I'm not a fan of the tactical look and can't figure out why one would want an extended mag sticking down out of the bottom of a rifle on a predator hunting rifle, if you can't get it down with the first 4 in a bolt action I doubt having six more is going to do much better. That said shortening the Howa Mini mag. is an easy job and shortening the mag release just as easy as they are both plastic,
My Howa Mini trigger is getting better, it was gritty, had some creep and slightly heavy. I've backed off the adjustment screw and it has gotten better, there is only one adjustment and right now as far as I know there is no replacement, even the 1500 trigger is enough different that you have to do some surgery to the trigger guard to make it work. I'm going to try and order a lighter spring for it. I understand that Timney might build or modify their 1500 trigger to fit.
This won't be your first rodeo with the 222R so there won't be any disappointments with it.
If you don't mind tinkering go for the Mini.
My HB 6.5 Grendel in a Boyds Laminate, 6.5-20x44mm scope, mag w/4 rounds and butt bag with a couple AA batteries(for decoy) is 8 3/4 lbs. The pencil barrel, light 2-7 scope and synthetic stock should get you under 7 lbs and be a dandy little calling rifle.