I traded for this gun a while back from a friend and got a great deal. My friend told me he used 60 grain Nosler Partitions in it and killed a Kudu in Africa at some distance, far - well over 100 yards, but I can't remember the distance. The gun is a blue and walnut S&W 1500 (Howa) with 22 inch barrel in 223 Rem with a 1 in 12 twist.
I rough shot it in last August or early September with 55 grain Federal softpoints. I did not have a bench or anything just off of my knee and got it close. I had just recently recovered from major surgery, which left both arms very weak, and no muscle padding on the firing side at all. I was still numb from the surgery. I did not feel anything from the little 223's recoil.
Things changed today. I shot it off of a bench and had Federal Premium ammunition loaded with 60 grain Nosler Partitions along with my 55 grain Federal Softpoints. Well let me tell you this baby is a tack driver! Sub dime sized groups with both loadings! The 60 grain Nosler Partitions hit 4 inches lower than the 55 grain Softpoint bullets. This was all done at a little over 100 yards. The only bad thing and it is not that bad, is I really felt the recoil with both loads. That was 4 hours ago and my shoulder is still acheing a bit. I knew my shoulder wasn't good for a 243 or 22-250, but I didn't think a 223 would dish out pain the my shoulder. It is tolerable to hunt with pain wise and definitely a pleasant surprise in the accuracy department. If I was able to compete, I believe I could give folks a run for their money in the sporting rifle class. This was with factory ammo mind you. What a sweet little gun!
Last edited by sbrmike; 03/30/23.
