Several shooters with new .220 Howell rifles have been having trouble getting decent varmint accuracy from these rifles.<P>Trouble-shooting by a top-level bench-rest barrel-maker and rifle-maker revealed that (a) the rifles weren't properly bedded and (b) the chamber throats were so long that a 75-grain or 80-grain bullet properly seated in the neck had to jump too far to reach the rifling, and a bullet seated to reach within a few thousandths of the rifling was barely seated in the neck (1/8 inch isn't enough!).<P>So this barrel-maker and I put our heads together (takes two to make a wit sometimes!) and developed the optimum reamer dimensions for this cartridge � a chambering reamer with no throat (which works for some bullets and some seating depths) and a separate throating reamer for extending the throat if necessary. These dimensions then allow a 'smith to chamber a rifle for the bullet[s] intended for it.<P>I bought the first of these "authorized" reamers from Pacific Precision Grinding (P O Box 2549; White City, OR 97503; [541] 826-5808), and it's in the custody of Richards Rifle Company (10501 N Monarch Street; Hobbs, NM 88241; [505] 392-1515; <A HREF="http://www.rifle-barrels.com)." TARGET=_blank>http://www.rifle-barrels.com).</A>
