Re: Remington 700 VTR .223 or .308?
Again welcome Sir,
I think the .308 is a good route and pretty common here. I thought I would show you a couple of options and my path. The 5R (.308) is a great start due to the SS, rifling, and ability to recoup funds out of the HS stock if you want to go with a better fit. I would go this route if I did it again.
My path was different as I left a cut down 700P in an M24 stock and met my goals (accuracy/price) with a 700 varmint I cut down. By the time I put a HS stock and Larue base on the rifle I was at 725.00 with good, if not great, accuracy results at your needed distances. I recently added an IOR 3-18 an new rings, and I am now at 2075.00. A few extras here and there and a less expensive scope and you are scope and rifle around this dollar amount with a 5R. This is just to compare the price of an accurate rifle to a custom build. I am currently deciding on bottom metal and will likely go with the CDI which will put me at 2375 (w/inl and mag) thanks to Jeff's 169.00 BM special. I hope this gives you a ballpark idea comparing one path to a good shooting rifle vs the custom approach.
Secondly, a buddy went with the SPS (.308) tac at 600. He picked up a used Sightron s3 off ebay for 300 (a steal) and a Choate stock at 175.00. He has a very nice shooter at 1175.00. We are very similar in that we use one gun for everything from hunting deer to shooting distances. We recently shot out to 500 and both guns are very accurate but his being less expensive.
Both guns are fine hunters with mine being lighter and both guns could address the "utilize it for any survival/ TEOTWAWKI situation"
I hope this helps a marine, who is much appreciated for his service, look at two ideas for a pretty good bolt action and its general pricing and performance compared to a custom's price. Keep looking around and I am confident you will find some "budget" builds that are shooting impressive groups at 700 yards.
BC
