; I wondered if anyone here has one, and what they think of it?

[Oldbloke]

"Cant remember the exact problem; possibly something to do with a plastic guard/grip deforming??]"

Yes, that sounds right. disco stu bought one, had that issue,
Also an issue with magazines dropping out.

Perhaps PM him.

[bladeracer]

Looking for info on what people think of the Howa Mini-Actions; looking at .223 Rem Chambering.

We have a Howa 1500 Stainless/Hogue .223 here for a station rifle, and I couldnt fault it.
Simple, rugged, and durable, and shoots consistently well.
And I've lost count of the roo-shooters I've met who had both Howa 1500's and CMC Mountaineers, with many on their Nth barrel.

But I know sod-all about how the mini-actions have fared in the real world.
I remember not long after they came onto the market, the local dealer was telling me there had been a lot of returns.
[Cant remember the exact problem; possibly something to do with a plastic guard/grip deforming??]

But the rifle looks to have expanded it's product lineup, so I'm thinking that whatever these problems were, Howa addressed them?

Anyway; I wondered if anyone here has one, and what they think of it?

The biggest drawback for me is the reduced action length restricts the length you can load the longer bullets to for .223Rem (2.340" from memory). If you're only going to shoot factory ammo or stay with shorter bullets it's not an issue though. In the larger-caliber chamberings that might be more of an issue as they're more hampered by small case volumes pushing heavier bullets.

[bigpete]

Mate owns one,runs 70gn speers in it, loves it to bits
There's also a version called the carbon stalker which sounds pretty darn good

[Jorlcrin]

The biggest drawback for me is the reduced action length restricts the length you can load the longer bullets to for .223Rem (2.340" from memory). If you're only going to shoot factory ammo or stay with shorter bullets it's not an issue though. In the larger-caliber chamberings that might be more of an issue as they're more hampered by small case volumes pushing heavier bullets.

From my measurements on my Tikka CTR .223, about the longest cartridges I use (69/75gn BTHP match), would be around 2.300".
Interesting to see the Howa 1500 looks to be a a shade over 2.400", but internal mag limits them to 2.350".

Reading a few New Zealand Hunting & Shooting Forum pages about the Mini actions, and it looks like many people shoot the 69BTHP Sierras, and the 75gn ELD-M Hornadys.
That looks pretty likely that it would fit anything I'm likely to want to run through it.

Anyway, If I get excited enough to want to buy one, I think I'd take a few blank samples to the nearest gunshop(~350kms), and see how they fit.

Thanks (to everyone) for the input.

[bladeracer]

From my measurements on my Tikka CTR .223, about the longest cartridges I use (69/75gn BTHP match), would be around 2.300".
Interesting to see the Howa 1500 looks to be a a shade over 2.400", but internal mag limits them to 2.350".

Reading a few New Zealand Hunting & Shooting Forum pages about the Mini actions, and it looks like many people shoot the 69BTHP Sierras, and the 75gn ELD-M Hornadys.
That looks pretty likely that it would fit anything I'm likely to want to run through it.

Anyway, If I get excited enough to want to buy one, I think I'd take a few blank samples to the nearest gunshop(~350kms), and see how they fit.

Thanks (to everyone) for the input.

I run .223 at 2.450" with the 80gn ELDM in AICS mags (Ruger American). It's a very significant improvement in case volume so you can make more velocity with less pressure. If you're not running the longest bullets though it's probably not a big deal.

[Oldbloke]

Kiwi's love them to bits.
Bloody light weight.
Tempted myself but have a good shooter and saving 2lb isn't a big deal for me.
Main issues seem to be stock and magazine related.
Reports indicate very accurate.

[Blr243]

I have one in 223. Bought it because I wanted a light rifle. It’s fine

[Billo]

I've owned 3 x Howa Mini 223, 2 were HB and best mates still own them cause 5 shot 0.5 MOA groups with Fiocchi ammo is outstanding

I ran a 6.5 Grendel Howa Mini for 5 years before rebarrelling to 6mm ARC and I use it as a target rifle out to 500m and its shoots 0.2moa when I do my bit. I've recently put a Hik Micro thermal onto the 6mm ARC and small pigs and foxes out to 300m are easy peasy.

[Cooper]

I have three Howa mini actions. Love them! I have one in 204,223 and 6.5 Grendel. I think I remember a issue with the ones chambered in 222. Having 16 twist barrel and not the standard 14 twist or something. The magazine release is a slight issue. My three are in aftermarket stocks and one has a guard that protects the release button. I think they have updated the magazine release on latest models…??

I actually sold my standard length 223 action Weatherby (Howa) as I prefer the Mini action. I mainly load hunting length projectiles. My 223 mini only has 1-9 twist the newer ones are available in 1-8. So the action length isn’t a deal breaker for me I pretty much load to full magazine length in mine. I mainly run the 62gr Hornady TAP Projectiles.

[Billo]

Took my Howa Mini 6mm ARC out last nite for a bush walk, 35kg Fallow yearling at 300m half way up hill made the mistake of pausing. Hik Micro TQ35 2.0 set on 4x, I hit the base of the neck with a 95gr BT, lights out, both shoulders without a bruise and in the fridge.

Jard do a nice Trigger which is my next upgrade.