Howa Mini vs Savage custom build

[fasteddie]

Looking to dive into these grendels and considering a bolt setup using either the Howa mini barreled action or the action from a Savage 12fv. I really like the compactness, the short short-action, and low weight of the Howa (not that weight is a huge concern). From what I've read they're solid actions, good accuracy from the barreled action, and I intend to put it in a MDT chassis. The savage is a savage. I'll have to change the bolt head, swap barrels, probably put in a MDT chassis too. I think costs will be roughly the same. Pros/cons? Any suggestions?

[Doon]

You are better off going with the Howa, I have a savage I built before Grendels were available in bolt action.
Its shoots lights out but the only issue you may have is modifying mags for the MDT chassis.

I am also a lefty so that is why I went with the Savage, there are plenty of aftermarket parts for the Howa now including lightweight chassis.
The Savage you are very limited with chassis, my 20" MDT Grendel is about 9 lbs scoped.

[FLshooter]

IMO,It would cost far more to build a 6.5 Grendel using a savage 12 action. And as Doon stated,mags will be an issue.
You can probably get into a mini 6.5 Grendel barreled action and an Onyx chassis for $800.

[tdbru]

Doon,
i suspect the Savage will be heavier when finished than the mini howa, though a lot of that my end up being how much different in weight a chassis system is for either. if target/bench shooting only, the weight is usually a good thing for accuracy. if hunting, i prefer light weight to heavy weight, but to each their own. i have the mini howa in a B&C sporter stock with Jefferson Outdoors flush bottom metal. handy, trim, and good fit. also no risk of losing the mag while out in the field. of the 3 mini's that i am aware of (Zastava M85, CZ527, and the Mini Howa) i prefer the design/execution of the mini howa barreled action the best, that's why i have it. again, your preferences may be different. the mini howa tupperware; stock, bottom "metal", and magazine were a disappointment for me. but since you're going the Chassis route anyway, that won't matter. well, maybe the magazine i suppose. the tupperware stock, bottom metal, and magazine was why i ditched them and went with JO flush bottom metal and B&C sporter stock. but if you're just getting a barreled action, and then a chassis system, you may not need anything other than magazines.
have fun.
-tdbru

[fasteddie]

Appreciate the input so far.

[grayfox]

Mags+reliable feeding is the main issue, all I was able to do is to have a slightly complicated single-feed rifle, criterion barrel. Couldn't make the mag-feeding work so I gave up on it.

[FloorPoor]

I would go with the Howa barreled action. If you are going to use a standard short action, you might as well go with a 6.5CM or a .260 Rem.
The best thing about the Grendel is that it fits in an extra short action, but still delivers decent performance. If you're going to have the extra length and weight of a larger action, you should have increased performance as well.