Should I rechamber my Remington 700 in .308?

[Snozzberries]

I have a Remington 700 Police in .308. Model 86591, 24" 5R barrel 1:11.25 twist, 40x trigger, HS Precision PST012 stock, oversized bolt knob. I haven't done anything to it except put on a Badger base/rings and Burris scope.

I've shot about 2000 rounds through it. I measured the throat both when it was new, and now after ~2000 rounds. I haven't seen much erosion. My math says, on average, over 7 different bullets, it's either shrunk by 2/1000 or gotten longer by 2/1000. I figure it's just margin of error. Seems like the barrel should have lots of life left. (Raw numbers attached in Excel)

I've picked up some new Lapua brass, and Berger bullets. I've been using Federal brass and Hornady/Sierra bullets with typically 43.5gr Varget. I measured the Bergers, and they engage the rifling at the point that they are falling out of the brass. So I won't be able to load them up at 10/1000 off the lands, or even try jamming them into the rifling. All of the ammo I've been loading have been seated quite long to be 10/1000 off the lands.

I'm just getting started in precision shooting, so haven't really worked up a load yet. I've needed to do lots of practice, to learn how to shoot before I could test loads. Been planning on using the Lapua brass and Berger bullets to figure out the proper powder charge and seating depth.

I've also picked up the classic Teslong borescope, and did some peaking. Looks like the chamber has some scratches/gouges in it. These are on the body, ending at the shoulder. They scratch the brass.

I'm thinking about getting the chamber re-cut, but not sure if I should. I'd rather not spend a bunch of money on a rifle that isn't "that good". This is after all just a production rifle, not a custom rifle. I also don't think this is worthy of a new barrel. But if for a small amount I could get it to be better, that would be great.

What do you think? Should I get a new chamber cut? Replace the barrel? Load the Bergers short? Save them for the next rifle? Do nothing, and save my money for the next rifle?

 

[joshb]

I would suggest keeping it as is and practice your shooting and reloading. Save up for a custom while you learn. After a while, you’ll have a better idea of what you want in a gun. I still shoot the Rem 308 I started with. It’s accurate enough, fun and brings back memories. Kelbly or Stiller actions would be a good start and won’t break the bank.
Sierra’s are good for those long throated factory guns. They like to jump. Maybe save those Berger’s.
Welcome to the forum, if I missed that!
Read read, read! Lot’s of good information here provided by some excellent shooters. I’ve been here a while and I’m still learning!

 

[Cloudrepair]

I have a Remington 700 Police in .308. Model 86591, 24" 5R barrel 1:11.25 twist, 40x trigger, HS Precision PST012 stock, oversized bolt knob. I haven't done anything to it except put on a Badger base/rings and Burris scope.

I've shot about 2000 rounds through it. I measured the throat both when it was new, and now after ~2000 rounds. I haven't seen much erosion. My math says, on average, over 7 different bullets, it's either shrunk by 2/1000 or gotten longer by 2/1000. I figure it's just margin of error. Seems like the barrel should have lots of life left. (Raw numbers attached in Excel)

I've picked up some new Lapua brass, and Berger bullets. I've been using Federal brass and Hornady/Sierra bullets with typically 43.5gr Varget. I measured the Bergers, and they engage the rifling at the point that they are falling out of the brass. So I won't be able to load them up at 10/1000 off the lands, or even try jamming them into the rifling. All of the ammo I've been loading have been seated quite long to be 10/1000 off the lands.

I'm just getting started in precision shooting, so haven't really worked up a load yet. I've needed to do lots of practice, to learn how to shoot before I could test loads. Been planning on using the Lapua brass and Berger bullets to figure out the proper powder charge and seating depth.

I've also picked up the classic Teslong borescope, and did some peaking. Looks like the chamber has some scratches/gouges in it. These are on the body, ending at the shoulder. They scratch the brass.

I'm thinking about getting the chamber re-cut, but not sure if I should. I'd rather not spend a bunch of money on a rifle that isn't "that good". This is after all just a production rifle, not a custom rifle. I also don't think this is worthy of a new barrel. But if for a small amount I could get it to be better, that would be great.

What do you think? Should I get a new chamber cut? Replace the barrel? Load the Bergers short? Save them for the next rifle? Do nothing, and save my money for the next rifle?

Rebarrel it true the action and bed it would be my thoughts or sell it and buy a custom action borden, bat ,kelby come to mind first but there are a lot out there
I wouldn't waste any more time on the barrel on it.

 

[Dub]

i have about 1000 rounds through my Remington 700 SPS 20" barrel and turned on this 5 shot group at 100 yards today. I think your barrel is good for a good while yet. Corrected. after checking my log book it is closer to 1000 rounds so far.

 

[snert]

Try those Berger's and experiment with seating depth. When you know you can consistently outshoot your gun, rebarrel.

308is a notoriously long legged cartridge that hardly burns barrels.

If you can get your self behind a borrowed br or prs rifle, shoot it and see if you can outshoot it.

You will see the difference and you will then know if it is your gun limiting you, or if you are limiting you.

And as far as rechambering a factory barrel....no. not worth the money. Rebarrel with a Hart, Broughton, Krieger etc.

 

[JFrank]

I have a Remington 700 Police in .308. Model 86591, 24" 5R barrel 1:11.25 twist, 40x trigger, HS Precision PST012 stock, oversized bolt knob. I haven't done anything to it except put on a Badger base/rings and Burris scope.

I've shot about 2000 rounds through it. I measured the throat both when it was new, and now after ~2000 rounds. I haven't seen much erosion. My math says, on average, over 7 different bullets, it's either shrunk by 2/1000 or gotten longer by 2/1000. I figure it's just margin of error. Seems like the barrel should have lots of life left. (Raw numbers attached in Excel)

I've picked up some new Lapua brass, and Berger bullets. I've been using Federal brass and Hornady/Sierra bullets with typically 43.5gr Varget. I measured the Bergers, and they engage the rifling at the point that they are falling out of the brass. So I won't be able to load them up at 10/1000 off the lands, or even try jamming them into the rifling. All of the ammo I've been loading have been seated quite long to be 10/1000 off the lands.

I'm just getting started in precision shooting, so haven't really worked up a load yet. I've needed to do lots of practice, to learn how to shoot before I could test loads. Been planning on using the Lapua brass and Berger bullets to figure out the proper powder charge and seating depth.

I've also picked up the classic Teslong borescope, and did some peaking. Looks like the chamber has some scratches/gouges in it. These are on the body, ending at the shoulder. They scratch the brass.

I'm thinking about getting the chamber re-cut, but not sure if I should. I'd rather not spend a bunch of money on a rifle that isn't "that good". This is after all just a production rifle, not a custom rifle. I also don't think this is worthy of a new barrel. But if for a small amount I could get it to be better, that would be great.

What do you think? Should I get a new chamber cut? Replace the barrel? Load the Bergers short? Save them for the next rifle? Do nothing, and save my money for the next rifle?

I would stick with the Sierras 168 gr on top that Varget and adjust seating as necessary for another 2-3 k rounds.

J

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

I have a Remington 700 Police in .308. Model 86591, 24" 5R barrel 1:11.25 twist, 40x trigger, HS Precision PST012 stock, oversized bolt knob. I haven't done anything to it except put on a Badger base/rings and Burris scope.

I've shot about 2000 rounds through it. I measured the throat both when it was new, and now after ~2000 rounds. I haven't seen much erosion. My math says, on average, over 7 different bullets, it's either shrunk by 2/1000 or gotten longer by 2/1000. I figure it's just margin of error. Seems like the barrel should have lots of life left. (Raw numbers attached in Excel)

I've picked up some new Lapua brass, and Berger bullets. I've been using Federal brass and Hornady/Sierra bullets with typically 43.5gr Varget. I measured the Bergers, and they engage the rifling at the point that they are falling out of the brass. So I won't be able to load them up at 10/1000 off the lands, or even try jamming them into the rifling. All of the ammo I've been loading have been seated quite long to be 10/1000 off the lands.

I'm just getting started in precision shooting, so haven't really worked up a load yet. I've needed to do lots of practice, to learn how to shoot before I could test loads. Been planning on using the Lapua brass and Berger bullets to figure out the proper powder charge and seating depth.

I've also picked up the classic Teslong borescope, and did some peaking. Looks like the chamber has some scratches/gouges in it. These are on the body, ending at the shoulder. They scratch the brass.

I'm thinking about getting the chamber re-cut, but not sure if I should. I'd rather not spend a bunch of money on a rifle that isn't "that good". This is after all just a production rifle, not a custom rifle. I also don't think this is worthy of a new barrel. But if for a small amount I could get it to be better, that would be great.

What do you think? Should I get a new chamber cut? Replace the barrel? Load the Bergers short? Save them for the next rifle? Do nothing, and save my money for the next rifle?

The cost would not be that bad to have the barrel cut and rechambered with a match reamer / shorter freebore so you could shoot lighter bullet's also. Probably$225. Or thereabouts. That would probably be cost effective. The barrel would then be good for many thousands of rounds, about like a new barrel.

 

[500yards]

the suggestions to go with either 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor are a reasonable way to go. For paper-punching, the 6mm would be my choice, simply because of the availability of extremely accurate hi-BC 105-115gr bullets that are less expensive than comparable 6.5mm bullets. The 6XC is also an excellent option, with Norma brass being available, or fairly easy forming with 22-250 brass. Either of these slightly shorter rounds are an excellent choice for use out of AICS magazines, since they'll allow heavy 6mm bullets to be seated out and not reduce case capacity. They're also more efficient than a 243, and should give marginally better bbl life. A 26" bbl will produce good velocity with either case, yet still be maneuverable.

From a purely ballistic point of view, you're not going to give up much if any advantage out to 1000 by going with a 6 vs 6.5. Either Berger 105 Hybrid or DTAC 115 at 3000+fps will stay right with a good 6.5mm bullet that starts out at sane velocities out of a 6.5 Creedmoor.

As far as re-barreling the 223 goes, that kinda depends on what sort of accuracy you're getting out of the factory bbl. If it's very good, I'd just shoot it until its accuracy tails off, then get it re-barreled with a custom bbl in 223. Not much advantage by going to a 223 AI chamber, except for not needing to trim brass, which was enough to make it worth it to me. I love my 223 AI - it's a tack-driver, even though I don't get much more velocity than I did out of a regular 223. Either way, the biggest advantage that I see in going with a custom bbl'd 223 is accuracy.

 

[std7mag]

You don't mention what type of Berger.
For me, the VLD likes up close & personal to the rifling.
Others have found theirs like a jump.
Hybrids seem to be fairly tollerant on distance from the lands.

As was previously mentioned, you have another 2-3 thousand rounds with 308 before it's really considered "shot out".
I had 6k out of my 7mm-08AI.

 

[mike06]

Try some Nosler 175 RDF or Sierra 175 TMK 41.5 Varget these work great for me with my over throated REM 700 308 MY COAL is 2.925 and I let them jump.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

the suggestions to go with either 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor are a reasonable way to go. For paper-punching, the 6mm would be my choice, simply because of the availability of extremely accurate hi-BC 105-115gr bullets that are less expensive than comparable 6.5mm bullets. The 6XC is also an excellent option, with Norma brass being available, or fairly easy forming with 22-250 brass. Either of these slightly shorter rounds are an excellent choice for use out of AICS magazines, since they'll allow heavy 6mm bullets to be seated out and not reduce case capacity. They're also more efficient than a 243, and should give marginally better bbl life. A 26" bbl will produce good velocity with either case, yet still be maneuverable.

From a purely ballistic point of view, you're not going to give up much if any advantage out to 1000 by going with a 6 vs 6.5. Either Berger 105 Hybrid or DTAC 115 at 3000+fps will stay right with a good 6.5mm bullet that starts out at sane velocities out of a 6.5 Creedmoor.

As far as re-barreling the 223 goes, that kinda depends on what sort of accuracy you're getting out of the factory bbl. If it's very good, I'd just shoot it until its accuracy tails off, then get it re-barreled with a custom bbl in 223. Not much advantage by going to a 223 AI chamber, except for not needing to trim brass, which was enough to make it worth it to me. I love my 223 AI - it's a tack-driver, even though I don't get much more velocity than I did out of a regular 223. Either way, the biggest advantage that I see in going with a custom bbl'd 223 is accuracy.

223 ? He has a 308 !

 

[Liven The Dream]

You have a good base for a Great Rifle...

At some point my idea ? Send it to a Guy Like Alex Wheeler , Randy Gregory etc. A Target Rifle Gunsmith.
Tune that Action New Barrel and Bed it . Go win a Match.

I shot a lot of Palma Matches with .308 . I had to have Barnard Actions (4) ?????
I had a Parts Action 700 PTG Bolt , Extreme Trigger and a Yellow Jacket LLC Tube Stock.

I won a Reginal Medal with each Action.
A perfect score in a Palma Match is 500 . I shot my best ever 448 with the 700 . My only Clean at 1000 yards was with the 700.
I shot a lot of 800 and 900 cleans with each.

I now have 3 F/Class Open Rifles on 700 Rem. I will one day Miss the Bernard's. Maybe.

Read a lot Spend Wisely ! This Sport is a Rabbit Hole.
Don

 

[Walt Krafft]

The factory chamber has a lot of freebore. It should be good for 5000 rounds of good shooting but will require a jump tolerant bullet. Sierra 168, 175, or 190s would be what I would shoot from it.

 

[Snozzberries]

Thanks for the responses everybody.

std7mag - I bought 400 Berger 168gr Target Hybrid bullets.
500yards - I don't understand your entire post. Did you mean to post it in another thread?

I'm attaching a bunch more information here in an Excel file from previous testing I did. Results summarized below.

I tested all the below bullets, at 200 yards, using identical powder/primers/seating depth off the lands. Sierra 168gr HPBT won with .543 MOA. Hornady A-max was 2nd with .697 MOA.
Hornady 168gr ELD
Hornady 168gr Match
Hornady 168gr A-Max
Sierra 168 HPBT
Sierra 168 TMK
Sierra 175 HPBT
Sierra 175 TMK

So then I started doing ladder tests at 200 yards, 1 bullet, different powder charges, same seating depth. I've done 3 so far:
Sierra 168 TMK
Sierra 175 HPBT
Sierra 175 TMK

They all basically tied at .6 MOA.

I still need to do the same test with the Sierra 168gr HPBT, and the Hornady A-max. I've saved them for last since they previously shot the best. Then the plan was to do the same test with the Bergers. The Bergers would have to be jammed down into the case though, long ways off the lands.

 

[D-4297]

I just pulled a barrel on my F-TR Kelby .308 after 5,600 rounds , because it went from shooting high 190's , to low 170's in 50 rounds at a local match . A Brux 30" , 4 groove . Done . Shot out . Your barrel has a lot of life left in it . But you confused me when you said you'd have to stuff the Berger's really deep in the case , while talking about bullets not reaching the lands . Try the Berger Juggernaut OTM 185gr. Close in length to the 175gr Sierra . Should fit nicely in your chamber , about .010 off touch . And if you can't get the Juggs to shoot , throw the rifle away .

 

[Snozzberries]

But you confused me when you said you'd have to stuff the Berger's really deep in the case , while talking about bullets not reaching the lands .

If I was to seat a Berger bullet right at the lands, it would fit in the standard case like this:
https://youtu.be/rBfyt9La2JE
So I'd have to stuff it far away from the lands, to get it to seat in the case.

 

[nicholst55]

The price to set your factory barrel back and rethread and chamber it will probably be the same as installing a new barrel. Why, would be my question. If you're going to spend the money, save up until you can afford a good quality aftermarket barrel, and have the action trued up before rebarreling. Or, sell that rifle and use the proceeds of the sale towards an aftermarket action and a new barrel.

 

[D-4297]

Guess I'd have to ask which Berger Bullet you were talking about , and why a 175gr Sierra will fit , and a 185 juggernaut won't . A 185 Hybrid would be to long , but not the Juggernaut . Unless you're playing with a short magazine length , too .

 

[Sandstorm]

My Tikka T3 308 love's 168gr Sierras and 43.5 of Varget....or 43.5gr IMR4064 @ 168gr Sierras...
I guess thats pretty universal from what ive been reading about the 308 Win...alot of people seem to make that combo work real well.

 

[Snozzberries]

I reached out to Remington, and they have told me to ship it back. I'll let you know what they do.