What Remington 700 model and caliber should I get?

Question

Im looking into buying a Remington 700. I checked out Remingtons web site and checked out their models. Im not sure which one to get. I do like the SP tactical ones. I will use it for deer hunting and to target practice. Any opinons and experience would be great.

Answer 1

338 win mag is the best choice if you want to go after larger game with confidence

Answer 2

Don't be silly. There are too many sniper wannabe's out there already. If you're going to hunt deer with it, get a deer rifle. I've been hunting with BDL's for over 40 years without complaint, but of my 700's, I really like the mountain rifles for the kind of deer hunting I usually do. They no longer offer my favorite chamberings, but I'd suggest the 7mm08 as about as good a deer cartridge as you can get. It's hard to get the 175 grain bullets into the thing, but the 160's will penetrate as well as anything you'd want in any caliber, and the ballistic coefficient is such that it's actually got a slight edge over 308 at distance. I've bought 7mm08's for three family members ( a Sako 75, a Rem 700 Mtn, and a Rem 7), and they all get used to good effect with 139/140 grain bullets to good effect, though my preference is for more sectional density.

Answer 3

So many choices, but you can shoot only one at a time. You mention deer, but there are many types and habitats for deer in the world. For resistance to corrosion, the stainless 700 SS is a good bet. Use camo tape for the shiny barrel in the field. It is modestly priced and about as accurate as you can get - no frills nor the latest trigger, but a very solid performer. Expect one-inch groups at 100 yards with good ammunition. Use premium bullets recommended by the manufacturer for deer, such as any Barnes X bullet. Get a good scope and mounts too. Suggest you choose a short-action caliber such as .243, 7mm-08 or .308 and don't look back. If you want one caliber recommendation, try the popular .243. This choice maximizes barrel thickness to dampen vibrations for accuracy, keeps recoil low to reduce flinching, and has the flattest trajectory with plenty of power and penetration with the right bullet. Clearly, the choices are grist for the good-natured campfire discussions, but some 30 bucks serve as my reference. Also, check the Federal Cartridge page as to which short-action, non-magnum caliber and bullet has the best combination of flat trajectory and low wind resistance - the Sierra 100-grain boat-tail in .243 Winchester. I pick the 85-grain Barnes because it leaves no lead fragments.

Answer 4

Purchase the rifle in 30-06 cal. with a bolt action. It is the best of all other calibers, you can go from a 110 grain bullet up to 220 grains. If you learn how to shoot it in the proper manner, you will be able to take down any game that walks within the United States, and then some. Good luck.

Answer 5

You can get cheap surplus ammo for a .223 and .308 but since your handloading it doesn't matter anyway. Since the most versatile hunting cartridge is a 30-06, if your using it for hunting go with that. If its just targets below 500 yards 22-250 is a great load handloaded (Ive hit groundhogs at 400 yards with them easily with handloads) but if your looking past 500 yards to 1000 go with a .308. If your nuts into it and want shots over 1500 yards maybe a .338. Up to you and your shooting needs.

Answer 6

Get the SP in .308 Winchester. I have an older 700 in .308 and it is awesome.

Answer 7

Anything .243 or bigger is good for deer. I use a Remington 700 in .25-06.

Good luck.

H

Answer 8

I would go with the 300 short mag and I own 22/250 243win, 270 win,270 weatherby mag, 30/06, 300 win mag, 300 weatherby mag, 338 win mag

Answer 9

I agree that the .308 Win is hard to beat.

Doc

Answer 10

.308 Win.