R700 SPS TAc .223

[MarcoPolo]

I have a r700 sps tac in .223 and i want to upgrade the barrel. The ? i have is will i notice a difference just from upgrading barrels. It has the factory 20'' var barrel and i would like to have a Krieger match barrel installed. The majority of my shooting will be 1-300 yards (target bench shooting). Also should i have the action accurized when the new barrel is installed or will the barrel swap be enough. i am just not sure if accurizing is that big of a deal when swapping barrels. any advice anyone.

 

[yellowXJ]

You failed to mention the most critical piece of info... how does it shoot now?

if you decide to swap barrels, definitely have the action trued at that same time as you'll be paying little incremental money.

 

[Drifter™]

If you're using the factory Hogue stock, I doubt that a Krieger barrel is gonna help.

The 20" Tactical 223 in a quality stock can be very accurate with tailored handloads.

The rifle needs a good stock either way, so consider upgrading it first to determine if a new barrel is even necessary.

Here's a couple of 5-shot groups from 100 yards with the factory barreled action in a McMillan stock:

 

[diggler1833]

Handloads, bedding in a decent stock, and maybe taking the trigger down a bit should be all that you need in order to get very acceptable accuracy at the ranges you are talking about.

My SPS Tactical was 1 MOA with 69gr FGMM out of the box. Bedded it in a McM A5, lightened the trigger a tad, and worked up a good 69gr SMK handload for it...took it down to about half-MOA.

Save yourself some extra money for range time until you have got the experience and knowledge that will get the most out of a truing/rebarrel.

Hope that this helps.