Howa 1500 cut down to 16.5"

[txgunner00]

I got a 1500 mini for my daughter last year and it was just too long with a suppressor installed. Broke it down, cut to 16.5", rethreaded and reinstalled. It was a fairly simple project. I had to really get after it to break the barrel loose from the receiver. They had it torqued pretty well.


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Pretty sweet little shooter. No recoil and very quiet with the can (DeadAir Nomad Ti). Nice and balanced. You don't even notice it's installed. It got the job done this weekend.

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[kmon]

Good project and getting the rifle more manageable for your daughter

[northdude]

nice job

[Billinthedesert]

Well done, Dad! Hope your daughter has many more adventures with that little rifle.

[CJW]

TX00, That is am amazing project……

[biodsl]

I had to really get after it to break the barrel loose from the receiver. They had it torqued pretty well.

I've heard this about the Howa's. Nice project. And, again, congratulations on a successful hunt with your daughter. A great memory for both of you.

[BluntForceTrauma]

Cool. And good choice on the DA Nomad!

[JSH]

Curious how much speed you lost.
Had to do a relief cut the last mini we rebarreled.

[LRRPF52]

My 22” Howa did the following:

31.2gr CFE223 123gr A-MAX 2.253” COL Lapua brass 60deg F
2592fps average (10 shots)

From a 16.5”, that same load will do 2471fps

Hornady factory American Gunner 123gr BTHP same day/conditions
2458fps

From 16.5”, that will do 2343fps

129gr SST on LeveRevolution 2.310” COL Lapua brass
31.2 2485 2512
31.4 2530 2523
31.7 2534 2545
32.0 2572 2572 sticky bolt lift

From a 16.5”, the 31.7gr load would spit a 129gr SST at 2475fps.

Suppressor will add 11-20fps, depending on efficiency, baffle bore diameters, and length.

[weagle]

My 16 1/4" Howa Mini with IMR 8208 XBR and a 123 SST is doing 2427 fps. I think that's about optimum MV for the 123 SST, and I'm very impressed with the killing ability of that combo.

[tdbru]

job well done, but I am envious of the lathe. cool having those super tools around.

Glad your daughter is hunting with you. Count your blessings.

-tdbru