Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by gimp

You will need to single load, modify the magazine or get a different mag system. The 75/80 ELDMs are too long to fit a standard 2.25" OAL .223 mag without the ogive of the bullet being inside the neck.

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

I believe you can probably modify the howa mag and move the internal block to get a bit more length.

Originally Posted by gimp

I believe you can probably modify the howa mag and move the internal block to get a bit more length.

I was just thinking about .
Do you have any idea what the shortest OAL of a loaded cartridge is with full neck contact of the 75 eldm ?

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

If you can get them te 77 grain Sierra Malc Tipped are designed for short mags and shoot just fine at 2.3" OAL. They devastate deer.

(whoops, gimp as said this already)

I just worked out I don't have pictures of it once modified. The extra 'block' piece in the magazine just needs a couple of slots made for it with a Dremel cutting disc in the middle of the radius at the back of the magazine box. The excess folded over part that occupies the back of the magazine needs trimming back to make it sit correctly once the locating slots have been moved rearwards.

The feed rails possibly need the radius portion at the rear extended so the cartridges don't get misaligned.

**IMPORTANT** Before anyone gets on my case about this, yes I know it's voids any warranty. Anyone who does this to their rifle will void their warranty as well. I'm more than happy to have done this work to my own rifle - if you're not, give it to a reputable gunsmith.

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Bugger

Anyone know how long the internal mag box is in a Howa 1500 SA ?
I’m not home at the moment to measure .
Single loading is not an option for me .

From memory it was around 2.300" or so. As Gimp says you can do a little D.I.Y. and relocate the magazine block further back. At the same time you remove a little off the bolt stop and the back edge of the feed rails and you're done.

I have pictures that I will track down.

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

From memory it was around 2.300" or so. As Gimp says you can do a little D.I.Y. and relocate the magazine block further back. At the same time you remove a little off the bolt stop and the back edge of the feed rails and you're done.

I have pictures that I will track down.