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Author Topic: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier  (Read 1133 times)

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Offline redhawksixsh

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howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« on: March 29, 2009, 04:12:52 PM »
I have a howa 1500 223 lightweight.  It sports the wood stock, was a package deal with the nikko stirling 3x9x42 scope.  The first shot is right on, second is away from the group, third is right back to the first shot within a half inch.  The same situation with any scope I have put on this gun.  The bases and rings are tight, barrel channel sanded out, trigger lightened. Barrel allowed to cool and also shot 3 rounds in rapid succession.  Same results.  Not bad groups, but second always away from the group.  Any ideas?
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Offline Val

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Re: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2009, 04:24:51 AM »
I have a Howa 1500 and the factory synthetic stock was very flexible and subject to grouping changes based on the tightness of the action screws. The rest you use when shooting could and how you place the rifle on the rest, could also be a factor. I replaced the factory stock with a Bell and Carlson synthetic which is more rigid. I also free floated and bedded the stock. It now shoots better.
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Offline redhawksixsh

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Re: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2009, 03:12:21 PM »
I am wondering if I should try some lighter slugs.  I am shooting 55's, wonder if I should try some 50 or 40's.  It has a 1 in 12 twist.  I am getting about 2.5 inch groups, but I am sure it can do better.  I have free floated the barrel and the trigger has been lowered to about 3 lbs.  I had a leupold vari-x 1 scope on it, and it shot a little better, but needed the scope on another gun.  It is now wearing the nikko stirling that came with it as a package.  Maybe a new scope is in order.  Thanks,  Jeff in San Antonio.
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Offline Val

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Re: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2009, 04:13:32 AM »
My 1500 is a .223 and I'm shooting 50 grain Hornady V-mav pellets. I haven't measured the twist but I assume it's the same as yours. I'm using Varget powder and my best three shot groups are .75".
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Hunting and fishing are not matters of life or death. They are much more important than that.

Offline sachel.45

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Re: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2009, 12:54:22 PM »
did you shoot it before you floated the barrel? most vanguards (and im assuming howas) have a pressure point towards the front of the forearm you might try putting a tempoary(sp) in and try shooting it again
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Offline redhawksixsh

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Re: howa 1500 223 2nd shot flier
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2009, 02:35:43 PM »
I shot this gun about 200 rounds before I free floated the barrel.  It doesn't seem to have made any difference.  I am going to gun show tomorrow, so I will look for a different scope, then if no improvement I am going to bed the stock.  I really like this little gun, and so does my young son, so I will keep working on this one! 
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