Remington 700 ADL in .308

[wmn2]

I'm new here and have posted a few items about what rifle i should get starting out. My budget isn't huge and I've looked at the savage 10t, remington sps, and the ADL. My question is, is the ADL a good beginner rifle? I'd like to spend more on the scope than the rifle because of what people are saying about having good glass. My intentions are to eventually be out to 1000 yards. I'm looking at either the Vortex PST FFP 4x16 with MOA reticle or the SWFA SS 3x15. I would pair it with a harris 6-9 bipod and 20 MOA mount. I just want to get a good bang for my buck. Also, I will start reloading, so what bullet weight would be good for .308 in the 1-12 twist out of a 26" barrel? Should I start heavy or light?

Thanks for any help.

 

[strike33]

The biggest difference with the ADL is the blind magazine. If you're going to upgrade then its not a bad start.
Just make sure it is comparable to the SPS, such as heavy barrel and appropriate twist rate

 

[29aholic]

I think your best bet is to try to find you a used SPS and go from there.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

If you're talking about the ADL varmint at dicks, yes it's a good beginner rifle. The only difference between it and the SPS varmint is the blind mag. If they're not on sale it's not a great buy though when you can get a SPS for around $550 shipped to your FFL. I'd also look at the SPS tactical and AAC-SD. The stock parts from the ADL aren't worth a thing but the stock and bottom metal off a AAC-SD will net you about $175 after fees on the auction sites.

As far as bullet weight a 1:12 will stabilize everything up to and including 190gr bullets and most will stabilize the 208 Amax too. I've shot most of them out there and the top performers at 308 velocities have been the 155gr lapua scenar and the 185 Berger juggernaut.

 

[29aholic]

If you're talking about the ADL varmint at dicks, yes it's a good beginner rifle. The only difference between it and the SPS varmint is the blind mag. If they're not on sale it's not a great buy though when you can get a SPS for around $550 shipped to your FFL. I'd also look at the SPS tactical and AAC-SD. The stock parts from the ADL aren't worth a thing but the stock and bottom metal off a AAC-SD will net you about $175 after fees on the auction sites.

As far as bullet weight a 1:12 will stabilize everything up to and including 190gr bullets and most will stabilize the 208 Amax too. I've shot most of them out there and the top performers at 308 velocities have been the 155gr lapua scenar and the 185 Berger juggernaut.

Red
What's your load with the 185's?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

With a stout charge of varget I was seeing just north of 2700 and that was before my barrel sped up. I didn't chrono it afterwards just adjusted my dope but it matched up to 2750. I just put my 308 barrel back on so I'm going to chrono it this weekend as well as run a ladder test with power pro 2000MR. I can PM you the results if youd like. Keep in mind though it's a AI AX with lapua brass that will take a lot more pressure than standard stuff will and a 24" bartlein.

My advice to somebody working up a load would be to start at 42gr (reduce 1gr if using LC brass) and work up for both varget and power pro. With varget you should find pressure between 43.5gr and 45gr with a nice wide node depending on the rifle and seating depth. I've got no data on power pro yet but based on what others have gotten pressure should come between 46gr and 48gr once again depending on several factors. I'm really hoping to see 2800fps with this combo.

 

[wmn2]

Sorry I forgot to mention that it is the Varmint model with the heavy barrel. The main reason I'm looking at this is I found it for 449 with a 50 dollar rebate and the same place has the sps tacical for 629. So that would free up 200 for me to add to my scope purchase for now. I'm probably look into upgrading the stock and bottom metal within the next year, so I'm thinking this would hold me over and get me started for now. I've been looking at the reloading info and think i'd start with a 178 or 185 bullet and see if i can work up a good load from there. Again, i'm not looking to start shooting at 1000 right now, but at least work up a good, consistent load so I can have the ability once I upgrade a few things on the rifle.

 

[29aholic]

Shows you how far behind the times I am, I didn't realize they made a Varmint ADL. I'd say go for it.

 

[wmn2]

Ttt

 

[Chiwawa]

I got one of the Dick's rifles a couple of years back for around $375 after the rebate on a black Friday sale. I'm in the process of upgrading now. Out of the box with the cheap stock it shot around 1 moa or close. It's been a blast! I was already reloading pistol and this has been my first adventure into rifle reloading.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Abandoned ship]

Sorry I forgot to mention that it is the Varmint model with the heavy barrel. The main reason I'm looking at this is I found it for 449 with a 50 dollar rebate and the same place has the sps tacical for 629. So that would free up 200 for me to add to my scope purchase for now. I'm probably look into upgrading the stock and bottom metal within the next year, so I'm thinking this would hold me over and get me started for now. I've been looking at the reloading info and think i'd start with a 178 or 185 bullet and see if i can work up a good load from there. Again, i'm not looking to start shooting at 1000 right now, but at least work up a good, consistent load so I can have the ability once I upgrade a few things on the rifle.

I paid 600 for sps tac. I shot it the other day with the hogue stock and xmp trigger and got about 0.8 inch spread at 100 yards with 175gr FGMM ammo off the bipod. varmit adl for 450ish would be a good gun to start with if you're upgrading anyway.