Thread: The Howikka Test Bed

I've got a Ziess HD5 3-15 coming, supposedly under 500gms/18oz. I'm also getting a Nielson sonic 35 as that should save a useful amount over the DPT.

My stock is walnut and currently 960gms, it might get a few grams removed from under the barrel and the butt.

Barrel is 530mm/21" and I've had the 77s at an honest 2960 but that's pushing 65,000psi according to GRT, which I'm not sure is a good idea in 223 brass. The 2930 is closer to 60,000psi which is a wee bit saner, especially if a cobber grabs a couple of rounds off ya. I'm not worried about brass life, it's a hunting rifle and it's mostly lost anyway. Brass is Geco, it's not showing any pressure signs at all and primer pockets are still good after 3 reloads. The big thing is mag length, I've got 61.5mm which is way more than the Sako 75/85 (with the consequence for them that anything over 2900 requires pressures beyond sensible).

Originally Posted by Tentman

I've got a Ziess HD5 3-15 coming, supposedly under 500gms/18oz. I'm also getting a Nielson sonic 35 as that should save a useful amount over the DPT.

My stock is walnut and currently 960gms, it might get a few grams removed from under the barrel and the butt.

Barrel is 530mm/21" and I've had the 77s at an honest 2960 but that's pushing 65,000psi according to GRT, which I'm not sure is a good idea in 223 brass. The 2930 is closer to 60,000psi which is a wee bit saner, especially if a cobber grabs a couple of rounds off ya. I'm not worried about brass life, it's a hunting rifle and it's mostly lost anyway. Brass is Geco, it's not showing any pressure signs at all and primer pockets are still good after 3 reloads. The big thing is mag length, I've got 61.5mm which is way more than the Sako 75/85 (with the consequence for them that anything over 2900 requires pressures beyond sensible).

You will save about 230grams in the scope. The Sonic is apparently 60grams heavier in standard form than the mini and I'm already only running 2 baffles. Your stock has an extra 300grams. I usually run at or near 60k then make sure I'm atleast a grain of any signs incase of field issues. I'm not mag limited in either the howa or tikka but I think you will find the albeit limited velocity data from my jump test surprising. I did.

What action are you using? I don't see you getting much lighter with your components so far. For reference a 19 inch kimber in 2.55kgs with a 200gram lighter stock, a very light barrel contour, a 200gram lighter scope, no suppressor.

Originally Posted by Tentman

I've got a Ziess HD5 3-15 coming, supposedly under 500gms/18oz. I'm also getting a Nielson sonic 35 as that should save a useful amount over the DPT.

My stock is walnut and currently 960gms, it might get a few grams removed from under the barrel and the butt.

Barrel is 530mm/21" and I've had the 77s at an honest 2960 but that's pushing 65,000psi according to GRT, which I'm not sure is a good idea in 223 brass. The 2930 is closer to 60,000psi which is a wee bit saner, especially if a cobber grabs a couple of rounds off ya. I'm not worried about brass life, it's a hunting rifle and it's mostly lost anyway. Brass is Geco, it's not showing any pressure signs at all and primer pockets are still good after 3 reloads. The big thing is mag length, I've got 61.5mm which is way more than the Sako 75/85 (with the consequence for them that anything over 2900 requires pressures beyond sensible).

I'm happy as larry shooting things with 80s out to 400+m at 2700-2800fps MV. Bear that in mind - is the extra 100fps worth fighting for ?