So I went ahead and finally built the rifle I've been envisioning for the last few months. It is very loosely based on a m40a5 look:
Build details are:
-Howa Mini 223 HB barreled action from Brownells
-B&C M40 Stock
-DIP Inc Bottom metal and mag release
-TBAC 1/2-28 flash hider and TBAC .30 Ultra 7
-Outer Impact 20 MOA rail
-Leupold Mk3hd 3-9x40 Mil-Dot
-Harris BRM
-M1907 sling
I've decided on using 53gr V-max as the primary load. With 25.4gr H335 I am getting 1/2 MOA groups at 3120 fps. One of the big gripes about the leupold mk3hd is that it maxes out at 5.6 mil. For my purposes with shooting moderate weight 223, this allows for about 700 yards of elevation. This distance is right about where the bullet goes transonic, so I am happy with the max distance. Another complaint with the Mk3hd is the thick reticle. With the non-fire dot models, the reticle is very crisp and this scope has a nice mil-dot. I am very happy with it. The HACT trigger on the rifle is pretty great. I clipped a coil off the trigger spring and now have a very nice and light 2 stage trigger.
I am very happy with how the rifle turned out. These howa minis are diamonds in the rough. Many of the parts they come with leave much to be desired but with some inexpensive upgrades, they can be made into excellent rifles. I expect this rifle to put down many groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes in the years to come. It is a super fun rifle to play around with at the range as well.
Build details are:
-Howa Mini 223 HB barreled action from Brownells
-B&C M40 Stock
-DIP Inc Bottom metal and mag release
-TBAC 1/2-28 flash hider and TBAC .30 Ultra 7
-Outer Impact 20 MOA rail
-Leupold Mk3hd 3-9x40 Mil-Dot
-Harris BRM
-M1907 sling
I've decided on using 53gr V-max as the primary load. With 25.4gr H335 I am getting 1/2 MOA groups at 3120 fps. One of the big gripes about the leupold mk3hd is that it maxes out at 5.6 mil. For my purposes with shooting moderate weight 223, this allows for about 700 yards of elevation. This distance is right about where the bullet goes transonic, so I am happy with the max distance. Another complaint with the Mk3hd is the thick reticle. With the non-fire dot models, the reticle is very crisp and this scope has a nice mil-dot. I am very happy with it. The HACT trigger on the rifle is pretty great. I clipped a coil off the trigger spring and now have a very nice and light 2 stage trigger.
I am very happy with how the rifle turned out. These howa minis are diamonds in the rough. Many of the parts they come with leave much to be desired but with some inexpensive upgrades, they can be made into excellent rifles. I expect this rifle to put down many groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes in the years to come. It is a super fun rifle to play around with at the range as well.
