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Forum Index > Precision long range hunting and shooting > Replacement Barrel for Howa1500 Cal 6.5x55 Swe for long distance plate shooting

Replacement Barrel for Howa1500 Cal 6.5x55 Swe for long distance plate shooting

08 Nov 2016
@ 09:17 am (GMT)

Julian De Beer

Hi my first post ever. I have been informed that my 2nd hand Howa 6.5x55 Swe barrrel throat has been shot out to the extent that there is significant gas leakage backwards around the brass with 1.5gr less than max loads 142gr SMK. (Still managed to hit the plate at 1000m) I have been recommended to replace the barrel with a target barrel 28"-30" in 6.5-284 Norma caliber. I am aware of the issues with barrel life (800-1000 rounds) My question is what are the recommendations for long distance (1000m) target work for a replacement barrel for my rifle? I have a full aluminium Warrior target stock fitted. I prefer low recoiling calibers like the 6.5x55
Apologies for the long winded post and any suggestions will be much appreciated.
Julian

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08 Nov 2016
@ 06:34 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Replacement Barrel for Howa1500 Cal 6.5x55 Swe for long distance plate shooting
Hi Julian, welcome aboard.

Got to be honest, I have the feeling that you are being lead up the garden path. Not good.

The Howa 6.6x55 is designed with a long mil spec throat. People all too often assume that the throat is "extra long" or after some shooting may believe it has "worn out".

Even if the throat wears, powder fouling will not bleed back unless the rifle is suppressed.

What will cause it to bleed back is underloading and yours sounds very much underloaded. If the cases have been used over and over again, they will also be lacking maleability and are failing to seal the chamber during ignition.

If you wish to learn reloading in depth, you may want to read my reloading book. If your rifle will only shoot very soft loads, something is wrong with either your reloading or the action has been placed under stress when bolted to the chassis. This is where the rest of the book series starts to come into it, including the accurizing book steps for the Howa. The Howa needs a good deal of work before it can reach its full potential.

I believe the other forum members here will be in complete agreement as to causes.

As for builds. Your rifle is hopefully based on a long action. The magazine may only be blocked and should have plenty of length for a simple 6.5-06 conversion if you want more power. But in your current situation, you can gain a good 150fps just by loading your 6.5x55 case to its full potential, rather than soft loads that foul the chamber like a Snider.
09 Nov 2016
@ 02:13 am (GMT)

Chris Murphy

Re: Replacement Barrel for Howa1500 Cal 6.5x55 Swe for long distance plate shooting
Yes if your throat was shot out you would struggle to hit a target at 100 let alone 1000
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