I went to the range and tested four different loads and the imr 8208 xbr with 35.8 grains with 55 bal tips turned in a 4 shot group @ 100 yards 1/4''x 9/16''.
8208 with 52 grain sierra match came in second with 15/16'' x 3/16''.
imr 4064 36.3 grains w/52 sierra match 15/16'' x 1 7/16''.
imr 4064 36.3 grains w/55 bal tip 1 11/16'' x 1 3/4''.
This was the first time i shot the rifle so there maybe some operator error along with these numbers. 14 degrees might of played a roll too.
I like the rifle. Just like all rifles, they need tweaking. The bolt up and down is uncommonly stiff. I oiled it and greased it with little improvement. Found paint chips after bolt work. No wear marks on the bolt lugs where there should be marks is kinda spooky. Trigger measured just over 3 lbs. which also needs a little TLC to get group sizes down.
The design forearm is something I think a lot of manufactures should adopt. The evenness of the reward recoil is remarkable. I found placing the rear bag a challenge with the design it has.
I am suffering from carpal tunnel after working the scope power ring!
And having finished with the howa and then going to the kimber with a vx3 4.5-14 leupold optics was a monster difference. (See price difference.)
Pretty impressive right out of the box. Really like the camo except for the flakes showing up in the action area. Thanks for the help! You saved me time and $$$!