Precision Bolt Rifle Options

[The_Count]

With a stated goal of spending $2000 on a precision bolt rifle and optics (excluding rings, bases, bi-pods, triggers.... etc.) which would you choose? As an alternative please suggest an alternate combination of rifle and optics that meets with the following objective. This rifle will not be fired suppressed at this time.

Objective: To procure a precision bolt action rifle built on the Remington 700 action. The rifle and optics should be capable of making precise hits at ranges from 100-1000 yards.

Use: The rifle will primarily be used for target shooting. On occasion it may be employed while hunting. My home range extends to 500 yards. I also have access to the Fort Gordon where a 1000 yard range is available.

Option One: Remington 700 AAC-SD in .308. The stock would have to be upgraded. This would still leave more that $1250 for optics. The barrel would eventually have to be replaced, but it would provide a solid platform to grow with. After re-barreling I would expect it to be the most accurate of the two options.

Option Two: Remington 700 5R in .308. The factory stock is more than sufficient for my purposes, and provides greater accuracy out of the box.

Given the above what are your recommendations, and experiences?

TC

[markm]

We're running 2 .308s in about the exact config you're talking about.

Can't argue that one out shoots the other. A skim bed and Timney 510 or 517 should be factored into your budget.

[jpipes]

Do you hand load? Are you stuck on .308?

[MTechnik]

The problem comes with glass. Usually, glass that is good for 1000 yard groups on paper is poor for hunting. Do you have a preference over magnification for group size vs. field of view for target spotting?

[The_Count]

We're running 2 .308s in about the exact config you're talking about.

Can't argue that one out shoots the other. A skim bed and Timney 510 or 517 should be factored into your budget.

Mark,

I have followed your posts and Papabear's posts carefully. I have indeed included the Timney Trigger (510) and bedding into my costs. In fact I had hoped you would reply with this type of useful information in your usual candor.

Jpipes,

I do not handload currently. I am planning on purchasing a loading package around the first of the year. I am not married to .308, but our hunting regulations would prevent me from hunting with .223 or less.


MTechnik,

I would put precedence on target glass over hunting glass. Great question BTW.


TC

[jpipes]

Tough to beat a fast twist 223 for utility both on the range and on animals, too bad about the limitation. My .308 (and 260, and 243) sit in the safe while my 223 piles up primers and performs in a fashion that the 308 can only dream of. It kills animals with authority too.

Go with the 5R, toss the x-mark in favor of a Timney or Jewell (or huber), get a cheekpiece from Triad, and proceed to burning out the barrel. Once you get your loading set-up squared away, buy a hell of a lot of sierra 2156 palma bullets, 8208xbr, winchester brass, and federal 210's, and never be forced to slum factory 175 or 168 ammo again.

I'm no fan of the stock, or the ergonomics, but it'll do until you buy an A5 or T4 down the road.

[taliv]

ryan is running informal classes at Gordon. get hooked up with him. it will give you a chance to get behind a lot of different hardware to see what stock fits you, and what scope you like before spending $$.

be sure to ask him about peeing in your ghilli suit too

[The_Count]

ryan is running informal classes at Gordon. get hooked up with him. it will give you a chance to get behind a lot of different hardware to see what stock fits you, and what scope you like before spending $$.

be sure to ask him about peeing in your ghilli suit too

Is he a member here? If so what is his screen name? If not could you pm a contact method? Thanks!

TC

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

2k for rifle and optics, well I would spend as little as possible on a used rem 700. maybe a tac series and all the rest on a scope. ALL THE REST!

[Taprackngo]

I have the 5R in the 20" threaded model with a Timney trigger, its a .5 inch gun. More accurate than I am currently, but I enjoy shooting the rifle. I have a Leupold 3.5x10 M3 FFP for glass. While there are better scopes out there, Leupold is local and good enough for my needs.