Re: Question on Remington 40X vs. 700
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cwood3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am new to this forum, but not to shooting. I spend most of my time over on the benchrest forums. Recently, I too have wanted to understand the difference between the 700 and 40X, so I did some research. I have an interest in building a clone M40, not an A1 or A3, but a M40. That is why I started looking around. Here is information that I found and believe to be correct, but I won't be offended by differing opinions.
The 40X is a single shot action, no magazine cutout. The 40XB is a 40X repeater, with magazine cutout. The 700's are repeaters as well. It's easy to understand that a non-repeater could reasonably be a "stiffer" action as it contains more meat. My benchrest rifles are all single shot customs for that reason.
But to reproduce a M40, it has to be a repeater, so now we have to consider the difference between the 40XB and a 700. In that regard, what I have gathered is that there is no difference. Except in market value, because they are touted as "target" rifles. To build a precision shooter, you'd still have to "true" the 40XB or the 700. So if you are doing a buils for yourself and not for future selling value, why invest in the higher-price version of the same action. When the USMC 2112 armorers got a 700 or 40XB action, they "trued" them up regardless. The Remington Custom Shop did not "true" the actions. They are very nice cosmetically, but are of the same genes.
I hope everybody takes this information tongue-in-cheek as I have. I went to reputable sources and it all makes sense. As always, YMMV.
Thanks,
curtis </div></div>
When I got back from DS back in 1991, I had a 40XB in .300 Win Mag (wooden stock - 2 lb trigger) waiting for me. My wife was working for a gunshop and they sold me the 40XB at cost. It was a single shot rifle. They also sold me a Unertl 16 X external adjustment scope with a 1.5 inch objective.
I did my own reloading - Remington brass, Fed. 210M primers, 190 grain Sierra Match King bullets, and Hogdons H1000 powder. I was using (initial testing)80 grains, a slightly compressed load and then went down to 79.5 grains of H1000.
I went to the range in Ft. Bragg and sighted in my rifle. When I went to the 1000 yard range, my first sighter was in the 9 ring. Even with the shooting jacket and glove on my left hand the 40XB kicked like a mule. I stayed in the 9, 10, and Xs. That was my first time shooting with a sling, and using a Unertl scope. My reloading was with a Bonanza single stage press which is superb.
In crafting my ammunition, I took my time and used all the bench rest techniques.
I could not have had results like that if I had not been shooting with a Remington 40XB rifle! I paid $850 in 1990 dollars! There is no way you could do that with a 700 out of the box. Get the 40X!