Remington SPS Varmint .308 long freebore over view

[clayne_b]

Been doing some work with different loads. I have a load that shoots good with the 168 SMK, But I am looking for a load that will have better long range performance (800-1200)


Next 3 pictures
The bottom 2 rounds are loaded with 168 SMK the middle one is loaded to the max I can fit in a McRees mag. the top one is touching the lands in the factory rifle. (EDIT add 1.003 to the OAL of the top bullet, Just realized I measured them with the ogive tool.... DUR)






In this picture they are all loaded at max oal to fit my mag





After all this. I think this rifle has way to much free bore. Its very had to tune a good load with anything but the 168 SMK, I have noticed the 168 SMK Ogive is alot more toward the tip of the bullet than any of the others.

 

[insight3b]

This is where a long action in .308 shines. Your mag length seems short as all my 700's can handle coal out to 2.857...I don't measure to the ogive for mag length I measure to the bullet tip.

 

[clayne_b]

Thinking of having it set back.

 

[turbo54]

There are literally tens of thousands of R700 308s out there shooting great with the same deep throat you've got.

While VLDs *might* not work for you, there are plenty of 1000+ yard 308 bullets you should have no issue getting to work nicely...maybe try them instead of setting the barrel back?

On VLDs: try seating them deeper than mag length.

 

[tylerw02]

Does your rifle care how much free bore it has?

Try some 178 gr Hornady BTHP or 175 gr SMK and see how it shoots at mag length before you go having your barrel messed with.

 

[Jedi]

An aftermarket DBM will alllow you to load longer

Setting back a factory barrel is about worthless IMHO, keep ya coin and put it towards a custom barrel from one of the big names

 

[SuburbanHick]

48.5-48.9 gr imr 4350 in mil casing.... 168-175 smk CCI br2.....when I get home later I will look at my notes and see what coal worked.... but give that load a try....worked very well in my sps-v

 

[clayne_b]

An aftermarket DBM will alllow you to load longer

Setting back a factory barrel is about worthless IMHO, keep ya coin and put it towards a custom barrel from one of the big names

I am using McRee mags, they are loaded longer than the window in the bottom of the action, I had to trim it so the tip of the bullet would fit threw the bottom of the action.

 

[KelsonAK]

That looks pretty dang close to the length of my SPS-V as well. Lapua 155's sit way out there - I was a bit concerned about the amount of bullet in the case actually, but they shoot very nicely. Berger 185s are out there as well.... But I'm single loading for F T/R so is not a big deal. If you can live with single loading, go long! If it has to mag feed, give it a try but a VLD may not be what you are looking for. If you really really hate it - I think Scout Supply Company has a pretty reasonable deal on doing the set back and chamber and folks seem pleased with their work.

 

[scudzuki]

I can fit 2.890" COL in the AICS mags (McRees and Stocky's) I use in my R700.
I notched the feed ramp to get them to feed.
If course it's easier with a milling machine but you could probably get away with it using a Dremel if you were careful.

Joe

 

[clayne_b]

Here is what im up to next...

next time the wind is not blowing like crazy

 

[JGorski]

My SPSS shoots like this out to 300yds, oal was 2.825". You think I should have the barrel set back?

 

[clayne_b]

Well here is what I learned today

Longer is better, .... Yeah I know... "thats what she said"

155 SMK Palma







168 Berger VLD

 

[tylerw02]

You don't have enough data to say one way or the other. Two groups means squat.

Furthermore, you should find your optimal charge weight first, then worry about playing with seating depths.

 

[clayne_b]

Alright guys, Went and shot some more today

207 yards
Wind 18-29 MPH
155gr PALMA
2.161 to the Ogive
2.823 to the tip
Varget powder used
CCI 200 Primer
Winchester brass


I guess with the huge fluctuation in wind I am focusing on the vertical spread...? Or is that the wrong way of thinking?

 

[clayne_b]

Man if that fastest load works out the numbers will be great!

 

[s002wjh]

interesting starting data.