[bigbore416]

i have a howa 1500 short action in 22-250. can i expect any feeding problems by re-barreling to 6.5-284. i realise the case heads are the same size but body dia. is somewhat larger on the 284 case. what kind of modifications, if any, would need to be done to the magazine to accomodate the fatter case so as not to wind up with a single shot rifle.

 

[Gatofeo]

Hey! What model is that Howa?
In the December 2002 issue of the American Rifleman (p. 85) is an Important Safety Notice concerning Howa rifles made between 1970 and 1993.
I just read it last night, while perusing the magazine.
In scientific parlance this is known as a "co-inky-dinky."
Anyway ...
"Howa Machinery Ltd. of Japan is performing a safety upgrade on all Model 1500, 1550 and 1700LS series rifles manufactured between 1970 and 1993.
"The affected rifles bear serial numbers from one of the following series on the receiver: PN00010 through PN87159, LS00001 through LS05150, M000001 through M020422, LS10001 through LS10309, B000001 through B028450.
"The safety upgrade will replace the bolt sleeve to prevent misassembly of the bolt, which might occur on affected rifles. Such misassembly might result in a hazardous condition in which the rifle can be accidentally discharged without the bolt being fully engaged, causing severe injury.
"These rifles were distributed by Smith & Wesson, O.F. Mossberg and Sons and Interarms. These rifles may bear the distributor trademark.
"Stop using your rifle immediately and visit our website at www.regen.com/howa or call Howa at 1-800-456-5131 to receive a Bolt Return Kit.
"Only the bolt sleeve is being upgraded. Your bolt will be returned to you after the upgrade.
"NO OTHER HOWA RIFLES ARE AFFECTED. CHECK YOUR SERIAL NUMBER

 

[bigbore416]

reply to Gateofeo

my rifle is not affected by this recall. it has a 2.8" magazine length, but my only concern would be feeding problems due to the fatter case. will it work? thanks, victor

 

[kciH]

BigBore,
It might work without any rail work, you never know. You will likely have to have the feed rails adjusted in order to accomadate that round you mention. The .284 Winchester has very little body taper, it's almost like an "improved" cartridge right out of the box. I doubt the magazine itself would need modification, you might end up with one less round capacity, my notion is the feed rails would need a little work. No big deal for a gunsmith who rebarrels rifles.