Help with Howa Accuracy

K

Kevin Neal

New member
Was in Sportsmans Warehouse a couple of weeks ago and bought a Howa Kuiu in 223. Rifle has has a 20" light barrel with what I think is a 1 in 9 twist. Also bought a new Nikon Prostaff 4-12 40mm scope and talley bases. The bases and rings were torqued to manufactures specs and I also checked to make sure stock was torqued properly and that there was no movement of action in stock. So far, the best I can get is 1.5" groups at 100 yards and that is just with one load. I have tried factory as well as rounds that I loaded using 50 to 65gr bullets and different powders. The only thing I haven't done is try another scope and that is next. This is my first Howa and the reason I bought it was because it would be a good short handy walking predator rifle. If anybody has any ideas, let me know. Also anybody who owns a Howa 223, what round,either factory or reloaded, are you shooting? This rifle shot best with a 52gr speer hp. but when I tried sierra 65 gr btsp, it looked like i was firing a shotgun.
 
My favorite load for coyotes is the 52 gr. Speer FBHP. It does good on paper. I have used 40 gr. to 53 gr. bullets in my Howa. I have a new Mini (same set up as you) I haven't taken it to the range yet with the weather etc. My other 223 is the regular Howa. I think if you can find what load it likes you will be very happy with the rifle. I love both of my Mini's. 204 Ruger and the 223. Never tried the heavier bullets. My Howa's are both 1/9 twist. I use CF&E 223 for my 223's. Loaded in the middle of the charts. Rudy
 
I looked at those as well. Good price for what they are. With a barrel that light, my first though would be making sure its not touching anywhere and see how it does. After that I would try a little upwards shimming about 2" off the end of the stock. Take a few business cards with you to the range and try it out. I have a 223 howa that shoots lights out but it is bedded in a Boyds laminated stock. 55 grain hornady so are all that I shoot in that gun only because a buddy gave me a bazillion of them. Hope that helps.
 
I’ve got one but in 308 and she’s a shooter. Can’t get the barrel too warm or it wanders though. I’m saving my yen and pesos till I can use the action for a build so I don’t do much shooting with it. Took a coyote at 150 or so and hasn’t taken anything else. Back up bear gun for if the ole recurve doesn’t do the trick.

What torque specs did you use with the action? How many rounds in a group? How’s your normal group size with a different rifle? Are groups stringing, scattered, couple here- couple there? Did you clean the bore real well and do the break in they suggest? Is the crown nice and free of nicks? Barrel free floating when on your rest? Did ya torque the screw closest to the barrel first and then the rear screw?
 
break in was done and as far as groups, 5 shots and some would string but most are just wide. I have several rifles that I predator hunt with and they all will shoot moa and most will shoot .5" to .6" groups most days as long as I do my part right. As far as the rifle itself, I really like it. Just want to get as much out of it as i can.
 
Barrel could be touching somewhere. Try that card trick, I’ve seen it work.

I’d take it all apart, clean everything real good, check for anything out of place under the action, and re go through torquing. Maybe do a lug bedding job, real easy.
 
What kind of rest are you shooting off of?

Were you using a rear bag?

How was the wind on the day you were shooting?

Others have made some great suggestions.

Keith
 
i have a weatherby 223, not a howa but same darn thing...cold bore its dead on, 2nd shot will be touching or within .25", 3rd goes about an 1" away from 1st 2 shots, every time....mine has a Bell & Carlson stock....im afraid to mess with it though.
 
I don’t know what your stock is like but my son bought a Howa in 6.5 creedmore changes to a boyd’s Stock and Pilar bedded it.One raged 5 hole group at a hundred every time.You could actually flex that stock easily with your hand.
 
My 223 Howa 1500 shoots best with factory Hornady 53g superformance. I ended up getting rid of my hogue stock and that is what made the most difference in shrinking groups. Went with a bell and carlson, made sure it was freefloated and bedded the recoil lug.
 
I bought one too but mine is a 243. Same exact Howa Kuiu model and I’m hugely disappointed to say the least. First the stock has a clear coat that started peeling after I took it to the range the first day. Second I couldn’t get it to group worth a darn after burning through a bunch of ammo following their break in process. When I called to verify their sub moa guarantee I couldn’t get an answer as to what ammo they consider premium to satisfy the requirements for them. I also asked about the stock peeling and received an email with an RA# stating I’d be responsible for paying shipping to send the stock back to them. What a crock. I’ve sent others back to Ruger and Remington for various reasons and never had to pay for anything. I own a bunch of Howa and Weatherby rifles and never had an accuracy issue with any of them until now.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogOP said the scope was purchased the same time as the rifle.

you have to eliminate one variable at a time and scope would be a good place to start
 
Well I have been working with this rifle for about a week and finally got it to shoot a few groups around .8" at 100 yards with some of my loads. Alot of my groups are like someone else said though. I can put 2 or possibly 3 rounds touching firing slowly to not heat up barrel and then fire another round and it might be 1.5" from the others. This is from a bench using bags and a good solid rest. Or sometime it would be first two rounds touching and then third fourth or fifth inches apart. Does seem like the more I shoot it the better it is shooting so going to keep trying. Haven't tried the upward pressure on barrel yet but will.
 
I bought my first Howa and we took it to the range. Shots 1&2 close together. Third one not close? This went on for a box of shells. Cleaning the rifle and found out that the rail that the scope was attached to had 2 loose screws. The rifle came with this picanny rail already attached from the factory. Took it back and the store and they put Loctite on it. Took to the range and everything was right after that. Rudy
 
Last edited:


Write your reply...
Back
Top