The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin promises to modernize the classic Remington 700 BDL by converting it to accept detachable magazines. This is a significant upgrade for many bolt-action rifle owners who appreciate the speed and convenience of magazine-fed systems. The kit includes a polymer magazine and a replacement trigger guard, designed for easy, drop-in installation.
I’ve always appreciated the inherent accuracy and reliability of the Remington 700 platform, but the BDL’s internal magazine always felt a bit dated. Top-loading rounds individually in the field, especially in less-than-ideal conditions, can be a real pain. I was looking for a solution that would allow for quicker reloads and safer unloading, especially during hunts when time is of the essence and safety is paramount.
The Howa kit arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was mixed; the polymer magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, and the trigger guard, while seemingly robust, lacked the heft of the original steel component. The black finish was consistent, however, and the overall design appeared functional.
I considered other options, primarily complete chassis systems that include magazine compatibility. However, those were significantly more expensive and required more extensive modifications to the rifle. The Howa Ammo Boost Kit promised a simpler, more affordable solution, which ultimately swayed my decision. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the ease of installation would translate to reliable performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a relatively mild day. Installation was indeed simple, requiring only a few basic tools and about 15 minutes of my time. The included instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the trigger guard dropped into place with minimal fuss.
Loading the magazine was straightforward, and it snapped securely into the new trigger guard. My first few rounds chambered without issue, and the rifle cycled smoothly. However, after about a dozen rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed. I noticed the magazine wasn’t seating quite right after each shot; it was moving ever so slightly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two hunting trips, the Howa Ammo Boost Kit’s reliability remains a concern. While it functions adequately for target practice, I wouldn’t trust it in a high-pressure hunting situation where a follow-up shot is critical. The magazine seating issue persists, leading to occasional feeding problems.
The polymer construction seems durable enough for light use, but I’ve noticed some minor scratches and scuff marks on the magazine after being exposed to brush and rough terrain. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth. Unfortunately, the inconsistent performance overshadows the ease of maintenance. My previous experience with the BDL’s factory setup was far more reliable, albeit slower to reload.
Breaking Down the Features of Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is designed to convert Remington 700 BDL rifles in short action calibers to accept detachable magazines. It is specifically compatible with .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington. The kit includes a single 5-round polymer magazine, offering a limited capacity for hunting or tactical applications.
The trigger guard replacement is also made of polymer and finished in black. The aftermarket origin means it is not a factory Remington or Howa part, and quality control may vary. The key specification is the 5-round capacity, which may be limiting for some users who prefer larger magazines for increased firepower or reduced reloading frequency.
Performance & Functionality
When the Howa Ammo Boost Kit functions correctly, it provides a noticeable improvement in reloading speed compared to the factory BDL internal magazine. However, the reliability issues I experienced significantly impact its overall usefulness. The failures to feed and inconsistent magazine seating detract from its intended purpose.
The kit does meet the basic expectation of converting the rifle to accept detachable magazines, but the performance is not consistent enough to inspire confidence. A stronger magazine spring or a more robust magazine release mechanism could potentially address these issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction of the trigger guard feels somewhat cheap compared to the original steel component. However, the lighter weight is a minor benefit for those concerned about overall rifle weight. The magazine is easy to grip and manipulate, and the release button is conveniently located.
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There is a slight learning curve associated with ensuring the magazine is properly seated, but once mastered, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests a reasonable lifespan under normal use conditions. However, the kit is unlikely to withstand the same level of abuse as a steel or aluminum alternative. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
The magazine spring is a potential point of failure over time, but replacements are readily available. Overall, the durability is acceptable for the price point, but not exceptional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is primarily a standalone conversion kit, and doesn’t lend itself to many accessories. The most logical upgrade would be additional magazines, which are available for purchase separately. It is critical to ensure that any replacement magazines are specifically designed for the Howa Ammo Boost Kit to ensure proper fit and function.
Third-party magazine extensions may be available to increase capacity, but their reliability is not guaranteed. Unlike chassis systems, this kit does not offer any integral mounting points for optics or other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable way to convert a Remington 700 BDL to detachable magazines.
- Easy drop-in installation with minimal tools required.
- Noticeably faster reloading compared to the factory internal magazine (when functioning correctly).
- Lightweight polymer construction.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed.
- Magazine seating issues leading to cycling problems.
- Polymer construction feels less durable than original steel parts.
- Limited 5-round magazine capacity.
Who Should Buy Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for recreational shooters or hunters on a tight budget who want to experiment with detachable magazines on their Remington 700 BDL without making significant modifications. It may also appeal to those who prioritize ease of installation over ultimate reliability.
This product is not recommended for serious hunters or tactical shooters who require absolute reliability in their firearms. Anyone who depends on their rifle for self-defense or hunts in challenging environments should consider a more robust and reliable alternative. A must-have modification would be a higher-quality magazine, if one exists that is compatible and improves reliability.
Conclusion on Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin offers a tempting proposition: a simple and affordable way to modernize the classic Remington 700 BDL. Unfortunately, the inconsistent reliability issues I experienced undermine its value.
While the price is certainly justified for a basic conversion kit, the potential for failures to feed diminishes its appeal for serious applications. Ultimately, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone who relies on their rifle for anything beyond casual target practice. If you’re considering this kit, be prepared to potentially troubleshoot reliability issues and possibly invest in aftermarket magazines. Proceed with caution, and always prioritize safety and reliability.