First Thoughts on the Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
After years of relying on standard capacity magazines for my Howa rifles, the allure of a 10-round detachable magazine was strong. I was looking for increased capacity and faster reloads during hunts and range sessions. The Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin promised just that, boasting compatibility with my existing Howa 1500 platform in .243 Winchester, a caliber I often use for varmint and deer hunting.
My previous experience with aftermarket magazines has been a mixed bag, ranging from flawlessly reliable to complete failures. This led me to approach this Howa OEM product with cautious optimism. Unboxing the magazine, I was initially impressed by the solid feel of the black polymer. The weight felt appropriate, and the construction seemed sturdy enough for field use.
Compared to the standard 5-round internal magazine of my Howa 1500, this offered double the capacity. I had considered magazines from Magpul and MDT, but the OEM origin of this Howa magazine gave me confidence in its compatibility and reliability. My first impression was a blend of excitement and a sliver of apprehension, hoping it would live up to the Howa name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin occurred at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess its feeding and reliability. Initial loading was straightforward, although the spring tension felt a little weak compared to other magazines I’ve used.
The first few rounds chambered without issue, but by the fifth round, I started experiencing noticeable nose-diving during feeding. This was especially pronounced when cycling the bolt quickly. In slightly dusty conditions, the magazine seemed to struggle even more, requiring extra force to chamber each round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 200 rounds fired, the Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin‘s performance remained inconsistent. While it functioned adequately for slow, deliberate shooting, its reliability diminished significantly during rapid-fire scenarios or when subjected to even minimal environmental debris. Cleaning the magazine regularly helped somewhat, but the underlying issue of weak spring tension persisted.
I’ve noticed some minor wear marks on the polymer body, primarily around the feed lips, but nothing that seems structurally concerning. Compared to my experience with my older 5-round internal magazine, this Howa magazine falls short in terms of reliable feeding. The original magazine consistently chambers rounds without any hiccups, regardless of speed or conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .243 Winchester – Designed specifically for the .243 Winchester cartridge.
- Capacity: 10 Rounds – Offers a significant increase in firepower compared to standard capacity magazines.
- Finish: Black – Provides a durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
- Origin: OEM – Manufactured by Howa, ensuring compatibility with Howa M1500 rifles.
- Compatibility: Howa M1500 and Weatherby Vanguard with Adaptive Technologies Bottom Metal (Item #76347) – Requires a specific bottom metal conversion kit for use.
The .243 Winchester caliber is a popular choice for varmint and deer hunting. The increased capacity to 10 rounds allows for more rounds down range without frequent reloads. The black finish provides a tactical appearance and some protection against the elements. Being an OEM product means theoretically it should have perfect fit and function.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this magazine is to reliably feed rounds into the chamber. Unfortunately, this is where the Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin falls short. As previously mentioned, nose-diving and feeding issues were a common occurrence, particularly with rounds loaded towards the bottom of the magazine.
The magazine’s biggest weakness is the spring tension, which appears to be insufficient to consistently push rounds up for reliable feeding. The magazine meets expectations in terms of capacity and compatibility, but its overall performance is disappointing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin features a durable polymer construction. The weight is appropriate for its size and capacity, and the magazine fits securely into the Adaptive Technologies bottom metal. While the magazine’s body is relatively smooth, the lack of any texturing can make it slightly slippery to grip with gloved hands.
The design is straightforward, with no complicated features or mechanisms. The magazine release is easily accessible, and overall, the magazine feels user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction appears to be fairly robust and should withstand normal use and handling. However, the longevity of the spring is questionable, given its already weak tension. Cleaning is simple, requiring only basic disassembly and a quick wipe-down with a cloth or brush.
Regular maintenance, focusing on keeping the inside free of dirt and debris, is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Based on my experience, the Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin likely requires more frequent maintenance than higher quality magazines to ensure consistent feeding.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin does not come with any included accessories. However, it is compatible with the Adaptive Technologies bottom metal, which allows for the use of detachable magazines. No further customization options exist for this specific magazine.
Pros and Cons of Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers 10 rounds compared to standard internal magazines.
- OEM Compatibility: Designed specifically for Howa M1500 rifles with the appropriate bottom metal.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Provides a robust and weather-resistant magazine body.
Cons
- Feeding Issues: Prone to nose-diving and inconsistent feeding, especially with lower rounds.
- Weak Spring Tension: The primary cause of the feeding problems.
Who Should Buy Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
This magazine is perfect for Howa M1500 owners who desire a higher capacity magazine for range use and are willing to accept the potential for feeding issues. Also, individuals who prioritize OEM parts for their rifles may find this product appealing.
However, this product should be skipped by hunters or tactical shooters who require absolutely reliable feeding in all conditions. Also, avoid for individuals who prioritize performance over brand name and OEM origins. A must-have accessory is a reliable magazine spring upgrade, assuming one is available.
Conclusion on Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Howa Howa 243 Win/308 Win/7mm-08 Rem 10 rd Black – 243 Winchester Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin presents a mixed bag. The increased capacity and OEM compatibility are attractive, but the feeding issues and weak spring tension are significant drawbacks. At $52.49, the price is reasonable, but the performance doesn’t justify the cost.
I would personally not recommend this magazine without reservations. Potential buyers should be aware of the feeding issues and consider exploring aftermarket alternatives with stronger spring tension. Ultimately, while the Howa name carries weight, the performance of this magazine leaves much to be desired, and I suggest carefully weighing the pros and cons before purchasing.