Savage Hog Hunter 223 vs Howa 1500 22-250

Samsquanch

Samsquanch

Active member
I have no doubt that the 22-250 has a quite a bit more punch than the smaller 223. I own both of these rifles. I bought the Howa for the simple reason of it being the caliber it was. I wanted more speed and energy downrange than the 223 could deliver. In my research before buying I had found that every person who owned a Howa seemed to be thoroughly impressed with the gun. Initially I was too but comparing the two on paper the little Savage was the clear winner holding a 5 shot group within 3/4" at 100 yards whereas the Howa could only stay within a couple inches! this was off of a bench and steady rest. It boggled my mind that there was as much variance as there was in the Howa. I could live with a 2" group as that's as big of an area as I'd need to hit on a coyote. I guess my question is has anyone else encountered a similar situation where a cheaper utilitarian type of gun would outperform a "higher end" type of rifle?
 
I have encountered the exact same thing. Stevens 22-250, Ruger ranch 223, Savage axis 223......blow the doors off my Weatherby Vanguard S2 (Howa 1500 action). All my budget rifles shoot so many different powders and bullets into 1/2 to 3/4 inch its not even funny. The S2 in 25-06 shoots everything at an inch with Barnes bullets doing half inch. It is by far the most fincky rifle I have delt with. The action and build are top notch but its a picky bastard with OAL.
 
I've fed the thing factory ammo as well as several different weights of hand loads trying to figure it out but like you said the budget guns just out compete it and it doesn't matter what I run through them!
 
Originally Posted By: SamsquanchI've fed the thing factory ammo as well as several different weights of hand loads trying to figure it out but like you said the budget guns just out compete it and it doesn't matter what I run through them!


I cant even count how many combos of powder charges, bullets and OAL testing I have done with my 25-06. I likes RL22 with 100grn Barnes TTSX and RL17 with 80grn Barnes TTSX, I will take it I supposed. I just bought a box of Sierra gamekings in 100grn to try with H4831 and RL22. This will be my last attempt at standard cup and core bullets. I am just going to stick with the Barnes. It never shot any factroy ammo below an inch, always right at an inch. I like the rifle but I kinda regret not buying a 700 CDL or just a Savage.
 
Many are those who have/had a Rem788 which would outshoot the
M700!

Sounds like the Howa needs some serious load workup, or the
barrel/chamber closely inspected. Is the stock pillared/bedded?

Even those who hate the Savages because of appearance will have
to admit that MOST are very accurate right out of the box. I
HAD one that did not, but have four that did.
 
I had a Howa mini in 223 and tried lots of loads and bullets,best I ever got was 1 1/2 inch group. I tried every thing I could think of,nothing worked. I finally gave up.
 
My buddy has a Howa that won't group until he get 50 or more rounds thru it and then it's good for maybe 150-200 rounds without cleaning. He won't clean it during hunting season. His is a 223 with heavy barrel.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top