Howa - Super Lite - 308

[higherview]

Knowing that you are not giving advice, and that I need to carefully work up my own safe loads for my SL 308, I'd love to hear the load data for that 150g TTSX at 3005. That sounds like the perfect spot if I work up to it without signs of pressure. TIA

My loads is 2% over the max charge listed in the Speer #12 manual (which is 50gr) with WW 748 using Magtech #9.5 LR primers in Winchester cases, COL 2.43". Formerly I used CCI BR-2 primers but I can not notice any difference with using the Magtech in this load. This is over max according to the manuals I have checked, but I have no pressure signs. When sighted in at 200 yards the 130TTSX is -3.7 at 300 yards the 150 is -5.6, which makes these loads versatile and interchangeable past 300 yards in this gun. I am working up loads in nickel cases and expect I can duplicate this, if so I will switch to nickel cases for the 150's so it is easier to tell the two loads apart at a glace and without the need to look at the head stamp or bullet seating (the 150gr is seated out further than the factory 130 which is only COL 2.71).

 

[lightning3m1]

My loads is 2% over the max charge listed in the Speer #12 manual (which is 50gr) with WW 748 using Magtech #9.5 LR primers in Winchester cases, COL 2.43". Formerly I used CCI BR-2 primers but I can not notice any difference with using the Magtech in this load. This is over max according to the manuals I have checked, but I have no pressure signs. When sighted in at 200 yards the 130TTSX is -3.7 at 300 yards the 150 is -5.6, which makes these loads versatile and interchangeable past 300 yards in this gun. I am working up loads in nickel cases and expect I can duplicate this, if so I will switch to nickel cases for the 150's so it is easier to tell the two loads apart at a glace and without the need to look at the head stamp or bullet seating (the 150gr is seated out further than the factory 130 which is only COL 2.71).

Thanks for the info! some of my pet loads are also above listed max, but I get there methodically as well.

 

[higherview]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but can someone measure the muzzle diameter for me around three barrel lengths. I am unsure of the barrel profile.
1. At the shoulder before the thread protector.
2. Around 18”
3. Around 16.5”

Considering one for a 358win but need a minimum of .610” diameter on the barrel somewhere between 16.5 and 20” Thanks!

Just checked my .308 barrel for you. It is .57 just behind the thread protector, .60 at 16.5, so it appears that it will not work for a .358 Winchester. FYI Wilson Combat now is offering NULA in .358 Winchester, at 5.17 pounds - but it'll cost you @ $3200, which is why I never could afford one and am so pleased to have these Howa Super Lites.

 

[Rie Bread]

How did it work out? What was the weight in? Looking at picking on of these up with a 16” barrel

 

[Jnasa]

I can’t speak to the super light. However, I’ve never had an issue with either of my Howa actions. One is in 270 and the other is 243. Action is reasonably smooth for the price range. Never had any issues with feeding or ejection.

 

[Mallardsx2]

How did it work out? What was the weight in? Looking at picking on of these up with a 16” barrel

5 pounds 9 ounces with rings and scope. Shoots great. It’s killed a few animals so far. Wish the 16.25” barrel was available when we got ours.

We went with 7mm-08

 

[4ohSick]

How did it work out? What was the weight in? Looking at picking on of these up with a 16” barrel

Mine is 5 lb 15 oz with Talleys, a VX-5, and a DD Enticer S Ti on the end. Shoots around 1 MOA with all factory ammo I've used (6.5 creed). Haven't killed anything yet, but the weight was pleasant at deer camp last weekend when I hiked 34 miles over 3 days and never took it off my shoulder.

 

[Rie Bread]

Mine is 5 lb 15 oz with Talleys, a VX-5, and a DD Enticer S Ti on the end. Shoots around 1 MOA with all factory ammo I've used (6.5 creed). Haven't killed anything yet, but the weight was pleasant at deer camp last weekend when I hiked 34 miles over 3 days and never took it off my shoulder.

I almost pulled the trigger on a lever gun for timber hunting cause they are light but when I saw the super lite scoped could be the same weight/ similar price I reconsidered the purchase. Plus I have a fixed 4x M8 that’s calling the super light.

 

[Rie Bread]

Hey so I just got to put this gun together with the 16.5” barrel.

Buuut the rear of the action looks like this.

Anyone of you ultra light owner can look a see if your rifle looks like this ? I bought the stock separate and it’s a stocky stock, of which I’ve had not a perfect fit each time. The rear action screw has a few threads left as well.

 

[sneakypete]

Here’s my 6.5 Superlite, I did put a mystery ranch cheek riser on it. The mystery ranch cheek riser comes with a number of parts to get your right height.

 

[Rie Bread]

View attachment 352428
Here’s my 6.5 Superlite, I did put a mystery ranch cheek riser on it. The mystery ranch cheek riser comes with a number of parts to get your right height.

How is the fit at the rear of the action? Thanks Pete

 

[sneakypete]

How is the fit at the rear of the action? Thanks Pete

It’s ok, it does have some adjustment. I haven’t had any issues.

 

[turbobrick]

I got to play a bunch with one in 308. Its is a great shooting rifle, if you use the factory rail you will need a cheek riser, its way too tall. If I was getting one for me, I'd run Talleys.

 

[Rie Bread]

5 pounds 9 ounces with rings and scope. Shoots great. It’s killed a few animals so far. Wish the 16.25” barrel was available when we got ours.

We went with 7mm-08

What scope on there? 3oz lighter on the 16.5 inch

 

[4ohSick]

Hey so I just got to put this gun together with the 16.5” barrel.

Buuut the rear of the action looks like this.

Anyone of you ultra light owner can look a see if your rifle looks like this ? I bought the stock separate and it’s a stocky stock, of which I’ve had not a perfect fit each time. The rear action screw has a few threads left as well.

Mine sits about as proud as yours. Factory rifle with the 20” barrel. Worst grouping factory ammo I’ve shot was around 1.5” and best has been 0.75” so I’m just letting it be.

 

[Rie Bread]

Mine sits about as proud as yours. Factory rifle with the 20” barrel. Worst grouping factory ammo I’ve shot was around 1.5” and best has been 0.75” so I’m just letting it be.

Thank you just wanted to make sure I didn’t need to do any additional stock fitting like I’ve had to do in the past.

 

[4ohSick]

Thank you just wanted to make sure I didn’t need to do any additional stock fitting like I’ve had to do in the past.

Yeah it’s kinda ugly but I haven’t had any issues with it catching on stuff or scratching me. For the price, it’s a minor quibble.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Knowing that you are not giving advice, and that I need to carefully work up my own safe loads for my SL 308, I'd love to hear the load data for that 150g TTSX at 3005. That sounds like the perfect spot if I work up to it without signs of pressure. TIA

I had a 3k load in my Savage .308 for 150 TTSX's using CFE 223. Only powder that would get it there. It was stunningly accurate, but also produced a sticky bolt so eventually I backed off, but could never match the accuracy of that hot load again. Now I am using the last of my IMR 4166 and once that's used up, will go back to Varget (now that it's available again). 46 grains of IMR 4166 gives me a very pleasant shooting load that chronos at 2850 without a heavy bolt lift or cratered primers. It's my go-to .308 load now. A 150 grain TTSX going 2850 MV can do an awful lot of work on an awful lot of critters.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Came across (to my surprise) a practically brand new Super Lite in .308 at the LGS on Monday. Guy at the shop said the previous owner fired it one time, then brought it in to trade for a 6.5 CM. At $899, it very nearly went home with me but I already have a .308 that I really like. I just ordered a Super Lite barreled action in 7mm-08 from Brownells, and a green stock. I went that way because it was the only way I could get the gray cerakoted finish AND the green carbon fiber stock. Should have them both by the end of the week. After a bit of range time, I'll report back. Looking forward to it. Every Howa I've owned has been a shooter and two Howa Minis I've owned (6.5G and 7.62x39) were easily two of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned. That mini in 6.5G would shoot bugholes all day.

 

[Rie Bread]

Excellent accuracy with this thing! Moa with Hornady 120 eld-match! It’ll be 6lbs with the suppressor