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Howa Carbon 6.5 PRC

Nomosendero

I noticed Howa has a Carbon Barrel Rifle in 6.5 PRC and with a HS Precision Stock. I like the action thou a little heavier than some and I have Remington's with that stock, which has done well, what I don't know is who makes the barrel.
It appears to be a lot of specs for the money.

Just scroll down to see it.: 2021_lsi_catalog_LR-LQ_V2.pdf (howausa.com)

Does anyone have the total scoop on these.
 
What I think you will find is that there is no advantage to carbon wrapped barrel other than weight savings. Arguably, most carbon barrels cost 2x-3x price of premium custom barrel and don't delivery the accuracy or precision. This is the double edged sword.... reduced weight at expense of precision. So not worth the cost for most unless plan to hike mountain ranges with it on your back for 1 shot at an elusive elk.

The only caveat is that Bartlein announced a year or so ago their production of a proprietary carbon wrapped barrel that they extensively tested and had proven the same level of accuracy and precision as their custom stainless barrels. If this holds water then it is the Holy Grail.

Sorry - I had to go back a couple of times an gawk at the Howa.... Silk Purse!!! Howa is an average action - not spectacular, but good value for the money. It isn't the action that I would use for a custom build. Especially if i was planning to throw on an over-priced barrel with no guarantee of accuracy beyond MOA.... Too much money for marginal... and you are SCREWED if there is a problem... Who needs customer service?!

Wasn't Stocky's offering a non-name carbon barrel under their Brand. I wonder if there rifles are using both the Stocky's Carbon Fiber Stock and their Carbon Fiber barrel?
 
I already know that weight is the only advantage and the cost is not much of an issue with this one, likely could get a street price of $1,100.00 or so, a bit lower than the Savage and I do NOT like that stock. And the HS stock fits me fine. The resale is a factor, could be like a Savage.
So, back to my OP, I wonder who makes the barrel, it appears none of us know at this point.
 
It looks to be a BSF barrel; have one on a -10 platform and i'm impressed. No point in talking groups in semi vs bolt; but what I'll say is that it performs far better than expectations on an AR platform.

-Mac
 
FWIW, I have a heavy barrel Howa 1500 in .308 and a Mini 1500 in 7.62X39 and both shoot well above what I would have expected for what they cost.
 
I've done a number of custom builds on Howa actions; never had a complaint from a customer on any of them. No argument that they don't run as smooth as a M700 with an oversize bolt lapped to fit, or as a custom action, but they're reliable and accurate when set up with a custom barrel with a good chamber. I've used Bell&Carlson & McMillan stocks on several of them - good selection of stocks are available. The HACT triggers are easily tuned for a safe, clean break of 1.5lbs by snipping a coil off a spring, EGW & others make 20 MOA scope bases.

Same can be said for the Howa Mini actions - I've done several for myself, including 20 Tactical, 223AI, 22 Grendel, 6 RAT, and 6.5 Grendel. Biggest downside is the cheap plastic DBM and over-priced plastic magazines. But DIP & Jefferson Outdoors both make good quality aluminum DBMs, and Jefferson also makes a hinged floorplate conversion to get rid of the plastic mags and provide a flush bottom metal that really classes-up the appearance of the little Mini action. Would I rather build on a Sako L461 Vixen action? - you betcha!! But good luck finding one at a reasonable price, and there's more aftermarket support for the Howa Mini anyway.
 
Nomo,
You might give Wayne York at Oregunsmithing a call. He's a Howa dealer and tears alot of them down to make custom rifles. Maybe, just maybe, there are markings on the barrel tenon that would indicate who made them. Wayne also offers a 18oz stock and aluminum bottom metal (hinged floorplate) for the Howa Minis. I have both and they have made a tremendous difference.

Has your wife used a 6.5x55 hunting rifle in the past?

68W40
 
68W40 said:
Nomo,
You might give Wayne York at Oregunsmithing a call. He's a Howa dealer and tears alot of them down to make custom rifles. Maybe, just maybe, there are markings on the barrel tenon that would indicate who made them. Wayne also offers a 18oz stock and aluminum bottom metal (hinged floorplate) for the Howa Minis. I have both and they have made a tremendous difference.

Has your wife used a 6.5x55 hunting rifle in the past?

68W40
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info, worth checking.
My Wife has used the 6.5 x 55 for 30 years or so, taking 25-30 Whitetails, a couple of Antelope and 1 young Bull Elk with it.
 
68W40 said:
Nomo,
I thought that you might be the same person from GBO. Please let us know what your research discovers.

68W40 (Dinny)
Click to expand...
Graybeardoutdoors ? I was small bore forum and medium bore forum Moderator for years.
Then they went a different direction and so did I.
 
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