First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

[z400acdc]

Hello guys! I just traded my Marlin 883ss for a Howa 1500 in 223. I gave my fatherinlaw a $100 and the 22mag for the Howa. I am a double amputee and needed something with a little more range than the 22mag. Its had less than a box of 20 ran through it. Its a blue rifle with wood stock.
OK, Its my first center fire and I stuck a Barsks 4-16x40 I had on it and set it up at 100 yards. Shooting off the bypod, it would group under 2inches. Not bad off a plastic picknic table. What is your view of the Howa? What does Howa mean? What is a nice UNDER $200 scope? At what distance should I set a scope to keep it a FLAT shooter up to 200 yards? What ammo brand should I use for yotes, groundhog....???
THANKS!!!!!

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

It is good to see that you are involved in shooting despite your "disability". First, It would be best to obtain a more stable platform to shoot from. With the "proper" ammo your rifle should shoot closer to 1 inch groups. Federal, Hornady, Black Hills ammo would be good places to start. Howa may mean "Me". Not sure on that. It is the name of a Japanese manufacturing company, where your rifle was made. Really it would be best to add another $100 on your scope purchase. Super Sniper, Bushnell or Nikon all have good scopes for the $ in that price range. A 6X, 3x9, or 10X scope will get you to 200 yds. and beyond. Your eyesight and size of target would determine just how far. There is nothing wrong with a Howa rifle for your intended purposes. Welcome and good shootin.

 

[z400acdc]

Re: First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

At what distance should I zero in the 223 to be a flat shooter up to 200 yards?

 

[KeithR41]

Re: First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ported head</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At what distance should I zero in the 223 to be a flat shooter up to 200 yards? </div></div>

200.

41

 

[chemist1]

Re: First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

As far as the scope goes it depends on what you want to do with the rifle. I have 2 vortex vipers a 2-7X32 and a 6.5-20x44 and love them for what I paid. Currently cammeraland has 3-9X40 for 179.00 which is a lot of scope for that price.

 

[BarryMaslen]

Re: First post, Howa hunter 1500 .223 ????

For a $200 scope budget Vortex makes some decent glass. Great customer service as well.