I went up to PA yesterday and picked up my Howa that was ordered. I got the 6.5x55mm. I probably won't be able to get out and shoot until next weekend, so I'll let everyone know then how it does. I bought some Winchester factory loads in 140gr to try, but I have the dies on order, and I plan on loading the 125gr Partitions, and the 120gr Sierra Prohunters.
Apparantly, they mistakenly sent the gun/scope combo, so I wound up with a free scope, bases and rings. It is a Nikko Stirling Gold Crown, 3-9X42AO. I haven't been able to find out much about them. Has anyone had any experiences with that brand? I already had a Bushnell Trophy for the rifle, so I'll probably sell the Nikko at some point.
I'm pretty pleased with the gun, although the synthetic stock is a bit cheaper than I first thought. I kinda wish that I had gone with the wood, but I guess that I can always swap that out later. Overall, pretty nice gun, and I'm chomping at the bit to load it up!
Charlie