Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
Well that was a surprise for me..
I part exchanged my Southern Guns AR15 for a Howa. Took it to the zero range at Bisley to sight it in. Oh dear.
The factory ammo I had been using in the AR was keyholing at 25yds. FCA with plastic cases 69grn SMK. Worked fine in the AR up to 200yds.
So I tried some 53 grn factory that came with the gun.
Perfect. Same hole.
Only then did I find that as the AR has a barrel twist of 1 in 9 it will handle 69 grn.
I hadn't realised the Howa was 1 in 12 and wouldn't work with anything above 55 grn.
Ho hum... A lot of dismantling to do and full length resizing of my homeloads.....
Never occurred to me the Howa might have a different twist rate. I didn't make any difference when I was reloading for pistols.
I part exchanged my Southern Guns AR15 for a Howa. Took it to the zero range at Bisley to sight it in. Oh dear.
The factory ammo I had been using in the AR was keyholing at 25yds. FCA with plastic cases 69grn SMK. Worked fine in the AR up to 200yds.
So I tried some 53 grn factory that came with the gun.
Perfect. Same hole.
Only then did I find that as the AR has a barrel twist of 1 in 9 it will handle 69 grn.
I hadn't realised the Howa was 1 in 12 and wouldn't work with anything above 55 grn.
Ho hum... A lot of dismantling to do and full length resizing of my homeloads.....
Never occurred to me the Howa might have a different twist rate. I didn't make any difference when I was reloading for pistols.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
Yes sadly not the first time I've read a similar thread. Hopefully it won't spoil your enjoyment too much.
Alan
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
That's unlucky - I believe Howa does a 1:9 and more recently a 1:8 in .223.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
My shooting buddy had the same experience.. he bought a Remington 700 .223 and the RFD sold him some 69gn ammo.
First time out at 25yds the bullets were keyholing. I checked the markings and found it was 1:12, so bought some 55gn from the club armoured and they worked perfectly.
Surprising how the wrong bullets tumble at even short distances.
First time out at 25yds the bullets were keyholing. I checked the markings and found it was 1:12, so bought some 55gn from the club armoured and they worked perfectly.
Surprising how the wrong bullets tumble at even short distances.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
I'm surprised that anyone would actually buy a rifle without checking the twist first...........it only takes a minute with a cleaning rod, patch, ruler, and a bit of cardboard, wire, or a cable tie.
Savage stamp it on their barrels.
Pete
Savage stamp it on their barrels.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
With the cost of ammo and the component parts it might not be a bad thing that it prefers the lighter/cheaper stuff!
I've had a 1 in 7 .223 and it would only perform with 69gr and higher which was quite expensive for the high round count type shooting I was doing with it. Saying that if I ever get around to getting another .223 I will likely be going for a 1 in 8 as that gives the best range of bullet weight stabilisation.
I've had a 1 in 7 .223 and it would only perform with 69gr and higher which was quite expensive for the high round count type shooting I was doing with it. Saying that if I ever get around to getting another .223 I will likely be going for a 1 in 8 as that gives the best range of bullet weight stabilisation.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
Hello
Found this item very interesting, as I too did not realize barrel twists and bullet weight effects.
Found this item very interesting, as I too did not realize barrel twists and bullet weight effects.
Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
My CZ 527 .223 with a 1:9 shoots the 69gn SMK's very well out to 600yds.
Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
It depends what you want to do with it - foxing out to 2-300 yds, a 1:12 with a light, fast, flat shooting bullet does the job. Targets out 600 yds or more then faster 1:7-9 barrels and heavier bullets like 69-77gn will be better.Mauserbill wrote: ↑Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:29 am Hello
Found this item very interesting, as I too did not realize barrel twists and bullet weight effects.
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Re: Howa .223 Varmint doesn't shoot straight!
It is not actually the weight of the bullet that causes the instability but the length, weights are unfortunately used as a proxy for length.
Some heavier bullets can be shot in slower twists depending on their design which keeps their length down.
Some heavier bullets can be shot in slower twists depending on their design which keeps their length down.
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