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+--- Thread: Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom (/showthread.php?tid=25543)
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - Sammy - 04-04-2023
I just discovered something interesting.
My Howa Mini had this weird behavior: every 4-5 shots, I would have an odd flyaway that would ruin the grouping. I blamed my shooting and reloading skills and dedicated a lot of time to trying to improve them. Nothing helped! I would start an incredibly tight group for the first three shots row, only to have one be 1" off to the side. Frustrating to no end! A month ago, I decided to replace the plastic bottom with a metal one from DIP which I torqued to 50lb. On the very next outing to the range, the odd flyaways disappeared! The metal bottom removed ALL unexplainable flyaways! Of course, some flyaways were caused by me, without a doubt. You know that feeling you get when you press the trigger and already know you messed up? I've been out twice and have shot north of 80 rounds at various distances: there were NO strays that I did not cause!
If anyone struggles with inconsistent precision, I strongly suggest you upgrade the bottom metal first!
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - Harpoon1 - 04-05-2023
Sammy Wrote:I just discovered something interesting.
My Howa Mini had this weird behavior: every 4-5 shots, I would have an odd flyaway that would ruin the grouping. I blamed my shooting and reloading skills and dedicated a lot of time to trying to improve them. Nothing helped! I would start an incredibly tight group for the first three shots row, only to have one be 1" off to the side. Frustrating to no end! A month ago, I decided to replace the plastic bottom with a metal one from DIP which I torqued to 50lb. On the very next outing to the range, the odd flyaways disappeared! The metal bottom removed ALL unexplainable flyaways! Of course, some flyaways were caused by me, without a doubt. You know that feeling you get when you press the trigger and already know you messed up? I've been out twice and have shot north of 80 rounds at various distances: there were NO strays that I did not cause!
If anyone struggles with inconsistent precision, I strongly suggest you upgrade the bottom metal first!
You might be able to shrink your groups even more with this technique.
https://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/savage-action-screw-torque-tuning/
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - Stinky Coyote - 04-05-2023
And even more perhaps by selling it and grabbing a ruger instead.
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - Sammy - 04-05-2023
Stinky Coyote Wrote:And even more perhaps by selling it and grabbing a ruger instead.
Selling a rifle in a middle of a journey of discovery and learning? No way! I built this rifle to learn, and it definitely taught me a few things. I am already at a point where the rifle shoots better than my skills allow. I will try Harpoon1's suggestion and then convert it into a light-hunter since the only hunting rifle I have is a long-distance/big game one(300PRC).
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - northdude - 04-10-2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAdR9ezUPgg
Interesting discovery Howa Mini plastic vs aluminum bottom - Sammy - 04-10-2023
Great video! I particularly like the trick with metal inserts in the plastic bottom. Thank you!