6.5 Grendel

[martinakl]

On topic. I did have a Howa Mini in Grendel that I sold a few years ago. Lever Evolution was a good powder for speed. I had good results with that and Berger 130gr OTM's. I still have a few loaded rounds for when I buy another one in 6.5G.

 

[Oso]

That’s kind of my hold up on it. Barreled action and a stock are already getting close to a Tikka factory rifle price, then if you have to start replacing stuff on the Mini.

The day that Tikka decides to offer their rifle chambered in Grendel/ARC cartridges!

 

[jghoghunter]

I know that there was a huge issue with the Howa factory polymer magazine for the 6.5 Grendel, and it was hit or miss whether the factory magazines would work. I don't know if this was also an issue with their 223 magazines so do a search specific on the 223 magazines.

There are three (3) work arounds for the Grendel magazine issue:

(1) Oregunsmithing LLC offers an aftermarket replacement bottom metal with hinged floor plate/internal magazine ($185). Offered in two configurations: .223 and 7.62x39/Grendel/ARC.
Oregunsmithing - Howa Mini Bottom Metal (Hinged Floor Plate with Internal Magazine)

(2) Jefferson Outdoors offers an aftermarket replacement bottom metal with either a Hinged Floor Plate with Internal Magazine ($175) or a replacement bottom metal that fits a CZ 527 magazines ($125). Offered in two configurations: .223 and 7.62x39/Grendel/ARC. You will need to purchase the CZ Metal Magazines separately.
Jefferson Outdoors - Howa Mini Bottom Metal (Hinged Floor Plate with Internal Magazine)
Jefferson Outdoors - Howa Mini Bottom Metal for CZ Magazine

(3) MDT is now offering a replacement bottom metal ($180) and also a hybrid magazine (10rnd) that appears to have a metal upper half (ensure consistent dimensions and feed) with the lower half being a Howa polymer mag ($120 mag). Offered in two configurations: .223 and 7.62x39/Grendel/ARC.
MDT Howa Mini Bottom Metal
MDT Howa Mini Magazine

Oregun and Jefferson has not had their bottom metal available for over 2 years.

 

[Oso]

Oregun and Jefferson has not had their bottom metal available for over 2 years.

Not to be Contrary, but you have your fact wrong. They both had a Howa Mini bottom metal upgrade available/for sale since mid-2020. After a bit of contemplation, I purchased my bottom metal hinged floor plate from Oregunsmithing in Aug. 2020. At the same time Jefferson Outdoors (aka "Hookey") had an earlier version of his upgraded bottom metal with internal magazine (slightly different from Oregunsmithing). Since then Jefferson Outdoors has refined his internal magazine version as well as developed the bottom metal with adapter for CZ527 magazines.

If you have any doubts then head over to the 65Grendel Forum and go search the threads discussing the Howa Mini and solutions to its Achille's heel (factory magazine).

 

[mike.e]

If you like the Howa Mini's there is a long thread running here.
Kiwi made Howa mini ultralight chassis a reality?
Apparently the one below is below 2kg (4.4lb) as pictured.

 

[jghoghunter]

Not to be Contrary, but you have your fact wrong. They both had a Howa Mini bottom metal upgrade available/for sale since mid-2020. After a bit of contemplation, I purchased my bottom metal hinged floor plate from Oregunsmithing in Aug. 2020. At the same time Jefferson Outdoors (aka "Hookey") had an earlier version of his upgraded bottom metal with internal magazine (slightly different from Oregunsmithing). Since then Jefferson Outdoors has refined his internal magazine version as well as developed the bottom metal with adapter for CZ527 magazines.

If you have any doubts then head over to the 65Grendel Forum and go search the threads discussing the Howa Mini and solutions to its Achille's heel (factory magazine).

Every time I called neither had any available. But I must have checked at the wrong times. No problem I just picked some up on the used market.

 

[Oso]

I was on the waiting list "Notify When In Stock". The moment the email hit my Inbox I ordered it within minutes. I just received the Jefferson Outdoors one last month after waiting a few months for it to come back in stock.

 

[EdHarley]

I have Howa mini actions in 6.5 Grendel, with the MDT chassis. Both shot factory ammo like crap. I used a load developed for the Grendel in a gas gun and it shot 0.2mils to 1000yds. Not bad for a factory gun.
Lapua brass, SMK or ELDM 123, CCI 41, 28.0gn of AR Comp.
Have also used the Sierra Gameking 130 with 27.5gn of powerpro varmint that grouped well but have not shot it to 1000. May be better for deer.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Brownells shows they have the mini barreled actions in 6mmArc in stock today.

 

[284winner]

Brownells shows they have the mini barreled actions in 6mmArc in stock today.

Another great option. I chose the 6.5 because of the big heavier bullet option and closer range shooting. Not that it won't shoot 600/1000 yard targets but for a 100-200 yard deer gun, I preferred then 120-130 class bullets or bit lighter solids. The ARC would be another good option for this also. Matter of preference.

 

[284winner]

I would love to see a 120-125 ELDM come out in the 257 caliber. I think one day I'd consider a 25 Grendel using that combo.

 

[Hudge76]

I put the DIP bottom metal on mine. Jefferson and Oregon Gunsmithing were both out at the time.

 

[284winner]

I put the DIP bottom metal on mine. Jefferson and Oregon Gunsmithing were both out at the time.

How do you like that DIP stuff ? Do they make mags or do you use the Howa factory mags ?

 

[Oso]

The DIP bottom metal is a replacement for the factory plastic bottom metal. It is for use with the factory Howa Mini magazines.

DPI - Upgrade Bottom Metal for Howa Mini

 

[284winner]

The DIP bottom metal is a replacement for the factory plastic bottom metal. It is for use with the factory Howa Mini magazines.

DPI - Upgrade Bottom Metal for Howa Mini

Ok. That's kinda what I figured when I saw the plastic mags in the DIP bottom metal. So the basic advantage is mostly to allow full torque specs of the action bolts rather than possibly cracking the plastic in the cheaper Howa bottom ?

 

[Hudge76]

Ok. That's kinda what I figured when I saw the plastic mags in the DIP bottom metal. So the basic advantage is mostly to allow full torque specs of the action bolts rather than possibly cracking the plastic in the cheaper Howa bottom ?

The DIP is fine. I really wanted the JO bottom metal, it waited several months for it. I do like I can torque it down.

 

[flatlander]

I bought a few of the DIP DBMs when I first started building customs on the Mini action; aside from the kinda clunky appearance of their rectangular-shaped triggerguard, I've never had a problem with them. But when I found the Hokie-Pokey Kid/Jefferson Outdoors DBMs over on the 6.5 Grendel forum, I ordered in some of his, and found that they work at least as well as DIP, and they have a nicer-looking traditionally shaped TG. Their website claims that they weren't getting nearly as many requests for the DBMs as they were for the hinged floorplate bottom metal, so they only make a run of the DBMs once or twice a year. I went to their website and got on the waiting list, then placed an order for four of them the same day I received the email saying that they were available. I also bought a couple of the units that take the CZ527 mags - need to try one on my Mini in 22 Grinch to see if it feeds any better than the Howa poly mag does in DIP DBM. For whatever reason, this particular B&C M40 style stock tends to let the bolt ride over either 22 Grendel or 22 Grinch rounds. I put the stock in the mill vise and milled .020" off the bottoms of both pillars which did improve reliability of feeding somewhat, but it still isn't working as well as a Mini with a Bartlein bbl in 6.5 Grendel does in another B&C M40 stock.

 

[flatlander]

After posting the reply above, I went out to the shop & grabbed one of the Jefferson Outdoors DBMs for use with CZ527 mags, then dug out the spare CZ mag I'd bought after reading about this DBM. Swapped out the DIP DBM for the new Jefferson CZ bottom metal in the Mini chambered for 22 Grinch, and after removing the striker assembly from the Mini's bolt, ran a trial with 5rds of Grinch FF ammo loaded with Hornady 75 AMax bullets - they fed out of that 527 mag perfectly, much smoother than when running them out of the Howa poly mags in the DIP DBM. Great! - now all I have to do is find a few more of the 527 mags, and I'm all set. Not only does the 527 mag solve the feeding issue I was having, but it slips into the Jefferson DBM and latches just as easily & slick as it feeds rounds! Hokie-Pokie Kid, you rock!

 

[284winner]

Stock arrived from Stockys. Needed some barrel inletting due to contact at the fore end where the barrel extends. I think the Stockys are cut for the Sporter barrel. Not sure why they ask which barrel profile your ordering for when they need inletting regardless. Stock weighed 20oz as advertised. Complete rifle with scope comes in at exactly 7lbs loaded with 6 rounds. Very light.

 

[284winner]

Where are you guys finding mags for the mini action ? I'd like a couple more but I see they are all out of stock everywhere.