Howa 1500 .30-06

[Nephrology]

Well, my less than sober gunbroker-ing won me this today - a Howa 1500 in .30-06 with a Busnhell Elite 4200 2.5-10x40 (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/797522006) scope. No idea about the rings or the stock - im assuming the latter will need to be replaced.

My question for you all: what should I do with this rifle? Looking for to build a good general purpose "all around" rifle that can reach out to a reasonable distance. Not looking to win high power matches - I recognize I would need to spend a lot more to get into that territory.

So far I am thinking:
B&C Medalist Classic stock
Triad Tactical stock bag
Sling of some flavor (suggestions?)
Harris 6-9" swivel bipod
Rings (if the ones on the rifle are crap)
Ammo

Trying to keep this build relatively inexpensive, but open to any/all suggestions.

[fatdog]

swap the scope for a LPV, add a Rhodesian sling, make it a Scout Interpretation (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?21568-Scout-rifle-circa-2016/page124)...

[OlongJohnson]

I have one of those "Lightning" models in .223. The inletting doesn't seat the action or the bottom metal very cleanly without work. In particular, the front and rear seating surfaces for the bottom metal are not parallel, while the bottom metal itself appears to be intended to be parallel. And the rear tang of the receiver has to bend more than I like in order to seat against the stock.

I have also messed with a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 takeoff stock and it's going back on fleabay.

I went with a Hogue full-bed stock with the full-length aluminum bedding block. The Hogue will need a bit of work to fit it exactly right, but it seemed likely to be the least expensive option that would be at least as good as I wanted. I don't like the pillar-bed Hogues, but the full-bed models are a different critter. Not in the same category as B&C, but very workable for an all-around utility rifle. Pricing varies wildly, but both of the ones I've bought have been $16X.xx before freight. Nobody stocks them, so the "pay more at your LGS" argument doesn't really work for me on that.

One slightly goofy detail (of the rifle, not the stock) is that the inner and outer surfaces of the bottom metal are approximately parallel, but the bottom metal is installed at an angle to the bottom of the receiver, which means the screw heads bear on the bottom metal at an angle. Totally bogus to a mechanical engineer who cares about threaded fastener joint design. The solution is to counterbore the bottom metal so the screws have seats that are perpendicular to the shanks. That situation is actually common in the industry; it's not unique to Howa.

Scope mounts are the same as a Remington 700 if you go two-piece, but the spacing is different, so you'll need a Howa-specific rail if you go that way. My preference is for rings that allow removal and reinstallation of the scope without having to re-align things from scratch. "Return to zero." I posted about one such arrangement using Warne QR rings in a thread on Tikkas, and I think Okie John reproduced it. Another one is the Burris Signature Zee and two-piece bases. I like the Leupold steel bases, not the cheaper "Rifleman" line of extruded aluminum, or Weaver's or any other similar product. It's not high-end, 1000 yard match stuff, but I'm not one of those shooters.

These have the later trigger, which is thoroughly decent, although you can add a Timney if you want.

If you're going to run the bolt really hard and fast, you may break the bolt stop screw. It's the one real unique wart on the whole rifle. It's a poorly-designed part and most of them are defectively machined with "crack here" rings all around them. I have designed an upgrade for that ("designed" = buy a properly-manufactured screw and make notes for dimensions of a shoulder bushing), but it's a low priority given the status of the rest of my project at this point.

If you go down the rabbit hole, there are two or more companies now making "Howage" barrel setups with a barrel nut so you can swap barrels yourself, as with a Savage.

[Duelist]

That’s a pretty good hunting scope. Try it out like it comes, it may be okay without doing anything to it.

[HCM]

swap the scope for a LPV, add a Rhodesian sling, make it a Scout Interpretation (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?21568-Scout-rifle-circa-2016/page124)...

Then why buy a 30-06 ?

[ranger]

Looks like a very nice, do it all hunting rig to me. I got a deal on a Tikka T3 3006 that is similar. Do you reload? If not - great chance to start and experiment.

[Nephrology]

Then why buy a 30-06 ?

It's not a scout rifle - too big/heavy. I wanted .30-06 specifically because I have access to a 1000yd range and want to be able to take advantage of the extra case capacity for when i eventually/inevitably get into reloading/handloading.


Looks like a very nice, do it all hunting rig to me. I got a deal on a Tikka T3 3006 that is similar. Do you reload? If not - great chance to start and experiment.

Reloading will be the next plunge, before I jump into much more expensive rifles (next will be a Bergara or Tikka). I do eventually want to get into high powe shooting - just not right now, not with this rifle.


That’s a pretty good hunting scope. Try it out like it comes, it may be okay without doing anything to it.

Just about the only upgrade I am committed to is the stock, as i looks like a cheap synthetic OEM job.

[Hambo]

On a site called pistol-forum.com they say to buy ammo and practice before buying other shit. ;)

Seriously, why not start by shooting what you have? I have 1.25" Super Slings on detachable swivels. They're not sexy but they don't rot like leather, carry my rifles, and work as a hasty sling. Buy something similar, 200 rounds of ammo, and a good cleaning rod.

[Nephrology]

On a site called pistol-forum.com they say to buy ammo and practice before buying other shit. ;)

Seriously, why not start by shooting what you have? I have 1.25" Super Slings on detachable swivels. They're not sexy but they don't rot like leather, carry my rifles, and work as a hasty sling. Buy something similar, 200 rounds of ammo, and a good cleaning rod.

Per above, I think the only thing I would want to swap out more or less immediately is the stock, assuming it is a cheap OEM synthetic. The stock on Weatherby Vanguards (what I am guessing this gun is in) is pretty flimsy. Otherwise beyond a sling and stock bag I plan on keeping i as is.

the super sling is exactly what I am looking for, by the way. Thanks for the recommendation!

[okie john]

Howas have a reputation for accuracy. Shoot it before you buy a new stock. You may be surprised.


Okie John

[Borderland]

Howa stocks are cheap. You won't have a decent LRP rifle until you switch that stock out. I have a B&C on my 1500 benchrest rifle to take full advantage of the excellent Howa accuracy.

I have a used 1500 stock right now that should have gone on ebay a long time ago. B&C is a good choice, I like mine.

Restock it and see how the scope works. If no worky replace it.

That is an excellent rifle and I think you will be amazed at it's potential with the right stock and scope.

[Nephrology]

Howa stocks are cheap. You won't have a decent LRP rifle until you switch that stock out. I have a B&C on my 1500 benchrest rifle to take full advantage of the excellent Howa accuracy.

I have a used 1500 stock right now that should have gone on ebay a long time ago. B&C is a good choice, I like mine.

Restock it and see how the scope works. If no worky replace it.

That is an excellent rifle and I think you will be amazed at it's potential with the right stock and scope.

Good to know.

From what I've read, the Bushnell 4200 is a good value for the price and will probably be fine for now. Only concern is apparently short eye relief (3.3") but in every other regard seems to be a more than adequate piece of glass for the time being.

[Grouse870]

I have the gen 1 weatherby vanguard in .30-06 great shooter. There a tad on the heavy side though. Shoot it first.

[Nephrology]

Howa stocks are cheap. You won't have a decent LRP rifle until you switch that stock out. I have a B&C on my 1500 benchrest rifle to take full advantage of the excellent Howa accuracy.

I have a used 1500 stock right now that should have gone on ebay a long time ago. B&C is a good choice, I like mine.

Restock it and see how the scope works. If no worky replace it.

That is an excellent rifle and I think you will be amazed at it's potential with the right stock and scope.


I have the gen 1 weatherby vanguard in .30-06 great shooter. There a tad on the heavy side though. Shoot it first.

A question for you both - what contour barrel do your rifles have? I am assuming mine is the howa #2 with a 0.620" muzzle dia. Wondering how much it will suffer from heating during strings of fire.

[Alpha Sierra]

Long time Howa 1500 user here. I started hunting in Kansas in the late 90s with the same exact rifle you have except mine was stainless. Definitely lose the plastic stock. A Bell & Carlson sporter style stock is not a lot of money and will definitely improve stability. I recommend this one for a sporter rifle: https://www.bellandcarlson.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1124

I can't remember how much the barrel walked as it got hot. Every barrel is different and I would absolutely NOT worry about it until you try yours out. First hand knowledge > what you read on the internet.

Howas are very accurate. Out of the four I've had only one needed barrel lapping to maximize accuracy and I got that done with a David Tubb Final Finish kit.

Here's the two that I have at the moment

Heavy Barrel (#6 contour) 308 in a KRG 180-Xray. I have an Atlas V8 bipod on it, but I was trying out a cheaper Harris clone to see how I liked it.
36462

Its clone in 223 Rem
36464

10 rounds, including the clean cold bore shot, from the 308. Grid squares are 0.1 milliradian.
36465

[Nephrology]

Long time Howa 1500 user here. I started hunting in Kansas in the late 90s with the same exact rifle you have except mine was stainless. Definitely lose the plastic stock. A Bell & Carlson sporter style stock is not a lot of money and will definitely improve stability. I recommend this one for a sporter rifle: https://www.bellandcarlson.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1124

I just ordered that exact stock last night - got the last one in Olive that they had in stock!



I can't remember how much the barrel walked as it got hot. Every barrel is different and I would absolutely NOT worry about it until you try yours out. First hand knowledge > what you read on the internet.

Howas are very accurate. Out of the four I've had only one needed barrel lapping to maximize accuracy and I got that done with a David Tubb Final Finish kit.

Here's the two that I have at the moment

Heavy Barrel (#6 contour) 308 in a KRG 180-Xray. I have an Atlas V8 bipod on it, but I was trying out a cheaper Harris clone to see how I liked it.
36462

Its clone in 223 Rem
36464

10 rounds, including the clean cold bore shot, from the 308. Grid squares are 0.1 milliradian.
36465



Very nice ! A .223 Rem is certainly something I am looking into for the later future. Would make for a nice low-recoil trainer. This rifle is my first foray into bolt guns so I am sure it will be a learning experience that will go a long way to informing the next one.

If I keep this rifle for a long time, I could see myself having it rebarreled with something heavier, nicer, and threaded - but I am sure the sporter barrel will be more than accurate enough for me right now. If anything it will be helpful to be forced to limit my rate of fire.

[Alpha Sierra]

Keep the rifle you have as it is. A sporter in 30-06 will kill anything that needs to be killed and its a handy rifle.

Then get a #6 contour barreled action in 6.5 Creedmoor from Brownells and drop it into a KRG Bravo chassis. Add some AICS pattern magazines (I like AICS PMags) and shoot the barrel out of it. Then remove it and re-barrel it yourself with a Criterion Howage prefit in whatever short action caliber you like. But I think you'll like the Creedmoor enough to keep the chambering.

[Nephrology]

Keep the rifle you have as it is. A sporter in 30-06 will kill anything that needs to be killed and its a handy rifle.

Then get a #6 contour barreled action in 6.5 Creedmoor from Brownells and drop it into a KRG Bravo chassis. Add some AICS pattern magazines (I like AICS PMags) and shoot the barrel out of it. Then remove it and re-barrel it yourself with a Criterion Howage prefit in whatever short action caliber you like. But I think you'll like the Creedmoor enough to keep the chambering.

I've heard great things about 6.5 CM - i will definitely keep this in mind down the line!

Is that the LSI "ammo boost" mag system that you have on your gun? How do you like it? Was thinking of eventually getting the same system for this rifle if only to increase the capacity to 5rd.

[Alpha Sierra]

I've heard great things about 6.5 CM - i will definitely keep this in mind down the line!

Is that the LSI "ammo boost" mag system that you have on your gun? How do you like it? Was thinking of eventually getting the same system for this rifle if only to increase the capacity to 5rd.

That's not the LSI ammo boost. That's an AICS detachable magazine system that's integral to all KRG chassis. The AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazine and latch system is the de-facto standard here and in Europe and is what I recommend you get if you want a detachable magazine. The LSI ammo boost is an ATI product that uses a proprietary magazine and latch system incompatible with Accuracy International magazines.

I don't understand your comment about increasing capacity to 5 rounds. The Howa's internal magazine system's capacity is five rounds in long and short action non-magnum cartridges. I am certain of it. If yours won't take five something is either defective or mis-assembled.

[Grouse870]

Not 100% but I believe it’s a #2 contour

[Nephrology]

That's not the LSI ammo boost. That's an AICS detachable magazine system that's integral to all KRG chassis. The AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazine and latch system is the de-facto standard here and in Europe and is what I recommend you get if you want a detachable magazine. The LSI ammo boost is an ATI product that uses a proprietary magazine and latch system incompatible with Accuracy International magazines.

I don't understand your comment about increasing capacity to 5 rounds. The Howa's internal magazine system's capacity is five rounds in long and short action non-magnum cartridges. I am certain of it. If yours won't take five something is either defective or mis-assembled.

GB listing says 3+1 - on reflection, it may have a mag block for hunting installed. I suppose I'll find out when I get it in my hands next week.

If it has a 5+1 internal mag capacity I won't bother with any bottom metal/detachable mag system (for this rifle, anyway). Not sure I want to give ATI my money for really any reason at all...

[Borderland]

A question for you both - what contour barrel do your rifles have? I am assuming mine is the howa #2 with a 0.620" muzzle dia. Wondering how much it will suffer from heating during strings of fire.

Not sure as I have a #1 and a #6. The #1 is worthless for anything over 5 rounds. The #6 won't heat to a point where it changes POI.

I think you will see some heat issues with a #2 but I think they will be manageable.

I always take several rifles to the range so I can rotate to allow barrels to cool. I don't shoot in any matches so I don't know what's required.

This is my #6 with the B&C stock. .223

https://i.ibb.co/xhYHcM2/P1020251.jpg

[Alpha Sierra]

GB listing says 3+1

I'm about 99.99999% sure that's wrong. Let me know when you get it.

[Nephrology]

Not sure as I have a #1 and a #6. The #1 is worthless for anything over 5 rounds. The #6 won't heat to a point where it changes POI.

I think you will see some heat issues with a #2 but I think they will be manageable.

I always take several rifles to the range so I can rotate to allow barrels to cool. I don't shoot in any matches so I don't know what's required.

This is my #6 with the B&C stock. .223

https://i.ibb.co/xhYHcM2/P1020251.jpg

Nice! That .223 looks great.

[1911nerd]

Per above, I think the only thing I would want to swap out more or less immediately is the stock, assuming it is a cheap OEM synthetic. The stock on Weatherby Vanguards (what I am guessing this gun is in) is pretty flimsy. Otherwise beyond a sling and stock bag I plan on keeping i as is.

the super sling is exactly what I am looking for, by the way. Thanks for the recommendation!

Haven't used the super sling, but another to consider is the Wilderness Rhodesian Sling (https://www.thewilderness.com/langlois-rhodesian-sling/wilderness-langlois-rhodesian-sling/); I have a couple and like them a lot for hunting.

[Nephrology]

and after only a little bit of fiddling :D

https://i.imgur.com/QmDFI1w.jpg

[Mntneer357]

That thing is GOOD lookin already. Congratulations! Go get some blasty time in and enjoy.

Cheers!

[Borderland]

and after only a little bit of fiddling :D

https://i.imgur.com/QmDFI1w.jpg

Nice. See how much better that stock is? Should prove to be a decent LRP shooter. Load up some 168 gr BTHP and wring it out.:D

Report back.