Bolt-action head-to-head · editorial reference

Howa 1500 vs Savage 110 Storm: Two Entry Bolt Guns

These two rifles are not the same chambering, which makes the usual spec-sheet duel misleading. Start with the job, then pick the rifle.

Short answer

The Howa 1500 here is a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 5+1 magazine, suited to medium game and longer shots. The Savage 110 Storm is a left-hand .223 Remington with a 4+1 magazine, suited to varmints, predators and left-handed shooters. Pick the cartridge and handedness first, because they decide the answer.

Why this is not a simple head-to-head

Normally you would compare two rifles in the same cartridge and see who wins on trigger, stock and accuracy. These two are not that. The listings in this catalog are a Howa 1500 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and a Savage 110 Storm chambered in .223 Remington and built for left-handed shooters. They sit in the same entry-level class, bolt-action rifles with a reputation for shooting well, but they answer different questions.

That is useful. It means you can use this page to figure out which question you are asking before looking at the rifles.

Start with the cartridge

6.5 Creedmoor shoots a long, high-sectional-density bullet that carries well at distance. It is used for deer-sized game, target shooting and long-range practice. Recoil is moderate. The Howa 1500 in 6.5 Creedmoor is listed with a 5+1 magazine capacity.

.223 Remington shoots a small, fast bullet with mild recoil. It is a classic varmint and predator cartridge, and it is gentle to practice with. The Savage 110 Storm in .223 left-hand is listed with a 4+1 capacity.

Hunting rules enter immediately. States set minimum cartridge or energy requirements for big game, and some exclude .223 for deer. Rules differ by species, season and sometimes management unit, and they change every year. Confirm with your state wildlife agency before committing to a cartridge. For help on 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, our network site BuyMoreAmmo has a 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition guide, and our varmint rifle explainer covers the .223 side.

Handedness

The Savage here is a left-hand action: the bolt handle and port are on the left side. For a left-handed shooter, that can be a significant comfort advantage because the dominant hand stays on the stock and the off hand works the bolt. Left-hand actions are less common, so availability is part of the appeal. Our network site BuyMoreGuns explains the trade-offs in buying guns left-handed.

If you are right-handed, the Savage listing is not the right choice, whatever its merits. If you are left-handed and want 6.5 Creedmoor, check whether Howa offers a left-hand version of the 1500 in that chambering; this listing is the standard model.

What the two brands are known for

Both brands have a following among budget-conscious hunters, and neither needs an introduction to people who shop bolt guns.

Savage rifles are known for the AccuTrigger, a trigger with a blade safety whose pull weight the user can adjust within a range, and for a barrel-nut system that makes changing a barrel easier. Check Savage's manual for adjustment instructions and safety notes before touching the trigger.
Howa is known for solid, no-frills actions that produce good results in the hands of shooters who prefer simple rifles. Check Howa's specification page for the trigger and stock details of the 6.5 Creedmoor model.

Beyond those general reputations, the specifics, such as trigger pull weight, stock material, barrel length and total weight, belong to the manufacturers' spec pages. This page does not attempt to quote them from memory.

Action smoothness and trigger: how to judge

Spec sheets cannot tell you how a bolt feels. At a dealer, check these things on any entry bolt gun:

Bolt travel. It should run smoothly without binding or gritty feel.
Bolt lift and close. The lift should be firm but not heavy; closing should feel positive.
Trigger. A clean break with minimal creep is the goal. Know how the safety works and how to unload.
Magazine fit. The magazine should seat and release without fuss.
Stock fit. Mount the rifle to your shoulder with your eyes closed. Open them. Where does your eye land relative to the optic position?

Try them side by side if you can. The rifle that feels natural often performs better in practice.

Comparison

Question	Howa 1500 6.5 CM	Savage 110 Storm .223 LH
Cartridge	6.5 Creedmoor	.223 Remington
Handedness	Standard (check listing)	Left-hand action
Listed capacity	5+1	4+1
Typical use	Medium game, target and distance practice	Varmints, predators, practice
Recoil	Moderate	Mild
Ammunition	More specialized, typically costs more per round	Plentiful, typically cheaper per round
Best for	Hunters and distance shooters	Left-handed shooters, varmint work

Pick-this-if

Pick the Howa 1500 if you want a hunting and distance rifle in a popular, flat-shooting cartridge.
Pick the Savage 110 Storm if you are left-handed and want a mild, accurate varmint and predator rifle.
Pick neither if you want one rifle that does both; consider the cartridge you need and look for a rifle in that chambering and your handedness.

Optics and setup

Both rifles are generally drilled and tapped for scope bases, though you should confirm the base pattern for your exact model. A fixed 3-9x or 4-12x variable scope suits both. Mounting height, eye relief and a good rest matter more than the rifle for hitting at distance. Our guide to bolt-action rifles explains how the action works, and the hunter-ed action types article compares action styles.

A range session to evaluate whichever you buy

Once the rifle is yours, a short, deliberate session reveals more than a week of reading.

Safety first. Confirm the rifle is unloaded and learn the safety and the unloading procedure before you chamber a round.
Mount the scope correctly. Use bases and rings that match your model and follow the torque recommendations of their makers.
Bore-sight, then zero. Fire a few rounds from a stable rest and adjust until your point of impact matches your point of aim at a chosen distance.
Shoot groups. Three- or five-shot groups from a rest tell you more than a single shot. Let the barrel cool between groups.
Try a few loads. Different ammunition can change group size. Keep notes on what the rifle prefers.
Confirm your zero in field positions. A rest differs from a sling or a shooting stick.

Scopes, rings and cartridge-specific advice

The right optic differs between the two cartridges.

For the 6.5 Creedmoor Howa, a variable scope in the mid-range of magnification suits hunting and distance practice. If you intend to shoot far, choose a scope with turrets or a reticle designed for holdovers, and learn how to use them.
For the .223 Savage, a fixed or variable scope with enough magnification for small targets is helpful for varmints. Left-handed shooters should check that the turrets and parallax adjustment are easy to reach from the left side.

Either way, buy good rings and bases. Rifle accuracy is easy to undermine with weak mounts.

Ammunition and cost of ownership

The two cartridges present different ownership experiences. .223 Remington is widely available and tends to be inexpensive to practice with, which is why it is a favorite for building skills and for pest control. 6.5 Creedmoor offers excellent downrange performance for its recoil, but it is a more specialized cartridge, and quality loads can take more effort to find and tend to cost more per round. Our network site BuyMoreAmmo's 6.5 Creedmoor guide covers the options.

If you want to practice more than you hunt, factor ammunition into your decision.

Last word

If you are a right-handed hunter chasing deer-sized game, the Howa 1500 in 6.5 Creedmoor is the rifle in this pair. If you are left-handed and plan to shoot varmints, the Savage 110 Storm is the rifle. Verify the specifications with each maker, and check your state's rules. Both transfer through a licensed FFL, and the rules for your state and local area are yours to confirm.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Frequently asked questions

Is 6.5 Creedmoor or .223 better for deer?

Many states have rules on cartridges and bullet types for deer, and some do not allow .223 for deer. 6.5 Creedmoor is used for deer in many places. Confirm the rule with your state wildlife agency.

Do I need a left-handed rifle if I am left-handed?

Not strictly, since many left-handed shooters use right-handed bolt guns. A left-hand action puts the bolt handle on the left and can be more comfortable. Try both if you can.

Which one is better for a first bolt-action rifle?

Either can be, depending on use. .223 is milder and cheaper to practice with, while 6.5 Creedmoor is a better match for larger game. Match the rifle to what you will actually do.

Are these rifles scope-ready?

Bolt-action rifles of this type are generally drilled and tapped for scope bases, but confirm with the manufacturer and choose bases that match your model.