New Howa .223 finally finished! Pics...

[Hercl]

I never got the 1/3 MOA adjustments either.

Just trying to be different?

My guess would be to reduce the mechanical complexity of it. Easier to make a precise, strong, quality scope when you don't have to deliver 1/8 clicks.

The Duralyt are after all a hunting scope and not a competition scope. 1/8 or even 1/4 adjustments aren't needed for that so they've prioritized other factors.

2c.

[bigfellascott]

Nice one Lindsay :- so what projectile and primer did you end up using and what case prep if any? thumbsup:

Scott, thank you but there is more work to do yet. I am impressed with this Howa. The first I have ever seen and/or shot.

I don't scrimp on money for bullets as that I believe is the workhorse of any outfit be it Hunting, Varminting or Target shooting so they are 55gr Berger Flat Base Hollow Points as I think I mentioned earlier. The Primers I used were Remington 7 1/2 to make sure they stood up to loads up the high end and I did shoot ADI Maximum suggested loads, the top end were not accurate.

Case prep, none. They were 2nd hand bought once fired milserp cases I got a long time ago from HPGS and basically just FLS the lot. They are "CJ" head stamped which is Norinco... Chinese military stuff. I have heaps of various cases pretty much the same and that is my suggestion to use out in the field. For target I'm suggesting Chris buys some Lapua as I have and use.

BTW.... my CZ527 .223R I use 52gr Berger Flat Base or 30gr Berger Flat Base as they really perform in my rifle. I mean tiny group consistancy at high velocity.

Thanks for that Lindsay - glad you like the Howa's mate, I've always found them to be great value for the $$ they cost, they can certainly be made to shoot very well with a few mods (trigger/decent stock/bedding etc) I wouldn't call them a Target Type Rifle but certainly capable of very good accuracy for hunting/varminting (which is what they are designed for of course).

The ol Bergers go alright, I still haven't tried any to be honest (got enough pills of all sorts to keep me going for years) but one day I might just buy some for a bit of fun and see how they go.

[Die Judicii]

I never got the 1/3 MOA adjustments either.

Just trying to be different?

My guess would be to reduce the mechanical complexity of it. Easier to make a precise, strong, quality scope when you don't have to deliver 1/8 clicks.

The Duralyt are after all a hunting scope and not a competition scope. 1/8 or even 1/4 adjustments aren't needed for that so they've prioritized other factors.

2c.

Not being a purist, ie: Target shooter,,,,,,,
I cant see what the problem is as per Apollo's comment.

I use mine purely for hunting and varminting but nevertheless,,,, I got mine zeroed (easily) and without the need to change to windage type mounts.

As for 1/3, 1/4, or 1/8 adjustments I find that to be irrelevent as long as you can achieve your zero.

Also, I quote Apollo on the following.

"The trigger on this Howa 1500 isn't too bad and light enough pull to be accurate but personally I don't like the free travel before sear release."

I dont have any free travel on mine at all, so maybe there is something amiss on the one you mention.

Mine has a 2 1/2 lb pull and is a pleasure to use.

I might get shot down here, but I speak for my own experiences

[bigfellascott]

I never got the 1/3 MOA adjustments either.

Just trying to be different?

My guess would be to reduce the mechanical complexity of it. Easier to make a precise, strong, quality scope when you don't have to deliver 1/8 clicks.

The Duralyt are after all a hunting scope and not a competition scope. 1/8 or even 1/4 adjustments aren't needed for that so they've prioritized other factors.

2c.

Not being a purist, ie: Target shooter,,,,,,,
I cant see what the problem is as per Apollo's comment.

I use mine purely for hunting and varminting but nevertheless,,,, I got mine zeroed (easily) and without the need to change to windage type mounts.

As for 1/3, 1/4, or 1/8 adjustments I find that to be irrelevent as long as you can achieve your zero.

Also, I quote Apollo on the following.

"The trigger on this Howa 1500 isn't too bad and light enough pull to be accurate but personally I don't like the free travel before sear release."

I dont have any free travel on mine at all, so maybe there is something amiss on the one you mention.

Mine has a 2 1/2 lb pull and is a pleasure to use.

I might get shot down here, but I speak for my own experiences

Is your's the HACT Trigger or the earlier version? I've got both and both have been worked by the Ebay Guy - the HACT trigger is like a 2 stage trigger but I got that removed and made into a single stage just like the earlier version, both are good triggers once some polishing and spring work done to them, and they can be made to be very very light if you want em like that, mine are set for around 1.2lb from memory and can go lighter but I like em how they are, too light is a PITA as you just have to touch them and they go off (been there done that) just too hard to spotlight with like that.

[chrispy88]

Being a late model Howa it has the 2 stage trigger, 1.5lb on the first stage, 0.5lb on the sear. The first 1.5lb is the free travel Lindsay is referring to. He wasnt a fan!

This is the first rifle I've owned with a 2 stage trigger and to be honest I don't really see the point either.

[bigfellascott]

Being a late model Howa it has the 2 stage trigger, 1.5lb on the first stage, 0.5lb on the sear. The first 1.5lb is the free travel Lindsay is referring to. He wasnt a fan!

This is the first rifle I've owned with a 2 stage trigger and to be honest I don't really see the point either.

You can get the 1st stage taken out if you want too (I had it done to mine) not because I didn't like it as such just that my other Howa Triggers were all single stage so figured I might as well keep em all consistent in their function.

[Hercl]

As for 1/3, 1/4, or 1/8 adjustments I find that to be irrelevent as long as you can achieve your zero.

Well if I understood Apollo's comment correctly that was exactly his problem.

e.g. if POI was slightly above centre of bullseye the 1/3 adjustment is so large that 1 click takes you down past centre and POI becomes slightly below bullseye.

Correct me if I'm wrong Apollo.

[Apollo]

When I zero a rifle, be it hunting / varmint and/or target I like it to be just that....zero and it's done under the most ideal conditions I can come up with including the best rests I can use. From that point it's easy to make adjustments for conditions.

What I don't like is when you can't make zero because of some mechanical restriction. Elevation is not so much of a drama to me but zero windage is.

Zeiss are nice scopes, even from the cheapie I use on my .22LR for varminting to not so cheap for a bit of target shooting.

Bit off topic isn't it.

It's "chrispy88's" rifle. It shoots and I hope even better with a touch of fine tuning.

[headspace]

Nice set up mate, I've bought 3 Boyd's stocks so far and imported each one. The laminated ones are a good easy drop in fit, and usually shoot well right away. I like the Vortex scopes I have 2 and lining up for number 3. I believe the optics in them are every bit as good as some scopes that are lot dearer, and that includes Leopold.

[Die Judicii]

Seems I made a clanger when I said my Howa's trigger had a 2 1/2 lb pull.

It was set for me by my then LGS at 1 1/2 lb.

[Apollo]

It's takes quite a bit of practise to handle a trigger pull of 1-2 ozs, but get used to it and by gee it's nice when you shoot supported. Not freehand.

Wish I had a trigger pull gauge, I'd test this Howa but it's also nice and light. My guess is less than 1 1/2lbs by some margin. It feels like a "set trigger" in set mode.

[CustomPC]

All of the pieces to my own Howa .223 Project finally met this morning.

.223 Fluted Varmint Barreled Action
Walnut Stock
Meopta Meopro 6-18x50
Burris Tacticool bases and Signature Zee Rings.

Howa with Burris Mounts and Meopro.jpg (397.63 KiB) Viewed 4669 times

[bigfellascott]

Very nice mate, the stocks look bloody nice on em I reckon (way better than the plastic IMO) how do you find the bolt clearance with the Meopta? (I would look at get a Meopta one day when and if I need another scope)

[CustomPC]

Very nice mate, the stocks look bloody nice on em I reckon (way better than the plastic IMO) how do you find the bolt clearance with the Meopta? (I would look at get a Meopta one day when and if I need another scope)

Those are medium mounts and there is about 6mm clearance between bolt and scope. It doesn't feel too bad when cycling the action at home. I'll reserve my full judgement until after i've used it some.

I've tried it it some DNZ low rings which are about 2mm lower than these and that is probably too close but it still clears the scope.

[bigfellascott]

Very nice mate, the stocks look bloody nice on em I reckon (way better than the plastic IMO) how do you find the bolt clearance with the Meopta? (I would look at get a Meopta one day when and if I need another scope)

Those are medium mounts and there is about 6mm clearance between bolt and scope. It doesn't feel too bad when cycling the action at home. I'll reserve my full judgement until after i've used it some.

I've tried it it some DNZ low rings which are about 2mm lower than these and that is probably too close but it still clears the scope.

Thanks for that CPC - very nice looking outfit mate.

[chrispy88]

Nice CustomPC, was tossing up between the Vortex and a Meopta for this build, the Viper popped up at the right price so I went that way.

Was also considering fluted barrel but they didn't do it in stainless, and I'm a sucker for shiny things haha!

Let us know how you find the scope

[Zilla]

I've tried it it some DNZ low rings which are about 2mm lower than these and that is probably too close but it still clears the scope.

Hitting the back of your thumb on the scope I expect with them?

[CustomPC]

I've tried it it some DNZ low rings which are about 2mm lower than these and that is probably too close but it still clears the scope.

Hitting the back of your thumb on the scope I expect with them?

Yep, the Meopta's have a large occular bell and if you're not thinking you can jam your thumb. It's not so bad at high zooms but if on a low zoom setting that protruding part of the power ring is hard and sharp .

I like these low rings as they place the scope at the right height to get a nice cheek weld. The compromise is the bolt clearance.
They are fine for range work but if i was hunting or shooting in rapid fire match i'd probably opt for something higher.

Howa with Meopro and DNZ Low Rings.jpg (104.93 KiB) Viewed 4622 times

[bigfellascott]

I don't use my fingers to open and close the bolt, I just use my palm of the hand. Try that, it should save you from bashing ya fingers on scopes etc.

They do look smart in those stocks I must say, makes me want to break out the ol CMC stock and give it a bit of a tidy up and bang that on my 204 Howa.

[SendIt]

I don't use my fingers to open and close the bolt, I just use my palm of the hand.

Same.

Lift with the palm up from the bottom and pull the bolt back, roll the hand over to push forward.

Never need to actually grip the bolt.

[bigfellascott]

I don't use my fingers to open and close the bolt, I just use my palm of the hand.

Same.

Lift with the palm up from the bottom and pull the bolt back, roll the hand over to push forward.

Never need to actually grip the bolt.

That's the one - dead easy and never had an issue doing it ever.

[Herdsman]

Smoother too.

Doing it as above it's like you slide from opening through to closing it again.

Rather than thunk, thunk, thunk or gripping it. If you know what I mean.......

[bigfellascott]

Smoother too.

Doing it as above it's like you slide from opening through to closing it again.

Rather than thunk, thunk, thunk or gripping it. If you know what I mean.......

Yeah I know what ya mean mate,

[Goshawk]

Nice toy, what length barrel has it got? Have you weighed it?

[Will]

22" barrel on that one I think it is.