Thread: Howa Mini 223 COAL, loads etc

Hey lads just picked up one of these with a 1:8 twist. Got me interested in reloading 223 again. Just wondering what kind of over all length the wee magazines support - I'm used to loading to 2.260" with AR mags.

Also any projectiles or loads found to work well in these etc

I've got a tonne of various factory ammo to try out as well.

Cheers

About 2.300" is as long as I could fit in a mag iirc. With a 1:8 I'd be looking at the 70gr+ projectiles.

Pick a bullet not known for jump sensitivity, if you can't be arsed with tedious load dev. The 77gr TMK whilst pricey is easy to get to shoot and dynamite on game. I shoot the 69's and they're punching well above their weight so far.

I'm looking at trying to push the 62gr Speer Gold Dots with a case full of Power Pro 2000/Belmont 763.

Are the throats quite long?

Mine was a 1:9. A 65gr SGK would touch the rifling at 2.320" COAL, if my notes are correct.

763 is quite slow for caibre, it gets really good speed at the top end (I got 55's up to 3400 in a 24" barrel, up around 29gr iirc) but ignition was quite erratic since it's just so slow. Much below max, the cases necks were so dirty that it was obvious they weren't obturating fully. Kinda all or nothing with that weight of bullet. Muzzle blast was pretty violent too - you'd think I was shooting a 308 and it'd be even worse in a shorter barrel.

Might be a bit better with a 62, but a case full of 2206H or 8208 would still be my pick. Much cleaner burning and still good speeds.

8 twist use BM2. Run it in our Tikkas with 65gr Sierra. 2.250 OAL.

They love the 77gr belmont bulk stuff

Originally Posted by Tommy

They love the 77gr belmont bulk stuff

Yup just had it up to the range, stacks it. Love this rig.

@Beavis, where did you get yours from? I see reloaders have the blued Mini Standard 22" for $549 but It doesn't state twist? What size mag do they have?

@Timmay got it second hand. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, love mine so far. Mine has the normal 10 shot mag. Definitely prefers heavier/longer projectiles over 55's. All the new Howa minis should have a 1:8 twist.

@Beavis thank you for that. Sorry I should have been clearer, whats the size internally of the mag ie what COAL does it allow you to load to?

Does anyone know where else I can find the Barreled Action Blued Mini .223 22" Standard? Reloaders website isnt showing stock.

Originally Posted by Timmay

@Beavis thank you for that. Sorry I should have been clearer, whats the size internally of the mag ie what COAL does it allow you to load to?

Does anyone know where else I can find the Barreled Action Blued Mini .223 22" Standard? Reloaders website isnt showing stock.

To be honest with you I haven't measured, just loaded to mag length. I think the internal mag length is about the same as an AR mag so about 2.26". Shoots mint still.

Now I've found my calipers I'll measure some rounds tonight