Can you help me decide between a Remington 700 VLS .308 or a CDL in .30-06?

Question

I have been debating in my head what I want to use this gun for. I asked a previous question about what kind of rifle to get and the responses have led me to these 2 choices. I want to use this rifle for hunting and for long range target shooting (I probably won't be doing anything competitive) being as how thats the most fun I have shooting. I'm going to scope the rifle as well.

The thing that bugs me is that the .30-06 is supposed to give you a bit more accuracy at longer ranges. But the heavier barrels of the 700 varmint guns are supposed to give you greater accuracy at range with the .308. That being said would one be better than the other or would the different barrel and different caliber even each other out at long ranges?

I know the .308 and .30-06 are both great medium size hunting calibers so that doesn't really matter.

I live in Northwest Arkansas so I do a lot of hunting in the Ozarks. Lots of woodland areas. Although when I do my target shooting I have some land that I shoot on that is just a flat field which is why I am looking for something that is versatile.

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

First, I think you have to define for yourself, "long range". For me, "long range" means shots out to 1000 yards. Personally, I would not take a shot on deer sized game beyond 600 yards with my 700 Varmint Special in .308 (yes, some people out here would suggest that is irresponsible ... I know my abilities and limitations ... 600 yards on a clear shot for me would be comfortable).

The benefit of a heavy barrel on the Varmint rifle is not so much the "extra weight", but the thickness of the barrel reduces the barrel vibrations as the bullet travels down the barrel, which enhances accuracy by reducing group size. The Varmint rifle is not that much heavier ... maybe 2 pounds more than a BDL or CDL. In the scheme of things, a varmint Special (VLS) with a good quality scope will not bog you down in the field ... it would weigh about 11 pounds.

The best testimony for a varmint rifle as a hunting rifle is the Marine Corps' issue sniper rifle, the M40A3 ... essentially a tricked out 700 Varmint Special. Not only do the Marines carry a "heavier" rifle, they shoot a .308 at distance, to boot!

Look at what is on the 1000 yard line at Camp Perry ... most riflemen are shooting .308s. Some shoot .300 Magnums, some shoot hyper-velocity pip-squeaks ... but a large number of riflemen are using the .308. The .30-06 has a decent size air cavity when properly loaded, which contributes to a greater margin of "velocity deviation", which contributes to larger group size. This problem does not exist with the .308, which can safely shoot 180 to 190 grain bullets, adequate for most large game in North America.

Dollar for dollar, if you want long range accuracy ... get the 700 VLS. If you want to lean to the .30-06 and want to do a lot of reloading development with the .30-06, get the 700 Sendero if it is still available in .30-06. You will spend much more for the Sendero! Do not expect respectable accuracy with a sporter weight barrel like the type you will find on a 700 BDL or 700 CDL.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The Remington 700 is a fantastic choice for a rifle, as far as caliber, there isn't much difference between the two. The both use the same bullet, the .308 is a shorter case, the 30-06 can be loaded with heavier bullets. For general target shooting and an occasional deer hunt, I'd go with the .308, you'll have less recoil and surplus ammo is cheaper and easier to find.

Answer 3

There was an artical in an outdoors magazine several years ago titled ' The real gun that won the west'. At the time I was also searching for that perfect all around rifle. It has been the best article I have read to date on the subject. That being said, they are both .30 cal.. Factory ammo is readily available in both cartridges.The .308 cal. is available over the counter in about 3 or 4 bullett weight variations. The 30.06 cal. is available in over 5 from 55 gr. accelerator through 220 gr. round nose jacketed. There is nothing that will make them 'even out'. First, figure out if it is speed you want or distance. Will you be carrying this rifle around while hunting, or setting at a rest. Will you need 1/4 in. groups or will 1 in. to 1 1/2 in. do.? Carrying around a heavy barrel rifle could have a very negative effect on your accuracy when a shot presents itself. Long range target shooting just for the fun of it can be done with either. I personally like showing off with my Winchester model 94 in .30-30 cal. at 400 yards with open sights. Now, for my choice, it would be a Winchester model 70 fwt. in .30-06. If i chose a .308 cal. for targets and varmints, it would be the old Remington model 788. This has been considered one of the best in it's category. There are so many choices available, but I have used most cal.'s over the last 36 years, being an avide outdoorsman as well as state game and fish employee. I feel the adrinaline rise each time i draw a bead on an animate or inanimate target. Fluted, Heavy, Magna-ported, long, short., buy whatever suits your fancy, and become proficeint with it. You have started in the right direction, but don't let anyone talk you in to any brand or caliber.It will be your gun and it will be an investment in the future,not only to yourself, but to those after you. Remember, a good rifle will outlive several generations of use. And never forget, RESEARCH! RESEARCH !RESEARCH!!!

Answer 4

Remington 700 Vls

Answer 5

Having both a .308 and 30-06, I actually prefer the 30-06 for most hunting of the 2. Being from Pennsylvania and as woodland hunter, the 30-06 does quite well in the woods I hunt and is quite accurate up to 250 yds in the fields. The .308 is somewhat better for medium distance shots in the woods, but I personally don't like its bulkiness when walking. Either weapon can be good with enough practice and decent scope mounted on it!

Not knowing where you are from and what exactly you are wanting to shoot, how you want to hunt/shoot, it is going to be real hard for anyone to make a suggestion to you which would best suit your intentions.

Talk to your local gun dealer as to what each gunmaker has to offer and see what fits into your type of shooting best.

Answer 6

In my opinion i would go with a 30-06. It's one of the most versatile calibers. About the barrels...i honestly dont think there is a "bunch" of difference in accuracy...the 308 will shoot a little bit better. But I would rather shoot a 30-06 for the simple reason that u can do so many different things with the loads. If your only gonna to do target shooting, check into accelerator shells made by remington. They arent really easy to come by. But they are a 55 grain bullet in a 30-06 shell. (you need no modifications to your gun to shoot them) cabelas carries them.

Answer 7

If you're going to be walking about with it, for your needs, the CDL will probably make you a little happier. It'll also handle the heavier bullets a bit better if you get a chance to hunt larger critters like elk or moose. If you see yourself putting very large holes in very small critters from a rest the VLS will be a better choice. Very close call.
I have several sporter-weight 700's, one of which needed a lot of work on the stock to get it to shoot, but all now shoot sub-minute groups with a variety of handloads, so accuracy isn't likely to be disappointing if you decide on the CDL, though of course the heavy barrel is certainly going to flip less.

Answer 8

You can't go wrong with either rifle or caliber. And actually, both the .308 and .30-06 are both GREAT big game hunting calibers which will take the largest game in North America.

Rule of thumb, the heavier barrel-rifles tends to be more accurate. Usually heavier barrels are easier to hold steady than really lights ones.

Toss a coin to decide. And like someone else suggested, consider the .25-06, a stellar deer rifle.

H

Answer 9

They have already told you everything. Your are going to be hunting whitetail deer are you not? I have had many guns and still have many guns in my life and taken well over 40 whitetailed deer with everything from .222 rem to 7mm mag. and a 30-06. The sweetest gun of them all is the .25-06. The necked down .30-06.

Answer 10

a big thing to keep in mind is your terrain, and how much shooting you are going to do. if you live in a very sparsely populated, very open area, and you are going to hunt, go with the alt six, as it will give you greater range. if you are going to hunt in mountainous areas for whitetails, or in dense swamps, go with the .308. if you are going to be doing medium to short range target shooting, go with the .308, as it kicks less, which means you will be able to shoot more without getting a sore shoulder.