View Full Version : My new 700P, need some input
I recently acquired this weapon through a trade, It is a 700P chambered in 308, 121 rds fired. Has a Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x40, Mark 4 rings, Mark 4 20 moa base, and a Harris bi pod. I am torn as to what I want to do with this rifle, I am wanting to get into LR shooting, but am also a avid hunter. The average shot in my deer woods is 0-300yds. I am thinking of getting the barrel cut down to 18"-20" with a break to make the rifle easier to handle/carry in the deer woods. My question is for the guys who have similar rifles with 18-20 barrels, what is the weight w/ optic and no bi pod? In its current configuration as pictured it weighs in at 11lbs. Basically my options are keep it as is and buy a dedicated hunting rifle, or make this 700P my Target/Hunting rig with a 18-20" barrel w/ a break.. When target shooting my goal is to work my way out to 1K yds, but will be shooting more around 300-600 yds. Thoughts/opinions?
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt238/deergetter420/20130727_120518_zps0266e5e2.jpg (http://s615.photobucket.com/user/deergetter420/media/20130727_120518_zps0266e5e2.jpg.html)
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt238/deergetter420/20130727_120455_zps36f3572a.jpg (http://s615.photobucket.com/user/deergetter420/media/20130727_120455_zps36f3572a.jpg.html)
decodeddiesel
07-27-13, 15:58
I would suggest you buy another rifle more suited to hunting and use the 700P as it was intended. You've already got a great beginners setup for LR shooting. Lugging a 700P with a big giant Leupold target scope around in the woods is going to suck, especially if you're dragging a 120lb deer.
I would pick up a used Remmy 700 or Winchester 70 in 308 or 30-06 with a pencil barrel and top it with a cheap Nikon or Bushnell scope. It will be way way lighter, and more suited to hunting. Lots of features on a dedicated LR rig you just don't need or want on a hunting rifle.
My $0.02 as someone who once tried to drag a 700 SPS in an AICS with a Nightforce 3.5-15x50 scope around the mountains of Colorado on a Sheep hunt. :suicide:
I think, I might go that route, I don't knoe...lol
I would suggest you buy another rifle more suited to hunting and use the 700P as it was intended. You've already got a great beginners setup for LR shooting. Lugging a 700P with a big giant Leupold target scope around in the woods is going to suck, especially if you're dragging a 120lb deer.
I would pick up a used Remmy 700 or Winchester 70 in 308 or 30-06 with a pencil barrel and top it with a cheap Nikon or Bushnell scope. It will be way way lighter, and more suited to hunting. Lots of features on a dedicated LR rig you just don't need or want on a hunting rifle.
My $0.02 as someone who once tried to drag a 700 SPS in an AICS with a Nightforce 3.5-15x50 scope around the mountains of Colorado on a Sheep hunt. :suicide:
THIS.
My go to deer rifle for same type shots is Rem 700 Mountain Rifle in .260 with Leupy 3.5-10.
Do the 700P rifles have the 5R rifeling?
Guns-up.50
07-29-13, 19:10
Do the 700P rifles have the 5R rifeling?
No they have a 1/12 standard rifling... the rem 700 5r may be what you are thinking of
It is, thank you sir. I dont guess I did too bad on this deal. I traded a sig Scorpion and 986rds of 45auto fmj for the rifle as it sits in the picture.....I hope not anyway..lol
Guns-up.50
07-29-13, 21:24
[QUOTE=southernZ;1708696]It is, thank you sir. I dont guess I did too bad on this deal. I traded a sig Scorpion and 986rds of 45auto fmj for the rifle as it sits in the picture.....I hope not anyway..lol[
I have a pss just like yours, i like it a lot so far , i would not cut it up for hunting, you will appriciate that extra 6-8 inches out at a 1000m. You are about to find out long range shooting can be very frustrating and time consuming, but its tons of fun.. enjoy your new blaster and be patient.
Great LR gun. I doubt that gun has 5R rifling. 5R is nice but mine doesn't shoot any better than my buddies non 5R.
Great LR gun with scope. You did great on your trade. You can buy a 308 hunter and use the same ammo. Put a muzzle brake on that bad boy and enjoy.
Don't cut it shorter than 20' some people do, you could lop off 2 inches for your brake you have coming if you want.
1,000 yards, your half way there.
I'd chop it to 18" given that you only plan to shoot to 600. I live in South Dakota and have never shot at anything past 500. Unless you have a 1k range handy that you see yourself using a lot I would just chop it down.
Guns-up.50
08-01-13, 15:43
I'd chop it to 18" given that you only plan to shoot to 600. I live in South Dakota and have never shot at anything past 500. Unless you have a 1k range handy that you see yourself using a lot I would just chop it down.
If this is the case just buy a 20' gun, op since you got the gun in trade not an option, but cutting the barrel is kind of permanent so.. My recommendation is shoot it, find a good load and enjoy, if you want it shorter than cut it later once you have some experiences with it. I wouldn't recommend cutting it based of the fact you don't have a 1000y range next door. Seeing how it may end up a range gun only the extra length does not hurt you in any way.
A shooting buddy has the same rifle with 20" barrel and he shoots 1,000 yards with it from time to time. Find a good gunsmith to cut the barrel to 20" and install a brake. If you don't like it, you can replace the barrel with a longer one after your barrel wears out.
Guns-up.50
08-01-13, 16:21
A shooting buddy has the same rifle with 20" barrel and he shoots 1,000 yards with it from time to time. Find a good gunsmith to cut the barrel to 20" and install a brake. If you don't like it, you can replace the barrel with a longer one after your barrel wears out.
again would it not be wiser to try the gun first then cut it?? replacing the barrel because you made a rash decision is a big price to pay.
Cutting a barrel down is like a wife: its a life long commitment until you want to replace it, then its going to cost ya big.
I have only been able to shoot it at 100 yds so far. I took it out once, zeroed it, and started stacking bullets. I am in love so far. My last group I compared some Winchester 168 gr. Matchking hpbts and I put 3 bullets in the same hole. I tested the Barns Vortex 168gr. TTSX and it shot less thsn .750. Next week im going to stretch it out to 300. My only complaint is id like for the scope to have a mil fot or TMR reticle, as im wanting to learn how to use that system.
Yeah, I'd get a used 700 for hunting and keep that one as is!
If this is the case just buy a 20' gun, op since you got the gun in trade not an option, but cutting the barrel is kind of permanent so.. My recommendation is shoot it, find a good load and enjoy, if you want it shorter than cut it later once you have some experiences with it. I wouldn't recommend cutting it based of the fact you don't have a 1000y range next door. Seeing how it may end up a range gun only the extra length does not hurt you in any way.
I had a 20" SPS and wasn't happy with it. 16" is the way to go if you ask me, its more than enough to 600m and beyond that Id rather the .300 win mag or .338 lapua.
Guns-up.50
08-04-13, 02:15
I had a 20" SPS and wasn't happy with it. 16" is the way to go if you ask me, its more than enough to 600m and beyond that Id rather the .300 win mag or .338 lapua.
I agree with the .300wm but thats a different stiory. The .308 although not the best 1000m gun but is a good choice. As for the barrel if i were patroling with it i would want a shorter barrel, but for stationary use the 24-26 is a good length.. Ive seen a few 18" sweet handy rifle no doubt.
I have an XCR Tactical which is basicly a SS LTR with a heavy fluted 20" barrel and the same scope but with Seekins aluminum rings and base. It's a very accurate rifle but still almost 10 pounds.
My hunting rifles are mountain guns, my Remington's weigh just over 7 pounds and my Kimber Montana's weigh 6.5 pounds. Guess which one I grab when I want to go walking all day...
Keep the range gun as is if it shoots and pick up a light gun to hunt with. To me there's just not enough weight difference to justify cutting the barrel.
I'm weird but I really like a 20-22" barrel on a 308. Unless it's a pure target range rifle I would never go over 24". That's after actually using a 26" barreled Sendero for all my hunting for years.
Get a pawn shop hunting rifle and keep the Remington how it is until you know what you want to change.
By the way I look at swapping barrels just like tires. Use em tell they are worn out or the role changes.
I hunt mule deer in Utah with my Rem700 PSS with 26" barrel and a 4-14x44 FFP mil/mil scope on a USO 20 MOA base. If any of you have hunted high country mule deer in Utah you know it is tough rugged terrain, and I have had no problems carrying that rifle around. To each their own I guess, but I don't think your rifle is too big at all to carry hunting as is. I say hunt with it instead of buying a whole other rifle or chopping the barrel.
I am just going to use my 35 Whelen to hunt with this year, just found out the wife is pregnant so that blew getting another rifle out of the water!.... when in the box stand im gonna use the 308, in the thicket ill use the 35
Has anyone upgraded thier Mark 4's to the TMR reticle? Thinking of doing this and wondering the cost.
Has anyone upgraded thier Mark 4's to the TMR reticle? Thinking of doing this and wondering the cost.
By the time you do the reticle swap, you'll be wanting turrets and reticle in the mil/mil anyway so I think you'd be better off shooting it as-is or sell the mark4 in favor of a Vortex Viper 4-16x with the mrad reticle and matching turrets (and zero stop).
sandsunsurf
08-05-13, 22:22
I say cut it if you are thinking at all that you would like it. I had the barrel on my 700P cut to 20", and have a QD mount on it. It weighs about 11.5lbs with bipod and a Vortex Viper 6-24x50 scope. I definitely like the barrel being shorter; but I'm not sure if I'd go much shorter. I do know that it is MUCH more fun to carry and handle with the shorter barrel, and it makes it a reasonable length with the can on it. It's also a nice shooter- definitely sub-MOA with FGGM 168 and 175. I used it in a Dan Flowers precision rifle class and it performed well, also had a pretty minor POI change with can.
Guns-up.50
08-05-13, 22:27
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Guns-up.50
08-05-13, 22:32
Has anyone upgraded thier Mark 4's to the TMR reticle? Thinking of doing this and wondering the cost.
I'm with KevN I just had some friends get M1 turrets on their Leupolds nice upgrade, but after time and money invested you could have sold your current optic and replaced it
I agree with the .300wm but thats a different stiory. The .308 although not the best 1000m gun but is a good choice. As for the barrel if i were patroling with it i would want a shorter barrel, but for stationary use the 24-26 is a good length.. Ive seen a few 18" sweet handy rifle no doubt.
The bottom rifle is my newest project, although Im taking it slow since Ive got some debt to pay off this year. Thinking Thunderbeast or YHM Ti thread mount; undecided on optic but will be in seekins rings with a seekins base. Might finally pony up for a AICS as well...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/DSC02467_zpsad4f37a7.jpg
Guns-up.50
08-06-13, 01:25
Sweet rifle homes ... just a suggestion a good friend of mine gave me the idea
Look into an old hs or a bell and Carlson stock with a leupld 3.5x 10 great light handy rifle
First trip to the range, and I can surely say I was amazed with this rifle..... And realized I have ALOT to improve on.. I was impressed at 100&200 yds, 300 is where the wind started reminding me who is boss. The best grouping I got with the 308 @300 was right at 2.5" (3 shots). I was also shooting the 22lr at 200 wile my barrel was cooling off on the 308... All in all it was a blast!
Guns-up.50
08-23-13, 11:18
First trip to the range, and I can surely say I was amazed with this rifle..... And realized I have ALOT to improve on.. I was impressed at 100&200 yds, 300 is where the wind started reminding me who is boss. The best grouping I got with the 308 @300 was right at 2.5" (3 shots). I was also shooting the 22lr at 200 wile my barrel was cooling off on the 308... All in all it was a blast!
2.5 group at 300 is sub moa still... very nice shooting
To be successful at 1K target matches, you need velocity. I started out shooting 1K matches with a 20" 308 SPS Tactical. With 175 grn SMK factory loads, my bullets were going subsonic around 900 yds at sea level. Long story short, not good for competition. I later switched to a Remmy 5R with a 24" barrel & had no problems keeping them stable to 1K. I then started hand loading & ended up with a bad ass 155grn Lapua load which was coming out the muzzle of my 5R at approx 2950FPS.
I'm not a hunter so I won't offer useless advice there, but from a competition standpoint, don't cut your barrel. Get a dedicated hunting rig. I know there are stories of guys shooting 2K yards with their 12" barreled AR10's, but I've never seen it & I don't believe it based on my experience. If they happened to make a few lucky shots, it certainly was not repeatable or consistent. In my competition days, I only saw one 308 bolt gun shorter than my first 20" which was a custom tight chambered 18" barrel on a Surgeon Action. With his hot hand loads, he couldn't make decent hits past 800 yds due to his bullets tumbling after going subsonic. I suppose with a hot 155grn load you could make a 20" work, but a little bit longer stick gives you more options with bullet weight. Good luck!
To be successful at 1K target matches, you need velocity. I started out shooting 1K matches with a 20" 308 SPS Tactical. With 175 grn SMK factory loads, my bullets were going subsonic around 900 yds at sea level. Long story short, not good for competition. I later switched to a Remmy 5R with a 24" barrel & had no problems keeping them stable to 1K. I then started hand loading & ended up with a bad ass 155grn Lapua load which was coming out the muzzle of my 5R at approx 2950FPS.
I'm not a hunter so I won't offer useless advice there, but from a competition standpoint, don't cut your barrel. Get a dedicated hunting rig. I know there are stories of guys shooting 2K yards with their 12" barreled AR10's, but I've never seen it & I don't believe it based on my experience. If they happened to make a few lucky shots, it certainly was not repeatable or consistent. In my competition days, I only saw one 308 bolt gun shorter than my first 20" which was a custom tight chambered 18" barrel on a Surgeon Action. With his hot hand loads, he couldn't make decent hits past 800 yds due to his bullets tumbling after going subsonic. I suppose with a hot 155grn load you could make a 20" work, but a little bit longer stick gives you more options with bullet weight. Good luck!
You wouldn't mind sharing what powder and primers you were using for your 155g load, would you?
You wouldn't mind sharing what powder and primers you were using for your 155g load, would you?
PM sent.
Gutshot John
08-24-13, 21:11
This isn't really a hunting gun, at 11 lbs, carrying it afield will get old quick. Don't try to make a precision rig into a hunting gun and vice versa. Right tool for the job. Hunting guns are light/nimble, this is not meant to be that.
How much do you gain/lose by going to 18"? Is the few inches really going to make that much of a handling difference if you're talking about a deer rifle? You'll still have an awful lot of weight. While 18" is certainly capable of long range accuracy, things get less predictable at shorter ranges.
My suggestion is to not change a thing. Shoot the crap out of it. Re-evaluate when you can identify a significant performance enhancement.
Have you considered long-range hunting?
Thanks for the responses guys. Im not going to modify this rifle unless I have too. Ill use a different weapon for hunting. Im just going to use the 700P as a training aid to work my way into LR shooting. Use it for what it was designed to do. Down here in La the longest practical hunting shot I might see is ~300 yds.
Gutshot John
08-26-13, 10:05
Some guys do long-range hunting 600+ yards but travel out west to do it. You should be able to find a range somewhere down there that will let you shoot that range or beyond.
You've got a great training gun, I wouldn't change a thing until you identify something that will give you a noticeable, qualitative, improvement.
There is Long Range Alley in Shreveport. It goes out to 1k but I believe one has to qualify to shoot it. I know its apples to oranges, but ive been practicing my breathing and trigger control with my CZ shooting 200 yds... I can do this at the house, and it makes range days with the 308 a little more productive. Im looking at reloading equipment as well... shooting $200 in factory loads every range trip is getting old!
I have a 17" 308 that I consistently shoot 1/2 moa out to 500 yards with. Now that being said I love the gun but it is not a hunting gun as it has a heavy sendero contour and a heavy mark 4 scope and heavy badger rings. This rifle has a titanium action and still weights about 12 pounds with a manners 90% carbon fiber stock. Sell that gun get a good hunting gun (something light). There are a lot better calibers than 308 for long range shooting.
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