Thread: Howa Mini Match Barrel 1:8 load

finally got my howa mini 223 to shoot. The new rifle (match barrel) arrived shooting 3-4 inches whatever the projectiles I have tried. I then chopped the 1/2-20 UNF thread and replaced it with 18x1 thread. The group shrinks by half. So if your mini doesn't shoot you might want look into removing the factory thread. I read some other people have no issues with the factory thread, maybe just my bad luck.
Two projectiles shoot well now. Hornady 68gr hpbt, the SMK 69 gr. Both loaded with 26 grain 2208 and with max magazine length. Speed is about 2920 for both. My barrel is about 20". Also tried barns 55gran TTSX, 55 Hornady vmax, and 73gr ELD-M. the ELD-M need jump long way if loaded to magazine length so probably is the reason not shooting well. Interestingly the very cheap Remington 55grain softpoint shoots well, with 24grain 2208, average about 1", and I paid 25.00 for 100, wish I bought more now...
Below are the groups: left is smk, right is 68gr. Not sure about the flyer. It was windy at range. The distance is 100M