Time for a new barrel, so what else should I do?

[Ralph Littlefield]

Just starting to think about this, so I probably lack answers to a lot of questions that may come.

I have a short action Rem 700 ADL in 22-250 with a sporter barrel that I purchased around 1970. I have never been fond of the lightweight barrel, but otherwise like the rifle, so I kept it. Finally, it is ready for a new barrel. (No idea how many rounds, but I cannot come close to reaching the lands with the light bullets that this rifle likes.)

I would like to keep the action and make a good shooting rifle out of it. Probably in 22-250, 243, 7MM-08 or 308. It will be a range toy limited to 600 yds. I do not shoot competitively. I really have no budget in mind but am currently thinking around $1500. (not including optics) if possible. I know I need a stock or chassis, barrel, and trigger.

My question is what else should I consider? Bolt work? Any work on the action? ETC? Scrap this idea and buy a new rifle?

Edit to add: By good shooter, I am thinking consistent 1/2 MOA.

 

[dgeesaman]

I’d go with a lighter caliber like 243 or 6BR. 7 and 308 cost more and are less pleasant to shoot, 22-250 will burn up the new barrel too fast for my idea of range activities.

I’d have the gunsmith do a little blueprinting or at least check for good faces. It’s an older Remington build so possibly better(?).

You can have the bolt bushed at any other time if you feel it would help.

 

[nmkid]

I'm a little biased but, I would go with a 243AI.

 

[Ralph Littlefield]

I’d go with a lighter caliber like 243 or 6BR. 7 and 308 cost more and are less pleasant to shoot, 22-250 will burn up the new barrel too fast for my idea of range activities.

I’d have the gunsmith do a little blueprinting or at least check for good faces. It’s an older Remington build so possibly better(?).

You can have the bolt bushed at any other time if you feel it would help.

Okay, now I get to show my ignorance. Could you inform me on what blueprinting is/does?

Also, is bolt bushing the same as shimming the firing pin?

 

[47WillysGuy]

Since you have a Remington action, stock, and trigger and just need a new barrel. I’d start with a Bartlien sporter barrel with 0.750” diameter muzzle. That’ll set back 7-900 dollars. Barrel plus chambering for what caliber decide on. It’s a deep hole, do a lot of research. Good luck!

 

[okie]

Change the firing pin spring, screw a new barrel on it. Should be very pleased. I would go custom before I did any kind of blue printing...I bet it will shoot fine as-is.

 

[Eagle Six]

If it were me, I would contact @urbanrifleman, and chat with him about some form of 6mm. Twist off the 22-250 barrel, twist on the new barrel (may have to auger out the barrel channel. Shoot it. You will most likely like it. Then select a trigger and chassis/stock and optic.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I would sell it as is and go full custom before I would start a custom rifle with that action.

 

[K22]

Remington especially that circa have long throats. I have, and have had several, 223, 22 250, 243, 308 to name a few. Seating bullets well of the lands was the norm even with new rifles. However, with tuned reloads and in some cases, bedding the action, I had no problem achieving 1/2 to 5/8 mo.

So, I wouldn't judge the rifle based on the throat length, rather the groups you are getting. However, based on your question, I assume at one time this rifle shot well and now it doesn't due to a worn-out barrel. The existence of fire cracking in the throat can be check with a scope to confirm that it's time for a new barrel.

I have replaced barrels on several 700's, namely with Douglas match barrels. All shoot well with proper bedding and free floating. If you go with a heavier barrel, you will have to modify the stock or replace it depending on the contour you select. Along with a quality barrel, a properly bedded stock is essential for precision target shooting.

If target shooting is your intended use, I wouldn't choose overbore cartridges like the 22 250 or 243. While these are excellent hunting cartridges, they can be hard on barrels especially with sustained shot sequences. If you can tolerate the recoil, the 308 would be a good choice with heavy barrel to help mitigate the recoil. I would also consider the 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[dantiff2]

I’m biased so I’ll say 6XC but 6 and 6.5 Creedmoor and 6 BR (will likely not eject properly) is another good option for a fun plinker.

 

[jdh47]

It shouldn't be much of a problem to get a good barrel put on for less than $1K. Probably much less than that. Any contour you like. The Remington Varmint contour is a decent one. Just pick the cartridge you want for what you want to do with it.

 

[6BRA]

The stock will need work won't it? Lightweight bbl to Hvy bbl, the channel will need opened . Sell and build one.

 

[4xforfun]

10 or 12 twist 6 BR. Pretty much the easy button. 58 grn bullets all the way up to 87's. Long BBL life and MONSTER ACCURACY!!!!

MY .02,
TOD

 

[Herzo]

Replace action parts as required, see Theurbanrifleman.com for a remag barrel & nut, Boyd's for a stock. You can put together a great shooter for well under a grand with money left over to put towards a scope upgrade.

 

[Silo1616]

" My question is what else should I consider? Bolt work? Any work on the action? ETC?"

For my money, a good trigger would be on the list.

 

[ebb]

Silo is spot on a trigger is second. If you are going to load and maybe on the hotter side, bushing the firing pin would be number 3. I like the idea of getting a 3 for when you do a firing pin, you get the pin done so you won't blank primers and you wind up with a captured firing pin at the same time, and the smith checks and sets the pin protrusion.

 

[Dkk37058]

7mm08 is another good choice

 

[CJ6]

If it were mine .... Minimum would be True action face and get the lug abutments and bolt lugs mated up. Cartridge wise is pretty broad. Do you reload ? If not then you'll want to go with what's widely available at most stores near you. If you do reload then getting your components ahead of time will be a good idea.

 

[Tesoro]

My advice is go Remage with your barrel. No gunsmith needed. I luv (most) gunsmiths but I dont like waiting for my turn. Pick your chambering and rock n roll!

 

[snert]

I like simple. I like inexpensive.

So I often chose to rebarrel with cartridge I already have dies, bullets and components for.

Depending on your budget for these supporting parts, if you are just shooting at the range, why not a 6BR?

That said, I have owned numerous Rem 700 rifles that were in original walnut stocks (loved the old BDL/Varmint Special stocks) and really like the old Walnut 40Xb or 40Xbr stocks for informal bench and shooting prone or off a rest on a table, even a tripod. Pillar bed and go.

Put in a good trigger, or if you have the desire, a cleaned up Walker Remington trigger. (I would just clean and reuse the one you have personally).

Send it up to Jim Hart at Hart Rifle Barrels, Apulia NY. Have him put an 8 Twist 24 inch Sendero profile or similar on it and sally forth. When Hart does it they clean up the lugs and threads. I have never been disappointed in Jim's work.

Spend your money on a scope and lots of reloading supplies.