The Howa barrel is sensitive to proper break in, especially the #2, read the instructions, take your time and do it right. This usually is where I spend time letting the barrel cool between shots, tweak my scope and a few other checks as I go along. I recheck torque on the action bolts, scope, anything that could loosen after assembly. As others have stated, invest in a qualified coach, practice doesn't make perfect unless it's perfect practice and being new, there are numerous disciplines you need to learn correctly to shoot well. Like in golf, not having to break bad habits makes one a better shooter or golfer. My first coach was a 76 year old still competitive professional (in 1976 as well), we started with two hours of conversation where he (unbeknownst to me) read my personality and demeanor to determine if he wanted to invest time with a 23 year old who thought he could shoot. After a lot of time going through the basics, he took my S&W model 19, shot a hole in the center of an inverted target at 10 yards (blank paper on that side) and told me to shoot the hole, remembering posture, grip, sight alignment, breathing and trigger press (double action). I hit the edge of the hole but it counted, point is, learn the basics and stick to them. In my LE sniper school we did the same thing, that is sticking to the basics, any error by any shooter meant copious amounts of pushups for everyone. A fun way to reinforce learning objectives and being aware of potential errors. In my world, you can't miss.
