Howa Model 1500 Mini Action rifles are popular with hunters and varminters. These rifles have smooth actions, very good 2-stage triggers, are lighter than most rifles, and are very affordable. And now Mini Action rifles are offered in the modern 22 ARC cartridge. Developed for the AR-15 and small actions, the 22 ARC is efficient and allows use of high-BC bullets in a very compact action. We think the 22 ARC is a great choice for a field-carried varmint rifle.
The Howa Mini Action series has been offered with a half-dozen chambering options and now the 22 ARC is available — a very good option for varmint shooting and small game. Hornady claims the 22 ARC outperforms all .22-caliber cartridges in its class. In the Mini Action, the 22 ARC rivals 22-250 performance, has dual-purpose match and varmint applications and is designed to take advantage of today’s long ogive, high-BC bullets with a variety of ammo offerings available from Hornady. Along with the 22 ARC, HOWA Mini Action rifles are offered in .223 Rem, 7.62×39, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC, 350 Legend, 300 Blackout.
Howa 22 ARC Mini Action Features and Options:
Barrel Options: 22″ Steel, 20″ Light Varmint Steel, or 20″ Carbon Fiber Barrel (all 1:7″ twist). Threaded barrels are suppressor-ready.
Receiver (Action): Compact machined receiver with forged one-piece bolt and tool-less firing pin removal
Stock Options: Synthetic OD, Black & Yote dip, Walnut, Carbon Fiber, or APC Chassis
Trigger: Excellent two-stage trigger with 3-position safety
Magazine: Standard 5-round detachable magazine
HOWA Mini Action bolt is 09″ shorter than a short action, and 1.4″ shorter than a long action.
About the 22 ARC Cartridge
The 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is a compact cartridge that fits into an AR-15 but is equally at home in a bolt action. The modern catridge shape is efficient and allows longer bullets to be fitted. The case capacity and sized offers performance, that rivals the 22-250. This makes the 22 ARC a good choice for varminters who want something with more punch than a .223 Remington case.
Hornady states: “The 22 ARC was engineered to use modern, high-BC bullets. Designing the cartridge and chamber in unison provides consistent accuracy, great velocity spreads and an outstanding shooting experience. This cartridge is the result of careful and meticulous design, following the same proven methodology as the highly acclaimed 6mm ARC.”
The 22 ARC is tailored to fit the AR-15 platform with a maximum overall length of 2.260″. In both ARs and bolt guns such as the Howa Mini, the cartridge should feed and function very well.
With our inflationary economy, ammo continues to go up in price every year. Smart shooters can benefit by price-shopping to get the best deals on factory-loaded ammunition, particularly for popular cartridge types such as .22 LR, 9x19mm (9mm Luger), .357 Mag, .223 Rem (5.56×45), and 6.5 Creedmoor. It this article we list 15 reliable online sources for factory-loaded ammo. You may want to bookmark this page so you can quickly scan and price-check multiple vendors. In addition, you can use a service such as AmmoSeek.com.
Why Should You Shop for Ammo Online?
By shopping online for ammo, you can save money, get a wider selection, and get bulk discounts. GunDeals.com explains: “Online purchases [can] save you a lot of money [and can] also save your time… one of the most important advantages is definitively the huge selection.” With online retailers you can quickly compare prices, and you will often get a discount on a large order (300 rounds or more) that is not available in local stores. Note, with some large vendors such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse you can order online then pick up in a local store.
Are There Restrictions on Online Ammo Purchasing?
In most (but not all) U.S. states is it legal to order ammunition online to be shipped to your residence. However, you MUST check your State and local laws and regulations. In some states and/or cities, it is ILLEGAL to purchase ammunition online for shipment across state lines with direct delivery. For example, in California, all ammo must be purchased from a licensed ammo dealer/vendor with a state background check (so much for the Second Amendment)*. Likewise Washington DC, and Hawaii do not allow online ammunition purchases. And there are restrictions in New York City. In Alaska there are multiple shipping regulations that impact ammo deliveries from online sales so many vendors do not ship to Alaska.
*In some instances ammo can be purchased online from an out-of-state seller who will then ship to an authorized, in-state California vendor who may transfer the ammo for a fee with background checks as required by CA law.
Headed to SHOT Show in Las Vegas? Then you should download the FREE SHOT Show Mobile App. Available for all mobile devices, this App really makes it easier to plan your SHOT Show schedule, and navigate the SHOT Show Exhibit zones. The 2025 SHOT Show Mobile App is now available for download. There are versions for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. And there is even an Apple Watch version. Apple users will find the App in the App Store, Android users will find their version in the Google Play Store. Learn more at SHOT Mobile App Page.
Handy Interactive Map
The App includes an interactive map that can direct you from your current location to your next destination. Arrange your meetings with a handy scheduling calendar. And you can search for any SHOT exhibitor by name or product category. In addition, the App lists major show events as well as important new products.
SHOT SHOW 2025 APP FEATURES
— Locate Exhibitor Booths with searchable Vendor Database/Floor Map
— Build a personalized Schedule and bookmark Exhibitors
— Visit bookmarked Exhibitors with Quick Route Feature
— Multi-Device Sync for smartphones, tablets, laptops
— Up-to-date Exhibitor, Speaker, and Event information
The 2025 SHOT Show takes place January 21-24 at the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. Media Day at the Range takes place Monday the 20th in Boulder City. To learn more about SHOT Show, including seminar times, educational resources, event listings, and hotel/travel information, visit SHOTShow.org.
You can save big bucks on guns and gear with factory rebate programs. But with the end of 2024 fast approaching, dozens of great shooting industry rebate programs are about to expire. Many major rebates on rifles, pistols, optics, and/or ammunition require purchases no later than December 31, 2024.
If you are in a buying mood (maybe to get a new gun as an Xmas gift to yourself), check out these notable rebate offers. We showcase 16 great discount/rebate programs. These rebates can save you big bucks on rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammo, or gear. Many of these rebates are worth $100 or more. For example you can Save $200 on a Colt CBX Precision Rifle, Save $150 on a Franchi Rifle, or Save $50 to $150 on an Smith & Wesson wheelgun. Note: most of these promos are good through the end of December 2024, but some expire in January 2025 — so check the dates.
If you plan to attend the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, now is the time to register and book your hotel. Official event registration has opened for attending vendors, exhibitors, buyer representatives, and approved Media members. CLICK HERE for official Registration Page.
SHOT Show 2025 welcomes industry personnel, retail/vendor representatives, and media staffers. NSSF members can take advantage of member benefits during SHOT Show week. The NSSF encourages attendees to book their hotel reservations and airline flights soon — book early to save money.
The 2025 SHOT Show will host over 2,500 exhibitors in multiple adjacent buildings. The 2025 SHOT Show will have over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space across The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. This is equivalent to more than 18 acres.
The latest SHOT Show Insider INFO page is ready. Exhibitors can get the latest need-to-know information on hotel bookings, print publication opportunities, booth information and more.
TIPS for Getting Ready for SHOT Show 2025 in January:
➢ Plan ahead: Lock in better hotel and airline rates early. There are multiple shows happening in Vegas during SHOT Week, so don’t delay.
➢ Supplier Showcase hours will be 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Monday and 8:30am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
➢ SHOT University will provide 18 educational sessions aimed to help retailers and shooting ranges enhance management and improve business in competitive and regulated marketplaces.
Last week Hornady introduced a variety of new products that will be introduced in 2025. These include reloading products, advanced dies, a power case trimmer and a large variety of new bullets and ammo types. CLICK HERE to see all new-for-2025 Hornady products.
Henderson-Style 3-in-1 Power Trimmer
Hornady has a new High Speed 3-in-1 Power Case Trimmer that borrows many features from the excellent Henderson Gen 3 Trimmer such as twin horizontal support shafts. This new trimmer offers quick, smooth case movement into the cutter. With a helpful see-through shield this trimmer can handle brass from 1.45″ to 3.5″ in length and with necks from .22 to .30 caliber.
Like the Henderson, this Hornady unit can trim, chamfer and deburr in a single step. The trimmer features a click-adjustable micrometer for precise and consistent trimming. The powerful 2000+ RPM motor allows rapid case trimming/chamfering. This unit may prove a good choice for shooters who need to process hundreds of cases.
New 6mm GT Ammunition with 109gr ELD Bullets
The 6mm GT is bigger than the 6mmBR Norma (aka “6BR”) but smaller than the 6mm Creedmoor. This cartridge is proving popular with PRS/NRL competitors because it feeds better from standard magazines that the shorter 6mmBR, Dasher, and 6BRA cartridges, yet it still offers very good accuracy and barrel life. 6mm GT brass is now available from Alpha Munitions. The Alpha 6mm GT brass is better and longer-lasting than the Hornady 6mm GT brass.
For 2025, Hornady is producing new 6mm GT ammo loading with tipped 109gr ELD Match bullets. Hornady states: “Designed from the very beginning to be an amazing all-around precision rifle competition cartridge, the 6mm GT provides low recoil, good barrel life, and outstanding external ballistics. [The 6mmGT] cartridge and chamber were designed simultaneously to ensure match-grade tolerances and accuracy.”
Match-Grade Reloading Dies
For 2025, Hornady will offer “New and Improved Match Grade Dies” with click-adjust micrometer seating controls. For 2025, the handy click micrometer controls comes factory-installed on Hornady’s Match Grade seating dies. With its tactile clicks for precise .001″ adjustments, this easy-to-use micrometer helps ensure very consistent seating depths for hand-loaded ammo.
Along with the micrometer-top seating dies, Hornady offers modern case sizing dies. These dies feature the ability to use interchangeable, self-centering neck size bushings that eliminate the chance of over sizing your case necks and overworking the brass. Two types of sizing dies are offered: full-length sizing and “shoulder bump neck size”.
Hornady Aluminum Loading Block
If you want a heavy loading block that stays put on your loading bench and won’t tip or slide, consider Hornady’s new Aluminum Loading Block. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, the new Aluminum Loading Block makes reloading easy and efficient. Designed for the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .30-06 Springfield cartridge families, this loading block boast a bullet recess on the right plus an easy-to-clean red anodized aluminum finish.
Effective today, attendee registration for SHOT Show 2025 is officially open! The SHOT Show event welcomes industry personnel, retail/vendor representatives, and media staffers. NSSF members can save money on SHOT Show registration fees and take advantage of member benefits during SHOT Show week. The NSSF encourages attendees to book their hotel reservations and airline flights soon — book early to save money. CLICK HERE to REGISTER.
The latest SHOT Show Insider INFO page is ready. Exhibitors can get the latest need-to-know information to stay ahead of the game for SHOT Show 2025. Get information on hotel bookings, print publication opportunities, booth information and more.
TIPS for Getting Ready for SHOT Show 2025 in January:
➢ Plan ahead: Lock in better hotel and airline rates early. There are multiple shows happening in Vegas during SHOT Week, so don’t delay.
➢ SHOT Show eXtra is coming back to SHOT Show in 2025 and will provide wait list exhibitors the opportunity to showcase products and services during a 2-day event. SHOT Show eXtra will take place in the Palazzo Ballroom on the fifth floor of the Venetian.
➢ Supplier Showcase hours will be 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Monday and 8:30am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
➢ SHOT University will provide 18 educational sessions aimed to help retailers and shooting ranges enhance management and improve business in competitive and regulated marketplaces.
SEB Rests has come out with a new, more compact front joystick rest for rimfire and air rifle competition. Designed for benchrest rimfire and air rifle shooting, the new AR250 Rest takes its name from the perfect score of 250 in WRABF competition. Balancing mobility, performance, and cost, this rest features a rigid, extendable central post and two elevation adjustment systems for rapid and smooth height changes. Current price is $620 US dollars, a bargain compared to some other joystick rests.
The new AR250 provides a very stable shooting platform yet is still easily transportable. The versatile design makes it suitable for multiple rimfire and air rifle disciplines. The AR250 joystick travel is designed to be able to cover most target sizes from WRABF to NRA/ARA at 25-100 yards and 25-100 meters. Fitted with an adjustable counterweight system for smooth joystick action, the newly designed top plate secures the custom front bag firmly in place with minimal play. The AR250 rest is offered with three bag options: one 2 1⁄4″-wide bag, one 3″-wide bag, or both sizes.
SEB AR250 rest has very extensive height adjustment range to fit varying rifle styles and target heights.
Initial user reviews have been very positive. Here are comments from customers and testers:
— “I am delighted with the accuracy and smoothness of operation. Brilliant product.”
— “The rest is very compact and lightweight. I recommend for anyone who… has struggled shooting rimfire with oversize pedestals designed for centerfire benchrest.”
— “The joystick feels smooth and precise, and the counterweight makes aiming feel wonderful.”
— “The rest is very solid for as small that it is, and the construction is wonderful.”
— “It transports far easier than any of the rests I have tried so far.”
Included in the box are: AR250 rest and front bag(s), Joystick arm and adjustable counterweight, leveling screws, 3 rest feet with hard neoprene rubber bottoms, spare bolts/accessories, and user manual.
For full product description and more product photos, visit AR250.sebrests.com.
Winchester Ammunition has introduced the 21 Sharp™, a new rimfire cartridge with claimed “significant benefits for recreational shooters and small game hunters”. This new round is basically a .22 LR with a bit more zip and a non-rebated, slightly smaller diameter no-lead bullet. The main advantage of this new cartridge is that it works better with lead-free projectiles than the .22 LR. You can shoot the 21 Sharp from your existing .22 LR rifle, if you fit a new .21 caliber barrel. That barrel must have a smaller bore diameter and a slightly different throat/freebore configuration.
American Hunter explains: “For the mechanically curious among us, the .22 LR’s bullet diameter is .2255 inch, compared to the 21 Sharp’s bullet diameter of .2105. Both cartridges are spec’d to the same maximum average pressure of 24,000 PSI. Both have identical OAL of 1.00 inch, as well as identical case diameters, so both cartridges utilize the exact same case. While initial thoughts among industry folks were that surely the 21 Sharp would feature better ballistic performance due to the more aerodynamic projectile — and it does — the reality is that at the ranges for which this cartridge is intended (ideally inside 50 yards, max 150), the BC’s effect is negligible. Although Winchester Ammo says it will offer a range of bullet weights from 25 to 42 grains, the 21 Sharp’s primary loading [currently] is a 34-grain JHP bullet, which, with an advertised muzzle velocity of 1500 fps, performs pretty close to a .22 Stinger.”
The main reason for the creation of the new 21 Sharp cartridge is to offer slightly superior performance in 22 LR-action rifles with a lead-free cartridge that complies with the increasing number of anti-lead legal restrictions in U.S. states and foreign countries.
With the new 21 Sharp, according to American Rifleman: “All that should be necessary for most .22 Long Rifle-chambered firearms to shoot the new cartridge is a .21 Sharp barrel”.
Winchester is currently offering four types of 21 Sharp ammo, with bullet weights from 25 to 42 grains and velocities between 1300 and 1750 FPS. Winchester states: “The new 21 Sharp cartridge allows for a wide range of bullet types including full metal jacket (FMJ), copper matrix, and plated-lead options. Jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets will also be available in 21 Sharp, delivering extreme expansion and energy transfer.” See chart below for the four options.
The 34-grain Super X JHP is expected to be the most popular. The 25gr Copper Matrix version has been tested by Peterson’s Hunting, which said accuracy was good, with velocities in the 1700 fps range. Tester David Draper noted: “Terminal performance was as expected with a rimfire round — a solid thump that tipped the prairie dogs right over. While the 21 Sharp isn’t meant to be a long-range round, fellow gunwriter Jeff Johnston was able to stretch its legs with confirmed kills out to 150 yards.”
21 Sharp Cartridge Chambering and Barreling Considerations
According to this video, the case on the new 21 Sharp cartridge is virtually identical to current .22 LR cases. However, and this is the KEY Point, the bullets have a smaller diameter and the chamber will have more free-bore. Existing .22 LR bullets have a slightly smaller diameter for the tail of the bullet which sits inside the case. The bullets for the .21 Sharp are straight taper (more like centerfire bullets) and will require a smaller-diameter barrel. We recommend you watch this video start to finish to understand the tech specifications of the new .21 Sharp cartridge.
American Rifleman states: “While the .21 Sharp will chamber in a .22 LR rifle barrel, due to its sub-caliber projectile, it cannot be fired with any degree of accuracy or precision. Additionally, .22 LR cartridges will not fit into a .21 Sharp chamber due to its heeled projectile. All that should be necessary for most .22 Long Rifle-chambered firearms to shoot the new cartridge is a [new] .21 Sharp barrel.”
Editor’s NOTE: We think it would have made more sense to use the .22 WMR case as the basis for the new .21 caliber rimfire ammo. This would allow higher velocities and better ballistics with the new .21 caliber bullets.
Final Note — Winchester Explains Why the 21 Sharp Was Created
Winchester claims the 21 Sharp design was created for “enhanced accuracy and on-target performance with both lead and lead-free projectiles.” Winchester states that: “Ammo manufacturers have tried with little success to incorporate lead-free projectiles into use in the venerable 22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge. While those products are available, none have ever met the accuracy and on-target performance that a lead projectile can provide due to the original .22 LR design. The new 21 Sharp rimfire cartridge from Winchester was purposefully designed by Winchester to provide top performance with lead-free projectiles rather than accommodating them later.”
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Palmetto SA — FREE 9mm Pistol with SIG Rifle or Handgun
⏺ Get a FREE SIG Sauer P365 or P320 pistol with SIG gun purchase
Buy a gun, get a FREE gun. Here’s the deal — if you buy a specific SIG Sauer rifle or pistol you can get a FREE SIG P365 or P320 pistol. Customers who purchase a qualifying MCX-Regulator rifle, MCX-Spear rifle, or P226-XFIVE pistol will receive a SIG P365, P320-M17, or P320-M18 pistol through an online redemption offer at SIGSauer.com. CLICK HERE for details and list of qualifying purchases. You can purchase the qualifying guns through Palmetto State Armory or other licensed gun vendor.
2. Midsouth — Leupold VX-3HD Scope Sale with $100 Savings
⏺ Good scope for hunting rifles now $100 Off
If you need a new scope for a game-hunting or varmint rifle, check out the VX-3HD Line from Leupold. Right now Midsouth is offering a huge $100 discount on four popular Leupold VX-3HD scopes. Plus you get FREE shipping. Chose the 3.5-10x40mm, 3.5-10x50mm, 4.5-14x40mm, or 4.5-14x50mm, all with 1″ diameter main tubes.
3. Precision Reloading — Major Sierra Bullet Sale, All Calibers
Right now Precision Reloading is running a major sale on Sierra Bullets. There are significant savings on the full range of bullet weights and calibers — from .204 to .457. Save 12% or more this week. Choose from lightweight varmint bullets or high-BC match bullets in popular competition calibers: .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and .308. NOTE: Sierra Bullet Sale ends 9/22/2024.
4. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Depriming Tool, $39.99
⏺ Convenient tool — no press needed to deprime anywhere
Decapping fired brass can be tedious when using a reloading press and decapping die. Make things easier with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool (#ad). You can deprime cases while watching TV. This handheld unit features an easily removable spent primer catch tube and an assisted-ejection case holder for easy removal of deprimed cases. The handle is spring-loaded to return the deprimer to the start position automatically.
Shooting waterfowl demands a rugged, accurate shotgun that won’t punish you with recoil. The Franchi 28″ Affinity Black 12ga Semi-Automatic Shotgun handles great and can shoot modern, full-size 3.5″ shells. Recoil is quite manageable — the quality TSA buttpad combined with the Franchi Inertia Drive system absorb up to 50% of perceived recoil. The shotgun has a ventilated rib barrel with red fiber-optic front sight. This Franchi shotgun ships with Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes plus choke wrench.
6. Amazon — Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge, $47.48
⏺ Very popular trigger gauge is accurate and easy to use
Lyman’s patented Digital Trigger Pull Gauge (#ad) is designed to be the fastest and most accurate trigger pull gauge available. This accurate electronic trigger gauge can register from 1 ounce all the way up to 12 pounds pull weight, with accuracy to the tenth of an ounce. That makes it ideal for all firearms types. This unit features a retractable pull rod to prevent damage. We like this Lyman tool and recommend it.
7. Scheels — Berry’s 400 Tumbler, $64.99
⏺ High-quality tumbler plus free shipping with $75 total purchase
Tumbling brass takes a strong machine that gets the job done quickly. The Berry’s 400 Tumbler is made from premium parts. The large, smooth bowl helps with fast, efficient cleaning while the clear lid lets you check progress easily. The motor has a 3-year warranty while other parts come with a lifetime warranty. NOTE: Currently Scheels offers FREE Shipping with a purchase of $75.00 or more. Add cleaning media ($17.99) to your cart and you can get FREE Shipping for both items.
Whether you’re working on your next firearm build or performing routine maintenance in your shop, the Wheeler Engineering 30-Piece SAE/Metric Hex and Torx P-Handle Set (#ad) is a great addition to your workbench. The stand design allows quick access, and the holder assembly can even be mounted on a wall. The tool handles are color-coded for type, and the front of the holder has clear/bright labels for size and type of each tool. This 30-piece set offers a full range of SAE Mex, Metric Hex, and Torx drivers.
8. Amazon — Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Scale, $67.87
⏺ Good compact scale with touch screen
Every handloader can use a compact but precise scale. Get all the features of much larger models combined with state-of-the-art touch screen controls with the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Scale (#ad). It is just 3.25″ wide by 5.4″ long and 1.25″ tall. This digital reloading scale has a full 1500 grain capacity and is accurate to within 1/10 of a grain. The Micro-touch 1500 also includes its own powder pan and 100-gram calibration weight.
10. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Gen 2 Reloading Trays
⏺ Quality cartridge-specific trays offer no-wobble fit
Ammo trays that fit cartridge brass very well definitely enhance the reloading process. We like the Frankford Arsenal Gen2 Reloading Trays (#ad) because they are sized for individual cartridge types (or a cartridge family) for a precise fit. These trays help hand-loaders maximize efficiency and stay organized. Sold in a convenient 2-pack, each tray securely holds 50 cases. Tray sizes are available for popular rifle and pistol cartridges: 9mm, .223 Rem, .38 SPL/.357 Mag, .38 Super/.40 SW, .45 ACP, .308 Win/6.5 CM, 7mm RemMag/.300 WinMag, and .338 Lapua/.45-70.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Howa Model 1500 Mini Action rifles are popular with hunters and varminters. These rifles have smooth actions, very good 2-stage triggers, are lighter than most rifles, and are very affordable. And now Mini Action rifles are offered in the modern 22 ARC cartridge. Developed for the AR-15 and small actions, the 22 ARC is efficient and allows use of high-BC bullets in a very compact action. We think the 22 ARC is a great choice for a field-carried varmint rifle.
The 6mm GT is bigger than the 6mmBR Norma (aka “6BR”) but smaller than the 6mm Creedmoor. This cartridge is proving popular with PRS/NRL competitors because it feeds better from standard magazines that the shorter 6mmBR, Dasher, and 6BRA cartridges, yet it still offers very good accuracy and barrel life. 6mm GT brass is now available from Alpha Munitions. The 
