Howa 30/06

[ILVGUNS]

Hi everyone.

I currently have a howa 30/06 and am quite happy with the caliber itself but was wondering how affective they are for this sport.

I was going to buy a barrel but was not sure What length barrel and twist rate should I be looking at.

I was also wanting some recomendation on what ammunition to use I.e projectile weight powder to use etc.

Any infomation or recomendation would be muchly appricihated

cheers
James

[Paul Janzso]

Hi James

If you want to rebarrel, go for a Krieger 1:10 twist, 28 - 30 inch long, ( the longer the better ) heavy varmint profile.
SARA keeps and imports Krieger barrels on a regular basis, contact # 08 82445533.

As for projectile weight, the 1:10 will stabalize heavy 30cal projectiles. You could try the 190gn VLD Berger's, 200gn MK Sierras or the 210gn VLD Bergers as well.

Cheers
Paul

[AlanF]

James,

Firstly, 30/06 will restrict you to F-Class Open. The only 30/06 I have seen was an Ackley Improved version, but a standard 30/06 would be a good chambering also, but I would recommend a rifle built to the maximum weight limit (of 10Kg) to minimise recoil. In addition to Paul's comments above your chamber would need to be throated long enough to suit the heavy projectiles.

Regarding your Howa, if you want to have a competitive rifle I'm afraid to say that you could have a lot of expense to get it modified, and maybe the only component you keep will be the action. Even the action may need some "truing" work by an experienced gunsmith to improve on factory tolerances, and possibly sleeving to improve its rigidity. You will probably need a different (BR style) stock, with a highly stable bedding method, a higher magnification quality scope with suitable reticule and a sloping Weaver mounting rail.

For these reasons I would leave your Howa as a hunting rifle, and either buy or have a custom F-Class rifle built. If you were doing that you may even decide on a different calibre, although as I said above, the 30/06 would hold its own with just about anything if you can handle the recoil.

What you could do is bring your 30/06 to a range on a day when they're shooting a maximum range of about 500 yds, and have a shoot, and if you like it, talk to the other shooters about options for getting a competitive F-Class rifle.

I hope this helps you avoid a few pitfalls.

Alan

[ILVGUNS]

Hi guys thanks for the help there is definately some fruit for thought there and I will try and make my way to a range day ove the next few months ( or when work eases up)

maybe a purpose built rifle is the way to go but I will brin my gun up to a range day and have a wirl then make a descision.

cheers again for the help guys

James.