A Howa Mini build. The Ultimate action to build on.......
- Thread starter jbmauser
- Start date
Very nice, nearly perfect, Henry Rempel got 1.5 oz out of my bolt and handle although the fluting wasn’t spiral, then he slabbed the action for another 1.5 oz......if you want a stainless 7.62x39, in an action scaled to match, without a detachable mag.
This started out as a barreled action from Prophet River to which I added a Pendelton stock and Jefferson Outdoors blind mag. In an effort to cut weight I used a carbide masonry bit to hollow out the bolt knob then sent the bolt to PR Precision to have it fluted. Each of those mods removed a whopping .2 of an oz for a total of .4 oz weight shaved off the bolt. The fluting was pretty expensive for the weight saved but I've never had a fluted bolt and just wanted one. Paul at PR did an amazing job and the turn around time was fast.
My trusty old Leupold 3-9x33 Ultralight in Talley Lightweights top off the rifle for a scoped weight of 5lbs 3.4oz.
I developed 3 hunting loads for it using mono bullets and will be working on a fourth at some point soon. The first load I developed uses the Barnes 110gr TAC-TX designed for the .300 BLK and it's the most accurate so far. Groups under 1" are the norm. The next one I worked up with the Barnes 150gr TSX designed for the .30-30. This bullet is designed to expand down to 1400fps so it should be perfect for the ranges I'll be using the 7.62. Accuracy is averaging just over the 1" mark. Third load uses Fox 123gr bullets designed for the 7.62 and again, they're right around that 1" mark the rifle seems to shoot most things at so far. At the time I was developing the 110gr and 150gr loads, the Barnes 123gr TSX designed specifically for the 7.62 was out of stock everywhere but now that it's back in and I have a good stock pile of it I'll be working up a load using that bullet. It's an awesome performer and has worked very well on many deer and bear out of my daughter's rifle for years now.
With the Jefferson Outdoors blind mag you can take advantage of a longer COL. All of these are seated out well beyond spec.
Here it is on a northern SK whitetail hunt last weekend. Haven't shot any game with it yet but it is a real pleasure to carry.
So since you aren’t done yet I would have had a 6.5g barrel in stainless come for it instead and finally the trigger, I hate the squishy over travel, cheap stamped safety and two stage. The blade also feels cheapish so I think timney was on my list. I got my donor action before stainless was a brief option here. If it’s a current option then right on. Jefferson hinged bottom and Cz bottom for mine and I like the hinged but for kids I like the detach mag, the hinged feeds smoother though. You got the right stock!
So close to perfect lol. I’d take your bolt though that’s purdy. When you refresh it one day now you have a couple ideas lol. I’ll take 500 plus yard (21st century) potential from the 6.5 123gr eldm though. Becomes a great range toy and coyotes etc. Cant wear one out, same as yours in that regard.
Perfect scope you have also. Love the 4x33 on mine, centers awesome. I could do either and still call it perfect.
We can hunt sheep here so mountain type mentality always in my builds. And max versatility also, max from powder burned is the 6.5g. 6 arc has trade offs but close second, 1. It’s a 6mm and means bullets under 120gr which is the big one for me. Makes it like all other 6mm...niche and less versatile.
One of the best ones I’ve seen yet.
But as I’ve said, it’s a ton of fack around and find out to get there. So many dollars to do a howa right. Not sure why they can’t figure it out. They got a great little action if you can get it in stainless. Everything else you have to do yourself with your wallet and your machinest.
Gave up on mini stainless dome right and went sako 90 peak in 308 to get a rifle done more than right, perfect. Kimber would be a project but also where I wish I went first before Sako. Neither of them will do a xs action in my lifetime sadly but it will come as people keep learning the power of the x39 case with modern bullets. Just a matter of time till quality scaled rifles come down the line instead of the budget sh1t we have to faafo to death and still live with compromises. Sako even has xs action it could get in the x39 game. They are so slow to react though.
Ah and then imagine the day we can suppress. A little Tbac ultra 5 would be so sweet on these 30 gr powder burners. I digress. Builds been in my mind for so long, nice to see how far we’ve come though.
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Thanks for the ideas! I never thought about slabbing the action! Will have to look into that.
I have thought about the Timney trigger. The safety does look nicer on them, as long as I can retain the 3 position part.
I don't think I'll ever change the barrel on this one as I really like the 7.62 and have a ton of components/loaded ammo but a 6.5G build is definitely something I have thought about many times. That would be a sweet rig done up similar to this.
Thanks for the confirmation. I'll have a watch for some 6.5 Grendel brass next time I order reloading supplies and give it a try.
Cheers
Just thought I’d update this with the first deer I’ve taken with it. Huge bodied old mature forest buck. Shot distance was around 4-6yds, my mind is a little fuzzy on exactly where it all took place. Bullet was the 150gr TSX designed for the 30-30. Smashed the heaviest bone in the near shoulder, smashed ribs both sides and stopped when it hit the far side scapula. Retained weight was 143.5gr. Not sure what to make of that.
I shouldered it but aimed sort of like shotgun style lol. No scope. It happened so fast and so close.
Nice buck, perfect bullet performance. Job well done 
. I’ve got a Mini in 6mmARC, just bedded it into a B&C stock. Hopefully will match the factory stock accuracy. Using 90gr ELD-X, maybe I need to take it out for a walk for the last few days of White Tail season.
. I’ve got a Mini in 6mmARC, just bedded it into a B&C stock. Hopefully will match the factory stock accuracy. Using 90gr ELD-X, maybe I need to take it out for a walk for the last few days of White Tail season.
I haven’t fired any steel case through either of my mini’s so can’t provide any personal experience but I’ve read they do fine with steel case ammo.
I like this action, but really don't need another 7.62x39. I think one of these in 6 ARC would be an interesting combo. - dan
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Haven’t ran any of the loads over a chrony yet. I need to do that.
