This review covers both the Howa 1500 bolt-action rifle and the new .300 PRC cartridge, showcasing Howa’s cost-effective entry into the magnum calibre market on a proven action system. Howa 1500 barrelled actions from Japan have a long history, previously rebadged by brands like Smith & Wesson and Weatherby. Today, the Howa name stands on its own, offering great value and reliability in a sporting rifle. Known for their cold hammer-forged barrels, which are lightweight, durable, and accurate right out of the box, Howa rifles also boast impressive longevity. The one-piece receiver with integral recoil lugs, paired with a forged steel bolt featuring two locking lugs and a dependable M16-style ejector and extractor, ensures smooth cartridge cycling. This model includes the ergonomic Hogue OverMolded stock, a lightweight sporter design. Highland Outdoors offers options for different stocks at an additional cost, allowing for customization to fit individual preferences.

Specifications

The Howa 1500 actions, made in Japan, reflect solid engineering and high-quality materials, a level some newer rifles “made to a price” may lack. Since its debut in 1979, the Howa 1500 action has required minimal changes, a testament to its durable design. Only the trigger and scope mounting systems have been updated to keep up with modern trends. The action itself is machined from a solid steel billet, featuring rounded edges and a satin blue finish on all surfaces. It also includes a one-piece Picatinny rail for versatile scope or thermal sight mounting. The action’s top-feed system, facilitated by a hinged floor-plate arrangement, simplifies cartridge loading, especially with magnum-length cartridges like the .300 PRC, which measure 3.7 inches. The integral recoil lug ensures secure bedding in the stock, promoting consistent accuracy. Notably, the smooth, bind-free bolt operation is enhanced by the absence of visible tool marks, especially in the bolt raceways.

The bolt has a 90° lift, with two locking lugs at the head and a third safety lug from the bolt handle stem. The enclosed bolt head, similar to a Remington Model 700, adds strength and safety by surrounding the cartridge in steel. The cock-on-opening bolt system operates smoothly, even with a strong firing pin spring, contributing to a fast lock time for improved accuracy. The M16-style extractor, at 1.5 inches long, securely grips the cartridge rim, and ejection is reliable due to the sprung plunger set in the bolt face. The cropped teardrop bolt handle is easy to operate, with three gas vents for added safety in case of a pierced primer.

Trigger, Safety, Magazine

The Howa 1500 features a hinged-floor magazine, holding three rounds of .300 PRC, and feeding was snag-free in field tests. Although detachable magazines are popular, the fixed magazine ensures you won’t lose the mag and allows for top-loading through the action. Detachable magazines are available as an upgrade. The rifle's three-position safety is conveniently located on the right side: forward for fire, middle to lock the trigger while operating the bolt, and rear to lock both the trigger and bolt. Howa’s updated H.A.C.T. trigger system is a two-stage adjustable unit, set at 2lb 10oz on the test model, providing a clean, creep-free pull ideal for hunting.

Barrel

Howa takes great care in producing its barrels, using cold hammer forging to create precise and durable rifling. This method ensures concentricity along the barrel’s length and smooth bullet travel through the bore, reducing fouling. Chambers are symmetrically aligned with the bore’s axis, and bolt faces are true to the chamber, which enhances accuracy. The test model had a 24-inch barrel, though a 26-inch version would likely optimize performance for the .300 PRC cartridge. Despite its .30 calibre, the barrel is threaded with a small ½ UNEF thread on a 0.615-inch muzzle. The Howa barrels consistently deliver sub-MOA accuracy out of the box with minimal break-in. The 1:8.5" twist rate is designed for stabilizing heavier .300 PRC projectiles, ranging from 190 to 240 grains, essential for long-range accuracy.

Stock

The Hogue OverMolded stock on this model is a lightweight polymer sporter style, ideal for hunting where durability is key. It can be upgraded, but the standard version is more than adequate for field use. Aluminium pillars in the stock prevent compression, ensuring consistent bedding and accuracy. The free-floated barrel and ribbed forend improve rigidity, and the stock’s textured finish provides excellent grip. With a 14-inch length of pull and a soft Limb Saver recoil pad, the stock offers comfort and stability, making it a solid choice for hunting.

In the Field

The test rifle was fitted with a Wildcat Elite stainless steel and titanium sound moderator, which significantly reduced noise and recoil from the powerful .300 PRC round. A Steiner Ranger 8 scope provided excellent low-light visibility and build quality. The .300 PRC cartridge itself offers excellent ballistics, handling heavy bullets with high ballistic coefficients for long-range accuracy. In testing, the Howa achieved sub-MOA accuracy with Hornady factory ammunition. The 225gr ELD-M Match load delivered 2688fps velocity with 0.75" groups, while the 212gr ELD-X Precision Hunter load achieved 2811fps and 0.55" groups. The 190gr CX Outfitter round reached 2857fps with groups of 1" to 1.25".

Conclusions

The Howa 1500 remains a highly affordable and reliable rifle, capable of delivering impressive accuracy in the new .300 PRC magnum calibre. It’s an excellent option for hunters looking for a dependable rifle for long-range shots, especially in challenging environments.