You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
HOWA 1500 Long Range
- Thread starter USAF Ret
- Start date
They do have some nice rifles, but with the offerings today, you can build something for a little less money.I use to visit the Sniper Hide Forum years ago and they offered a start up long distance rifle build based on the Howa or Remington action with a choice of short action calibers, barrel length, stocks, scopes, bipod, scope rail, etc. Always thought those were neat.
I actually read an article on another forum about SWAT cutting barrels down on a .308 an inch at a time and checked for a loss in velocity. It was not noticed until they got down to 18" and then it was only 33 fps. So, keeping the rifle. Gifting it to my son and I will be getting another in 6.5. Our future plan, when things change, is to take a beginners long range shooting class in Montana.USAF Ret: despite all the naysayers, the 308 Win has more than proven itself over the years. It held records at almost all ranges for many years. It is very easy to load for and get astounding accuracy.
Just for your info, I bought the Howa barrelled action from Brownells with the 24" heavy barrel. It was for my grandson to put together a rifle capable of shooting competition as a beginner. It is very accurate wven with cheap FMJ ammo.
I recorded his first shot, and he barely moves. He is 16 and at 6ft tall weighs maybe 180 lbs. Recoil is right at comfortable with no brake, so your rifle must be a dream recoil wise.
The only thing I can add is that you should have purchased the 24" barrel versus the 20", but no worries because your's will still shoot gnat's asses at 100 and beyond.
For grins, someone said that a 150 will not stabilize at long range.
Do some study on Palma Match and see what they shoot.
ndking1126
New member
I have a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor. It is a hunting rifle. Yes, this is a .308. With the muzzle brake it is not bad.
Unfortunately you have the roles reversed. 6.5C will run circles around a 308 (all else being equal) at long range. 308 would make a better hunting rifle due to more energy at typical hunting ranges. I noticed you are considering getting a 6.5C and that is my recommendation. Also you could start over with a longer barrel for more velocity.
Certainly nothing wrong with the 308, it's just not the best tool for the job anymore.
USAF ret,
My longer distance rig is running an EGW 20MOA one piece base, with Warne low steel rings, and a Sightron STAC 4-20X50.
Even with the 6.5 CM your probably going to want a 20 MOA base.
The Warne rings are a little bit of a PITA to install. Not too awful bad though. And they are solid.
The Sightron STAC is a 30mm tube, MOA reticle ( for those of us that still think in inches). The reticle cross hairs are very fine, with a center dot. Side paralax adjustment. And tall capped target knobs.
Mine does "the box" just fine. And you can see the mirage to help with wind.
Priced on Amazon about $400.
Really hard to beat at that price point.
My longer distance rig is running an EGW 20MOA one piece base, with Warne low steel rings, and a Sightron STAC 4-20X50.
Even with the 6.5 CM your probably going to want a 20 MOA base.
The Warne rings are a little bit of a PITA to install. Not too awful bad though. And they are solid.
The Sightron STAC is a 30mm tube, MOA reticle ( for those of us that still think in inches). The reticle cross hairs are very fine, with a center dot. Side paralax adjustment. And tall capped target knobs.
Mine does "the box" just fine. And you can see the mirage to help with wind.
Priced on Amazon about $400.
Really hard to beat at that price point.
ndking1126
New member
https://www.mcarbo.com/6-5-creedmoor-ballistics-chart.aspx
I haven't fact checked every single statement in this article, but it gets the main reasons right. Less drift, less drop, and less recoil. I reload for the 260 Rem so I haven't checked the prices of Match 6.5C ammo, but I'd be shocked if there was any appreciable difference between the two. The ballistics don't lie.. the farther the target is away, the more advantage it will have over the .308.
If you are mathematically minded, here is a page that I'm not smart enough to fully understand:
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/25/how-much-does-cartridge-matter/
I know people love to hate the cartridge, but it really is a fantastic offering for long range work. I chose the 260 Rem because it shoots the same bullet about 50 FPS faster, so IMO it should have gained the notoriety over the 6.5C. Add that to Remington's long list of mis-steps, but that's a conversation for another post.
As a medium game hunting cartridge its perfectly capable, but so are the other 519,399 cartridges out there. There's no reason to buy it as a hunting cartridge if you already have a hunting rifle (unless you just want another rifle.. and I'm on board with that).
I haven't fact checked every single statement in this article, but it gets the main reasons right. Less drift, less drop, and less recoil. I reload for the 260 Rem so I haven't checked the prices of Match 6.5C ammo, but I'd be shocked if there was any appreciable difference between the two. The ballistics don't lie.. the farther the target is away, the more advantage it will have over the .308.
If you are mathematically minded, here is a page that I'm not smart enough to fully understand:
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/04/25/how-much-does-cartridge-matter/
I know people love to hate the cartridge, but it really is a fantastic offering for long range work. I chose the 260 Rem because it shoots the same bullet about 50 FPS faster, so IMO it should have gained the notoriety over the 6.5C. Add that to Remington's long list of mis-steps, but that's a conversation for another post.
As a medium game hunting cartridge its perfectly capable, but so are the other 519,399 cartridges out there. There's no reason to buy it as a hunting cartridge if you already have a hunting rifle (unless you just want another rifle.. and I'm on board with that).
Last edited:
SCgman: the Hogue pilar bed stock is flimsy in the fore end.
The Hogue full bed block is very rigid and has aluminum embedded in the molded stock and is virtually immovable at the fore end.
I have both Hogue stocks, one in each bedding configuration and have no serious concerns over flex in either......however, my point is the B&C medalist HB stocks are much stiffer by comparison and a good bit heavier which would make recoil almost negligent if that is the primary concern. As far as hunting with the rifle, I probably prefer the Hogue rubber finish for surer handling in any weather condition.
The Hogue full bed block is very rigid and has aluminum embedded in the molded stock and is virtually immovable at the fore end.
I have both Hogue stocks, one in each bedding configuration and have no serious concerns over flex in either......however, my point is the B&C medalist HB stocks are much stiffer by comparison and a good bit heavier which would make recoil almost negligent if that is the primary concern. As far as hunting with the rifle, I probably prefer the Hogue rubber finish for surer handling in any weather condition.
ndking1126
New member
Dufus, I bought the 260 Rem before 6.5C hit it's stride. The 6.5bullets were still largely endorsed by competitors only and hadn't gained mainstream notoriety yet. Articles like this one http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-shootout-260-6.5x47-6.5-creedmoor/?p=1 seemed to validate what my research was telling me. I liked the 308 case compatibility and extra velocity.
I don't regret it since I can reload my own. It would be nice to have some off-the-shelf cartridge options though. Right now the only one I can find with some regularity is the Hornady Match 130 Grain at Cabelas. Thankfully, it shoots really well out of my rifle. I've ordered Federal 142gr GMM at my LGS once, but that's not worth the effort in my opinion. If one is buying new today and doesn't reload, the 6.5C is the obvious choice over the two. If one can reload, either one is a great option. Extra velocity and a reliance on reloading, or much more available ammo and a small loss of velocity? It'd be personal preference at that point.
I don't regret it since I can reload my own. It would be nice to have some off-the-shelf cartridge options though. Right now the only one I can find with some regularity is the Hornady Match 130 Grain at Cabelas. Thankfully, it shoots really well out of my rifle. I've ordered Federal 142gr GMM at my LGS once, but that's not worth the effort in my opinion. If one is buying new today and doesn't reload, the 6.5C is the obvious choice over the two. If one can reload, either one is a great option. Extra velocity and a reliance on reloading, or much more available ammo and a small loss of velocity? It'd be personal preference at that point.
Last edited:
armednfree
New member
By my experience with a 308 at 1000 yards you shouldn't even bother with 168 grain loads. Going into transonic speeds, which you will with both the 168 and the 175, I found 175's handle it better.
To do it well you have to lean on it hard. Factory loads are not made like that. Federal 168's are loaded only 50 fps faster than 175's. Both with a limiting 2600 and 2650 respectively. Remember they are made to function in the M1A.
To do it well you have to lean on it hard. Factory loads are not made like that. Federal 168's are loaded only 50 fps faster than 175's. Both with a limiting 2600 and 2650 respectively. Remember they are made to function in the M1A.