Rem 700 build ideas

BH30-06

BH30-06

Hole polisher
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 12, 2018
105
65
Canada
#1
Hi guys,
So I’m wanting to build a long range rifle 1000-2000 yards. I already have an idea of what I want to do but suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Idea: rem 700 long action
Caliber: 300 Norma mag, 30 nosler, 308 Norma mag, 300 rum, 300 win mag
MDT lss chassis with ergo grip and magpie stock
Tactical bolt handle
20-40 mos base
Badger or 4aw brake
Trigger tech diamond trigger
Some type of aftermarket barrel not really sure what brand

That is kinda what I’m thinking is like to do but I am not set on that so any and all suggestions would gladly be appreciated.

Thanks brady
 
#3
I don’t know if I’d go with a Lapua bolt face in a standard 700 action. The 300WM sure, but nothing more.

Great list of stuff, but if you’re sinking that momuch money, listen to the poster above and get a custom (Bighorn, ARC, Surgeon, etc).

Also, given the range you stated, there is no reason to go magnum. A 6mm - 30-06 will be more than you need. Less cost, less weight, more smiles.

One more thing, is you don’t ming buying used, there are some excellent deals in the PX section. Less cost, less wait time, EVEN MORE SMILES.
 
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#5
PBWalsh said:
I don’t know if I’d go with a Lapua bolt face in a standard 700 action. The 300WM sure, but nothing more.

Great list of stuff, but if you’re sinking that momuch money, listen to the poster above and get a custom (Bighorn, ARC, Surgeon, etc).

Also, given the range you stated, there is no reason to go magnum. A 6mm - 30-06 will be more than you need. Less cost, less weight, more smiles.

One more thing, is you don’t ming buying used, there are some excellent deals in the PX section. Less cost, less wait time, EVEN MORE SMILES.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that, I was just reading on a lapua bolt face in rem 700 and I don’t think I’d wanna be one doing that. Yah I think I’m gunna get a custom action now, think they’d have some on her used? What calibers would you suggest?
Thanks
 
#6
BH30-06 said:
I was just thinking of saving a couple bucks, but now that I think of it your right, I’d rather have something that’s really strong and I can trust
Click to expand...
My first custom was built on a trued R700 action. That was before the ARC Nucleus, Bighorn Origin, and Defiance Tenacity. There are now custom options that aren't that much more expensive than an R700. I would strongly advise you look at those before putting lipstick on a pig.
 
#7
NateVA said:
My first custom was built on a trued R700 action. That was before the ARC Nucleus, Bighorn Origin, and Defiance Tenacity. There are now custom options that aren't that much more expensive than an R700. I would strongly advise you look at those before putting lipstick on a pig.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I think I’m gunna look around and see what I can find
 
#8
So I’ve been looking around at actions a bit and found a few I like and would like to here some opinions. Bighorn arms origin action, nucleus bolt action, or a stiller. I was looking at stiller and saw there scratch and ding section and was wondering what’s the deal with those, if anyone’s had any how were they.
Thanks
 
#9
BH30-06 said:
So I’ve been looking around at actions a bit and found a few I like and would like to here some opinions. Bighorn arms origin action, nucleus bolt action, or a stiller. I was looking at stiller and saw there scratch and ding section and was wondering what’s the deal with those, if anyone’s had any how were they.
Thanks
Click to expand...
The Bighorn Origin is short action only so it wouldn't work for the cartridges you're considering. The ARC Nucleus has a long action option though so that'd work. I'd go with that over the Stiller every time. The Stiller has largely been eclipsed in the last few years and they haven't innovated at all in that time frame.
 
#10
NateVA said:
The Bighorn Origin is short action only so it wouldn't work for the cartridges you're considering. The ARC Nucleus has a long action option though so that'd work. I'd go with that over the Stiller every time. The Stiller has largely been eclipsed in the last few years and they haven't innovated at all in that time frame.
Click to expand...
I think I might go the arc nucleus way possibly, what is your opinion on the defiance tenacity action.
Thanks
 
#15
I just ordered a kelbly atlas tactical for under a $1000 for a short action build. Could not find much bad info about them. Another option for you to consider.
 
#16
SO here in Canada I’m able to get a trued rem 700 action for 600$. Is this a very good deal? I’m still looking around at custom actions though, I want to keep the cost down a bit so I’m wondering if anyone has a used one they wanna sell?
 
#18
BH30-06 said:
So I’ve been looking around at actions a bit and found a few I like and would like to here some opinions. Bighorn arms origin action, nucleus bolt action, or a stiller. I was looking at stiller and saw there scratch and ding section and was wondering what’s the deal with those, if anyone’s had any how were they.
Thanks
Click to expand...

I've had two Stillers, one tac30 and a tac300. My Tac30 has been running strong for almost 7 years now and I have zero complaints about it. The Tac300 was a 300wm, it was okay for the most part, had some ejection issues here and there but I just grew tired of the 300wm and sold it. With that being said, I don't think I'd buy another now given all the other options available for an equal or lesser price point.

My .2c, just save your money and get a custom action especially if you really want a 300norma, if not I'd wait around and go 300PRC. It'll likely save you money and frustration in the long run. But in the end, it's up to you if you want to spend more cash to get more features out of a custom action than a trued 700.
 
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#19
Bandit31 said:
I've had two Stillers, one tac30 and a tac300. My Tac30 has been running strong for almost 7 years now and I have zero complaints about it. The Tac300 was a 300wm, it was okay for the most part, had some ejection issues here and there but I just grew tired of the 300wm and sold it. With that being said, I don't think I'd buy another now given all the other options available for an equal or lesser price point.

My .2c, just save your money and get a custom action especially if you really want a 300norma, if not I'd wait around and go 300PRC. It'll likely save you money and frustration in the long run. But in the end, it's up to you if you want to spend more cash to get more features out of a custom action than a trued 700.
Click to expand...
It’s quite a tough decision for me cause I know how good the custom actions are but I also really like the 700
 
#21
Bandit31 said:
What makes you like the 700 more than saving a couple hundred extra dollars ( I don't know how much extra it'd cost in Canada) for a custom action?
Click to expand...
Well if I got a custom action here it’d be about 1500-1600 and if I wanted to get one from the states I’d have to pay more because of the dollar and the shipping and customs so if I bought one 1400 American it would be close to 2000 or more. That’s the main reason and because I’ve had 700s and there nice guns
 
#22
I was wondering if someone could help me with this. I would like to know if I got a rem 700 would a lapua bolt face work. I’ve heard some say it will and some say it won’t?
 
#23
You might look into the gunwerks GRB long Action for the money. If they are still on sale on their website they are $750. Other than proprietary threads they look pretty damn nice. (PVA already selling Pre-fits and they also do barreled action work right there at Gunwerks)
 
#24
Look at the Ultimatum deadline like @b6graham mentioned. They're in Canada. Maybe Brownells also?

And yes, a lapua bolt face would work in a 700 action but it wouldn't be wise in the long run. There's also a pretty fair amount of gunsmiths out there and on this forum that won't built 300norma's on 700 actions and would also advise not to do so.
 
#25
If it was bad or dangerous to make a 700 into a Lapua I highly doubt remington would be doing it. I laugh at everyone that dogs on 700s as if they are junk. Are custom actions nicer? Yep. Will it make a difference accuracy-wise unless you are in a benchrest comp shooting 0.1s? Nope. And everyone says that custom actions aren't that much more expensive. That may be somewhat true for short action builds but not for Lapua bolt face builds. I am putting together a 300 NM with a 700 Ultra Mag receiver and purpose made PTG bolt. All in will be a hair under $600. Any Lapua custom action will cost more than twice that. I have kids and bills and can't justify mortgaging the house on a hobby. Is your $5000 custom rifle nicer than mine? Maybe. Is your S&B nicer than my Vortex or Leupold? Maybe. Does that mean you can outshoot me? Not necessarily. Put your money where accuracy comes from. Barrel and smith. As long as you use decent parts otherwise, you will have an accurate gun. My first 6.5 CM was a shoestring build on a used savage action and used AICS. Add a criterion barrel and a good smith to make sure everything is straight and tight and I now have a 0.3-0.4 gun, which is as good as I can shoot off a bipod. Total before glass $1100, and that's with an AICS chassis. I could have dropped it into a KRG and been in for $800.

Not dogging on anyone who uses custom actions. If I could justify the cost I would too. But I think the "consensus" makes people think they have to spend huge money to build an accurate rifle which is not true at all.
 
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#26
@jpgolffl Nobody is saying you can't get a 700 to shoot. I don't think anybody is saying you can't put a norma or lapua in a 700 action because quite frankly you can.

The Remington's in 338lm more than likely derived out of demand as a low cost/entry level option and get people into it. Likely those that may put 100rds or less a year on it and shoot factory ammo.

The way it was explained to me a long time ago is that more often than not, the "problems" arise when people really start increasing the pressures when hand loading. The bolts aren't meaty like a purpose built action and the 700 has a smaller tenon thread size so a lot of stress/ strain is put on the bolt lugs and action. So in the grand scheme of things, yes you can build a 700 into a 338lm, edge, norma etc, but its not about "if" it fails but rather "when". Sure some people never see an issue in doing so while others haven't been so lucky.

Maybe one of the many gunsmiths that are on this forum will chime in and better explain why they don't recommend it or won't do it. Hell, maybe I got it all wrong and will eat crow but either way I'm still interested in hearing why they won't do it and maybe it'll help the OP in his decision and others along the way.
 
#27
jpgolffl said:
If it was bad or dangerous to make a 700 into a Lapua I highly doubt remington would be doing it. I laugh at everyone that dogs on 700s as if they are junk. Are custom actions nicer? Yep. Will it make a difference accuracy-wise unless you are in a benchrest comp shooting 0.1s? Nope. And everyone says that custom actions aren't that much more expensive. That may be somewhat true for short action builds but not for Lapua bolt face builds. I am putting together a 300 NM with a 700 Ultra Mag receiver and purpose made PTG bolt. All in will be a hair under $600. Any Lapua custom action will cost more than twice that. I have kids and bills and can't justify mortgaging the house on a hobby. Is your $5000 custom rifle nicer than mine? Maybe. Is your S&B nicer than my Vortex or Leupold? Maybe. Does that mean you can outshoot me? Not necessarily. Put your money where accuracy comes from. Barrel and smith. As long as you use decent parts otherwise, you will have an accurate gun. My first 6.5 CM was a shoestring build on a used savage action and used AICS. Add a criterion barrel and a good smith to make sure everything is straight and tight and I now have a 0.3-0.4 gun, which is as good as I can shoot off a bipod. Total before glass $1100, and that's with an AICS chassis. I could have dropped it into a KRG and been in for $800.

Not dogging on anyone who uses custom actions. If I could justify the cost I would too. But I think the "consensus" makes people think they have to spend huge money to build an accurate rifle which is not true at all.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for that reply it was extremely detailed and I see exactly where your coming from. I think I’m just gunna go with the 700. I’m not positive I’ll put a lapua bolt face on it just because there are a lot of other good caliber out there that don’t have any risk of much happening.
 
#28
Bandit31 said:
@jpgolffl Nobody is saying you can't get a 700 to shoot. I don't think anybody is saying you can't put a norma or lapua in a 700 action because quite frankly you can.

The Remington's in 338lm more than likely derived out of demand as a low cost/entry level option and get people into it. Likely those that may put 100rds or less a year on it and shoot factory ammo.

The way it was explained to me a long time ago is that more often than not, the "problems" arise when people really start increasing the pressures when hand loading. The bolts aren't meaty like a purpose built action and the 700 has a smaller tenon thread size so a lot of stress/ strain is put on the bolt lugs and action. So in the grand scheme of things, yes you can build a 700 into a 338lm, edge, norma etc, but its not about "if" it fails but rather "when". Sure some people never see an issue in doing so while others haven't been so lucky.

Maybe one of the many gunsmiths that are on this forum will chime in and better explain why they don't recommend it or won't do it. Hell, maybe I got it all wrong and will eat crow but either way I'm still interested in hearing why they won't do it and maybe it'll help the OP in his decision and others along the way.
Click to expand...
300 Rum max pressure is listed at 65000 psi. 338 Lapua max pressure is listed at 61000 psi. If hand loaders are exceeding RUM specs with Lapua ammo they have more issues to worry about than the action they are using!

And I don't think remington designed a rifle that was not able to be used for more than 100 rnds a year with only factory ammo. At least I don't think they list that in the manual. I would not do it without a stainless, 1 piece bolt. But EVERYONE says "no way that's too dangerous" which is ridic because its simply something they heard on the internet.
 
#29
jpgolffl said:
300 Rum max pressure is listed at 65000 psi. 338 Lapua max pressure is listed at 61000 psi. If hand loaders are exceeding RUM specs with Lapua ammo they have more issues to worry about than the action they are using!

And I don't think remington designed a rifle that was not able to be used for more than 100 rnds a year with only factory ammo. At least I don't think they list that in the manual. I would not do it without a stainless, 1 piece bolt. But EVERYONE says "no way that's too dangerous" which is ridic.
Click to expand...

Its still measured in pounds per square inch. 338lm and the Norma's have a larger surface area and put more force on the lugs.
 
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#31
Bandit31 said:
Its still measured in pounds per square inch. 338lm and the Norma's have a larger surface area and put more force on the lugs.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure how to respond to that other than sorry that's incorrect. That's not at all how how they test pressures. 65000 psi is greater than 61000 psi. Your line of thinking would mean a large hose spraying water at 100 psi would be stronger than a small hose spraying water at 150 psi.
 
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#32
BH30-06 said:
Would someone be able to give me suggestions on good long and short action calibers. Thanks
Click to expand...
1000-2000 yards is a big window. Just research known to be accurate calibers and see which one will reach far enough for you at your elevation. If you are at 5000 FT a 260 will reach a long way. I am at sea level and my 6.5 creedmoor is only reliable to 1300ish. And that is loaded realllly hot. Remember that seeing hits with a .264 bullet that far out is not easy. If you step up to a big 30 or a 338 hits will be easier to see but the price to build and shoot goes up. Gotta find what suits you. I went with 300 NM because with my creedmoor stopping at 1300ish I have about 1200 more yards of range with targets that really need a bullet from me lol.
 
#33
jpgolffl said:
I'm not sure how to respond to that other than sorry that's incorrect. That's not at all how how they test pressures. 65000 psi is greater than 61000 psi. Your line of thinking would mean a large hose spraying water at 100 psi would be stronger than a small hose spraying water at 150 psi.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking you don't understand bolt thrust.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_thrust
 
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#34
jpgolffl said:
I'm not sure how to respond to that other than sorry that's incorrect. That's not at all how how they test pressures. 65000 psi is greater than 61000 psi. Your line of thinking would mean a large hose spraying water at 100 psi would be stronger than a small hose spraying water at 150 psi.
Click to expand...
6 creed at 61k versus 338 Lapua at 61k. Which is stronger
 
#35
Never said anything about testing pressures. Its about surface area. 338lm, despite lower PSI puts more strain on the action/bolt lugs than the 300rum because of the larger bolt face.(less meat on the bolt head to support the case vs. a std mag)
 
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#36
fdkay said:
I'm thinking you don't understand bolt thrust.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_thrust
Click to expand...
I don't know how to respond to that other than....
tlake.gif

Still, Rem would not produce these if it was unsafe.
 
#41
jpgolffl said:
1000-2000 yards is a big window. Just research known to be accurate calibers and see which one will reach far enough for you at your elevation. If you are at 5000 FT a 260 will reach a long way. I am at sea level and my 6.5 creedmoor is only reliable to 1300ish. And that is loaded realllly hot. Remember that seeing hits with a .264 bullet that far out is not easy. If you step up to a big 30 or a 338 hits will be easier to see but the price to build and shoot goes up. Gotta find what suits you. I went with 300 NM because with my creedmoor stopping at 1300ish I have about 1200 more yards of range with targets that really need a bullet from me lol.
Click to expand...
I was thinking something in the nosler family 28,29,30,33. The 7mm rsaum and 300 rsaum both look promising to
 
#43
So guys I think I’ve kinda narrowed down what Caliber I’d like to run either the 300 win mag or 6.5x47 lapua. I’m a little more partial to lapua. But I’d like to here some ideas.
 
#44
jpgolffl said:
Now my brain is frozen trying to understand how a large hose spraying 100 psi and a small hose spraying 100 psi would have the same recoil (I think)but the larger surface area on the case head matters and changes force on the lugs. Engineers? What am I missing?
Click to expand...


I may have worded my statement incorrectly or was misunderstood. I think you also confused yourself with your hose analogy. On the 700, when going from a magnum to LM bolt face you're removing material leaving little meat to support the large case head ( the hose remains the same size but material is removed decreasing structural integrity)

When you look at the bolt thrust numbers, you'll see that 300norma puts greater force on the lugs than the 338lm and 300rum which coincides with the most likely failure points, sheared lugs and recessed lug support( not sure if correct term i'm looking for). I also believe you have to remove material from the ejection port (removing more material= decreasing the structural integrity of the action when its already stretched thin).

Re: the tenon thread diameter posing a problem. The 700 has a much smaller diameter action and tenon size compare to purpose built LM actions. With the small tenon size and diameter action and the size of the Norma and Lapua case, there's less material supporting the case compared to say the Rum or Win Mag and you end up pushing the limits with the thin walls.

This isn't just an issue with the 700 action and some custom actions can't support the LM sized cases even though people try all the time. Jim Borden posted an article about it some time ago about his actions and Bighorn can't support it either ( which is why they don't make a LM bolt head but are supposively working on an XL action). The purpose built actions have larger bolts .750" vs .700" and are considerably beefier with more material on the bolt and surrounding the tenon.

PS. you also keep insisting that Remington won't release a dangerous product but remember their triggers and how they've constantly been plagued since the 60's.
 
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#45
BH30-06 said:
So guys I think I’ve kinda narrowed down what Caliber I’d like to run either the 300 win mag or 6.5x47 lapua. I’m a little more partial to lapua. But I’d like to here some ideas.
Click to expand...

Fun Fact; Those are the exact calibers I run, I have been shooting the 6.5x47 L for about 2 years and the 300 win mag for close to 1 year.
I would say that the x47L is pretty far from your ideas in your original post. At my altitude the big win mag goes transsonic at around 1200 meters, with the 220 grain Scenar L I shoot. The x47 goes transsonic at 1000 meters. So there is not a huge gain, but the win mag hits a lot harder, at both ends. So hits on steel are easier to spot with the win mag. Neither will do 2000 meters at sea level.
The x47 is super easy to load for and a soft shooter. The Win mag is pretty easy to load for, but as any big magnum, it pushes you around and it demands much more. Depending on your level of experience, the win mag can be a handfull.
Oh, and both my rifles are built on Remington 700 actions. So there is that.
 
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#46
Vargmat said:
Fun Fact; Those are the exact calibers I run, I have been shooting the 6.5x47 L for about 2 years and the 300 win mag for close to 1 year.
I would say that the x47L is pretty far from your ideas in your original post. At my altitude the big win mag goes transsonic at around 1200 meters, with the 220 grain Scenar L I shoot. The x47 goes transsonic at 1000 meters. So there is not a huge gain, but the win mag hits a lot harder, at both ends. So hits on steel are easier to spot with the win mag.
The x47 is super easy to load for and a soft shooter. The Win mag is pretty easy to load for, but as any big magnum, it pushes you around and it demands much more. Depending on your level of experience, the win mag can be a handfull.
Oh, and both my rifles are built on Remington 700 actions. So there is that.
Click to expand...
I know it’s very far but I was looking and it seems a great cartridge. I think I might go with the 300 win mag because o have heard a lot of good things.
 
#47
Is the rem 700 police mlr 338 lapua any different from a standard rem action other than the bolt face. Because I know a lot of people are saying a 300nm would be bad in a rem 700 which I agree with after reading. But is this actions different in any way. Thanks
 
#48
BH30-06 said:
Is the rem 700 police mlr 338 lapua any different from a standard rem action other than the bolt face. Because I know a lot of people are saying a 300nm would be bad in a rem 700 which I agree with after reading. But is this actions different in any way. Thanks
Click to expand...

Some people have said the action may be slightly different but the rest is still the same.

For a long action I'd take a hard look at the 300prc over the 300wm. 7 SAUM would also be impressive as will any of the sherman shorts, especially the 300 ss with the new .30cal Sierra matchkings.

Other's I'd look at are a 6.5 Saum or 6.5 PRC.
 
#50
Bandit31 said:
Some people have said the action may be slightly different but the rest is still the same.

For a long action I'd take a hard look at the 300prc over the 300wm. 7 SAUM would also be impressive as will any of the sherman shorts, especially the 300 ss with the new .30cal Sierra matchkings.

Other's I'd look at are a 6.5 Saum or 6.5 PRC.
Click to expand...
Now that 300 prc is sweet lookin. Do you know of places that make brass. I was looking at the 6.5 Saum, but I don’t really wanna form brass.
 
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