308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

[clenahan403]

So I'm new here but I've been reading for a long time.

After alot of research I have decided to build a target 308 for medium and long range target shooting. 400/600yards common and I have range area to shoot to 2000 when I get there..

I chose the 700 sps varmint over many other brands for it's spec sheet and huge aftermarket and decent price.

The AICS stock seems to be one of the best all-in-one upgrades for accuracy and shooter positioning (vs HSPrecision and add-ons)

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 NP-R1 1/4 MOA clicks
Nightforce 1 Pc Base Remington 700 20 MOA
Nightforce Medium Rings
Butler Creek flip-up caps

Flatline Ops Angle Cosine Indicator
Flatline Ops Fixed Scope Level
Harris 6-9" Bi-pod

Estimated cost: $5000

Reloading stuff I have yet to decide on but a good bit of kit and some extras. A headspace measuring tool and borescope will be on the list later for fine tuning.


I'm going to break the barrel in with hornady 168gr BTHP Match. Plan on reloading with 155 gr. HPBT Palma MatchKing with around 45grns of varget to start. Hoping for 2900fpsMV.

Just wondering if you guys would make any performance tweaks?

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

Sounds like a winner. Try the AICS before you buy if you can. They are a love it or hate it kind of stock. I couldn't handle the short distance from grip to trigger. There are other chassis systems on the market that are just as good accuracy wise and some lower priced. McCree, Kinetic Research Group, XLR, JP Enterprises, Manners MCS, etc. Don't buy without at least looking at the rest of your options.

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

That may be a good idea as i am 6-2"...

 

[Engineer]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

If it were me, I would save a few bucks and use Seekins rings and base. Take the savings and put it towards an aftermarket trigger.

 

[Bradu]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

That's very similar to the stick I just put together, I installed a Jewell trigger since I couldn't get my x-mark lower than 4 pounds and almost every rifle I have is set to break at 1.5-2 pounds. I would like to try out an AICS stock as well, I read it's a personal preference as mnshortdraw said.

 

[XTR]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

If this is going to be a dedicated target rifle you may want to consider some other options.

These are things to think about, not necessarily recommendations:

Barrel and action, a stock R700 barreled action is probably not going to get you under 3/4 MOA, if it does, it is not by much. Getting the action trued and a new barrel chambered and mounted will cost you about $350 plus the cost of the barrel (about $325), now you've added about $675 to the cost of your stock action.

You can get a custom action for about $1200, no truing required, add the barrel and the cost to have it chambered (~$150) and you have about $1650 in all. Ends up being about $500 more than a trued R700 with a new barrel. I had two bullet orders last month that totaled more than the difference, and in the end you have a Remington, or you have a Custom, your call, I'm going with a Defiance.


If you are really just going to shoot 400-600 yds ignore the following, and shorter barrel is great, but if you really plan to shoot to 1000 yds the wind will kick your ass and laugh about it. I know there are lots of people here will tell you that can get there with a 20" tube, and you can, but there is a reason any real competitive F-TR shooter has a 30" tube. At extended range a great BC and MV is your friend. Shooting 175SMKs at achievable MVs from a short tube you'll be seeing 10" or more of wind drift <span style="font-weight: bold">per MPH</span> of full value wind. That means you miss the wind call or more likely a let off by 2 MPH then you're 20" off point of aim, to me that is huge. In the field a two MPH delta is not that easy to spot.

I think you'll going to find that the AICS stock is not really designed for target shooting, it's more "tactical" and it's too heavy if you ever consider F-TR. Again, looking on the line, I've only seen one at an F class comp.

Mag systems, if you target shoot you will single feed, it is just the way you do it. Open the box, put it by the rifle, take the old one out, put the new one in, it works that way, AND if you start shooting long Berger bullets they will shoot better a longer than mag length. For a target gun I'd save the money on the mag system. I'm ordering a single shot action, if I want to convert it later I can send it to Defiance and have an AW cut done.


F Class competition, if you are shooting targets and you think you will start to think of shooting F-TR (it is great fun by the way) consider a serious dedicated target gun. I've seen some nice all around rifles including a GAP Hospitaller sold to fund a more purpose built target rifle.

Just stuff to consider.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

Micky, I got into long range shooting about a year ago and I remember the pains of having to make decisions on what to buy.

First I want to say that I really don't know where it is that guys get the idea that you have to either get a custom action or have your stock action trued, blue printed or whatever. It just isn't true, unless you want a dedicated bench rest rifle and you're going to be chasing zero groups. If that is the case, you're looking at the wrong caliber and you need to forget about that bipod and start looking at some $1K rests.

If you want to shoot F Class or F/TR, there's nothing wrong with a Remington (most of the time). Bottom line is that there's nothing wrong with building on a Remington Action. Of course, if you have an extra $800 to blow on the action, then by all means, go for it. There's nothing wrong with having the best, even if something less will do, when it comes to rifles.

I started out with an SPS Tactical. Why? Because I didn't know if I was going to like the discipline, so I got a cheap rifle to try it out.

In bone stock form, this is how it shot....

Yes, those were 175s coming out of a 1:12 twist barrel.

The fact of the matter is that these days, you almost have to work to get a rifle that doesn't shoot well, as long as it's from a reputable manufacturer.

After discovering that I really liked shooting long distance, I got the upgrade itch. So...I ordered a barrel from Krieger ($325), got myself an HS Precision 700P pull off stock ($225) and added a Timney trigger ($100). I gave my gunsmith $300 to thread and chamber the barrel, headspace it and lap the lugs.

After the upgrade, how did it shoot? About the same as it did before. So why upgrade? First, the custom cut chamber with the Krieger barrel bought me about 100 fps in velocity. I also didn't have to chase the lands by loading to excessive lengths. I had my chamber cut for the bullets that I wanted to shoot. I just load to 2.8 and I'm kissing the lands. Other advantages include the fact that I get no copper fouling. I clean every 300 rounds or so. My cold bore/clean bore shot is only about 1/2 MOA off of my zero and when the barrel gets hot, it doesn't turn into a shotgun.

With the learning experience of my first rifle under my belt, I had a good idea of the route to take with my second rifle. I got me a used Remington 700 action ($300), got another Krieger barrel ($325), another pull off stock ($250), Shilen trigger ($100) and probably another $100 worth of doo dads to complete the build. I gave it all to my gunsmith and paid him again. Now this was the way to go. I have something around $1200 in the rifle and it is a tack driver with all of the advantages of having a good barrel.

As for your list, I'd just like to offer some food for thought.

First, shop around for a stock that you'll be comfortable with. Find an F Class Match and go check it out, especially the equipment. As was mentioned, the AICS stock is a love it or hate it thing. There was a time when I thought that I wanted one. I'm glad that I checked it out before I bought. It turns out that I shoot the best with an HSP stock when prone.

As for the scope, I'm a big fan of Nightforce. I shoot the 5.5-22X50s. I went with the 50 because I wanted to be able to stay with the medium rings. I didn't want to mess with my cheek weld. If I had gone to the 56mm objective, I would had to have gone with high rings because the scope won't clear a heavy barrel. It will probably clear a stock Remmy barrel, but if you get a heavy barrel (I have the heavy varmint profile), the medium rings won't clear. Heck, as it is, I don't have the room to use the rubber cover that came with my scope. I had to cut a notch in it.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Micky, I got into long range shooting about a year ago and I remember the pains of having to make decisions on what to buy.

First I want to say that I really don't know where it is that guys get the idea that you have to either get a custom action or have your stock action trued, blue printed or whatever. It just isn't true, unless you want a dedicated bench rest rifle and you're going to be chasing zero groups. If that is the case, you're looking at the wrong caliber and you need to forget about that bipod and start looking at some $1K rests.

If you want to shoot F Class or F/TR, there's nothing wrong with a Remington (most of the time). Bottom line is that there's nothing wrong with building on a Remington Action. Of course, if you have an extra $800 to blow on the action, then by all means, go for it. There's nothing wrong with having the best, even if something less will do, when it comes to rifles.

I started out with an SPS Tactical. Why? Because I didn't know if I was going to like the discipline, so I got a cheap rifle to try it out.

In bone stock form, this is how it shot....

Yes, those were 175s coming out of a 1:12 twist barrel.

The fact of the matter is that these days, you almost have to work to get a rifle that doesn't shoot well, as long as it's from a reputable manufacturer.

After discovering that I really liked shooting long distance, I got the upgrade itch. So...I ordered a barrel from Krieger ($325), got myself an HS Precision 700P pull off stock ($225) and added a Timney trigger ($100). I gave my gunsmith $300 to thread and chamber the barrel, headspace it and lap the lugs.

After the upgrade, how did it shoot? About the same as it did before. So why upgrade? First, the custom cut chamber with the Krieger barrel bought me about 100 fps in velocity. I also didn't have to chase the lands by loading to excessive lengths. I had my chamber cut for the bullets that I wanted to shoot. I just load to 2.8 and I'm kissing the lands. Other advantages include the fact that I get no copper fouling. I clean every 300 rounds or so. My cold bore/clean bore shot is only about 1/2 MOA off of my zero and when the barrel gets hot, it doesn't turn into a shotgun.

With the learning experience of my first rifle under my belt, I had a good idea of the route to take with my second rifle. I got me a used Remington 700 action ($300), got another Krieger barrel ($325), another pull off stock ($250), Shilen trigger ($100) and probably another $100 worth of doo dads to complete the build. I gave it all to my gunsmith and paid him again. Now this was the way to go. I have something around $1200 in the rifle and it is a tack driver with all of the advantages of having a good barrel.

As for your list, I'd just like to offer some food for thought.

First, shop around for a stock that you'll be comfortable with. Find an F Class Match and go check it out, especially the equipment. As was mentioned, the AICS stock is a love it or hate it thing. There was a time when I thought that I wanted one. I'm glad that I checked it out before I bought. It turns out that I shoot the best with an HSP stock when prone.

As for the scope, I'm a big fan of Nightforce. I shoot the 5.5-22X50s. I went with the 50 because I wanted to be able to stay with the medium rings. I didn't want to mess with my cheek weld. If I had gone to the 56mm objective, I would had to have gone with high rings because the scope won't clear a heavy barrel. It will probably clear a stock Remmy barrel, but if you get a heavy barrel (I have the heavy varmint profile), the medium rings won't clear. Heck, as it is, I don't have the room to use the rubber cover that came with my scope. I had to cut a notch in it. </div></div>

Very helpful post. Thank you.

I recently bought a Rem SPS-Varmint with the same thoughts. It's produced 0.2" 100-yd groups bone stock with 168gr SMKs over 42.0gr of RL15 so I'll be proceeding conservatively.

FH

 

[105amatt]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

You will most likely need high rings, not medium. I have a the same NF scope. Sounds like a great set up.

-Matt

 

[crewchef]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

TonyAngel is pretty much dead on in my opinion. I started with SPS too and for mid-range 300/500/600 I held my own straight out of the box. No need to upgrade anything day 1, just go shoot. Sure you'll want to change some things but go shoot some matches first. See what others are using and ask if you can try it out or at least get behind it and see what it feels like. There are a lot of options out there and many of them are love it or hate it. Do buy good glass with enough magnification to start or you'll be wanting to upgrade it right away (voice of experience).

I've been shooting F-T/R for two years now and want to move on out to 1K so building new rifle. I am using custom action this time with Jewel trigger and Krieger 30" barrel but glad I didn't go that route right away. I got to see a lot of different gear before doing this and that helped me make good decisions on what I wanted for custom build.

 

[Mace06]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

How's it going fellas I just started on these forums. One of my better builds is the rem. 700 with a j. Allen enterprise chassis system I must say I love it although I to am looking for barrel upgrades. The scope I have is a NxS 5.5x22 and I gota say up to 4-500 yards its a great shooter with no complaints

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

That JAE stock looks nice. It looks like it might cater to those that don't like the thumbhole form factor of the AIC.

Harry, yeah, that SPS that I had did shoot better with .168s. That .05" group up there was a fluke, but with 168, it would do .1s and .2s consistently enough that when it didn't, I knew it was because of me.

 

[fdkay]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

I will give you something else to consider.
I like remingtons, I bought a 5R and really likr it.

However, consider the Savage Long range precision (LRP) in 6.5 creedmore.

The rifle comes in a very good HS precision stock that you MAY eventually upgrade.
The cartridge will outperform the .308 in every single aspect and will be easier to shoot. Factory match ammo is available for about 24 a box.
They go for about 1000 bucks.

If you decide to stick with the Remington .308, you MAY want to consider going to yoour local dicks/academy/cabelas ans buy a bare bones 700 ADL with a .473 boltface, ship the barreled action to Hart barrels or any of the very fine smiths on the hide amd have the action trued, lugs lapped and match grade barrel installed. Total cost will be about 1000 dollars (about 350 for the rifle, 650 for the barrel and install) and you will have a far superior rifle.

One question: What is this barrel break in you speak of?

 

[Mace06]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

That's what this build started off as just a plane Jane 700 and I brought it to a local gunny and he done some work on it for which was nice because I got to watch and learn during the process. The next one I Wana try the stock sps and see how it is out the box, any suggestions on yalls stand points? The creedmore I've been reading alot about on here that rifle seems almost to good to be true. It's almost to the point were I'm wanting to give it a go lol

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

No this is not a BR rifle, I'll be shooting mostly back country and at my range. I want this rifle to be mobile. under 15lbs

Looking at a Lilja barrel eventually.

The reason for my list being as it is, is because I can shoot it to 3/4MOA outa the box.. All I need for the first couple hundred rounds. As per my current shooting habits I'll burn the barrel out in 2 years or so and use that time to build up either upgrade parts or just build a new rifle.

and I'm in alberta, CA so prices are all different..

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

Keeping it under 15lbs shouldn't be a problem. I'm running an HS Precision 700P stock, 26" Krieger in the heavy varmint profile and a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 with a Nightforce 20 MOA base and steel rings. With the bipod, the rifle comes in right at 15lbs, so shaving off of that shouldn't be hard to do.

For a field/humping around rig, I think I'd go for a 20 or 22" barrel, to keep it handier.

As for your load using 45gr of Varget and the 155 Palma bullet, I don't know about getting that velocity with a stock Remington barrel. I suppose it depends on how thick the air is where you are.

The rig that I mentioned above has a very tight chamber and I'm getting just under 2900 with that same load.

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

handy isn't an issue, i'm not going to drop and setup if i see a gopher.. scout a good location, setup targets and shoot.. might aim for something else if it crosses my FOV..but OAL of the rifle isn't a huge issue

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

You gentlemen have sent me for a spin, again...I've done some research on f-class shooting and the wide range of 30cal in general is about as common as a gopher at a shooting range.

I have posted in the reloading forum, and am back to JBM's BalCalc and bullet/powder manufactures sites

 

[JGorski]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MickyTwoshoes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I'm new here but I've been reading for a long time.

After alot of research I have decided to build a target 308 for medium and long range target shooting. 400/600yards common and I have range area to shoot to 2000 when I get there..

I chose the 700 sps varmint over many other brands for it's spec sheet and huge aftermarket and decent price.

The AICS stock seems to be one of the best all-in-one upgrades for accuracy and shooter positioning (vs HSPrecision and add-ons)

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 NP-R1 1/4 MOA clicks
Nightforce 1 Pc Base Remington 700 20 MOA
Nightforce Medium Rings
Butler Creek flip-up caps

Flatline Ops Angle Cosine Indicator
Flatline Ops Fixed Scope Level
Harris 6-9" Bi-pod

Estimated cost: $5000

Reloading stuff I have yet to decide on but a good bit of kit and some extras. A headspace measuring tool and borescope will be on the list later for fine tuning.


I'm going to break the barrel in with hornady 168gr BTHP Match. Plan on reloading with 155 gr. HPBT Palma MatchKing with around 45grns of varget to start. Hoping for 2900fpsMV.

Just wondering if you guys would make any performance tweaks? </div></div>
Yup, Id opt for TPS 20 MOA bases and rings, a Burris XTR 6-24 scope and 155AMAXS over 47grs RE15. here's my rig, with 6-24 Burris Signature, TPS rings and 20moa base, H-S Precision PSV096 stock, Jewell under safety, $1700.

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

Thanks for the suggestion and yeh I will certainly be shooting a variety of bullets, every barrel has it's favorite.

I know not all parts are made the same, but what your reason for TPS base and rings and the Burris over the Nightforce?

 

[JGorski]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MickyTwoshoes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the suggestion and yeh I will certainly be shooting a variety of bullets, every barrel has it's favorite.

I know not all parts are made the same, but what your reason for TPS base and rings and the Burris over the Nightforce?
</div></div>
TPS makes the best bang for the buck rings and bases, $74.99 for either one, Ive got 2 sets, both are on my 308s, theyre awesome and they do make their products for the military, too. Burris scopes have outstanding optics, their XTR line of Tactical scopes will run with anything out there and I bet theyre a bit less expensive that Nightforce as well. I wish I could afford one but then again I dont need one at this time, the Burris Signature is doing very well for me.

 

[JGorski]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/661688/nightforce-30mm-picatinny-style-rings-matte-high
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/124114/tps-30mm-tsr-picatinny-style-aluminum-rings-matte-high

Over twice the price, are you kidding me Nightforce?

 

[Chabrone]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

Aluminum compared to Steel, strength is definitely different. Apples to Oranges. Buy what you want, they will both work for plinking but I want my $2K nightforce to stay put.

 

[hdbiker1]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

TPS also make steel rings and bases.

 

[Midodgeguy]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

TPS Aluminum rings are junk. Mine sheared off after around 60 rounds and TPS has been less than helpful in getting them replaced.

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

I can agree with that, a rifle mag i have did a review on the savage 110BA .338lapua.. they busted 2 leupold scopes testing it...not that this thread is intended on that power but still..

Quality is worth paying for, certainly when it comes to 1500$+ things...

 

[clenahan403]

Re: 308 Remington700 Target Build-Plan

I have settled with the 6.5mm Creedmoor, ballistics on factory and certainly reloaded ammunition are excellent and on par with the rest of the 6mm to 6.5mm range but the design and powders used in it extend barrel life between 400 and 1100 rounds depending on the load against the others, as I've read.

Also finally went to my semi-local gun shop and had a chat with the old man. He's shooting 6.5creedmoor and won't be switching any time soon.