I’m picking up an Remington 700 in 7mm-08 and want to re-barrel it to a better suited caliber. The main purpose will be target work out to 300 yards. I’m thinking of a remage barrel, but open to sending out off like to Pac-Nor or the like. Will more than likely re-stock it too. So now the main question.... what caliber. Accuracy is the most important part! I do not want to do any fire forming of brass. Want to stay with a .473 bolt face cartridge. I already have rifles of the following calipers… 243 Winchester, 22–250 Remington, and three Creedmoor in 22, 6mm and 6.5. I prefer to stay with the varmint caliber. So what would you recommend?
New build for Remington 700 action
- Thread starter 22vartarg
- Start date
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
I'd probably look at something like a 6 or 6.5x47 Lapua. Of course there is always the 6mm BR that is well known for being a great shooter but if I wanted a smooth reliable feeding repeater and based on your parameters I'd probably pick the 6.5x47 Lapua and run it as is or neck it down to 6mm or maybe even 22.
I love, my Criterion RemAge 6 XC Barrel and they have, a GREAT Reamer w/ .105 Freebore & .275 No Turn Neck.
I bought the .705 Dia Muzzle, Heavy Sporter,.. 24" which is,.. stiff enough for informal Targets / Steel Plates, yet, I can carry it at, 9.5 Pounds for Varmints/ antelope, etc. ( Scoped w/ 6.5 x 20X ).
NO "issues" Feeding and Mag length is Perfect using, the Rem 700 action at NO extra cost !
I'm in the .3's already on 2nd trip out and EXPECT to get, .25 MOA soon !
IF you NEED into, the 0's and 1's,.. you'd BEST Buy, a Brux, Kreiger or, Bartlein !
The 6 XC is, an E-Z peasy NO Headache, "set up" using,.. Forster Dies & Norma Brass !
*** Very little Recoil with, the 80 to 108 grain, "Class" Bullets in a 6 XC ***.
The 6.5 Creed / 6.5 L's are nice, W/ a Brake on, as, they HAVE,.. MORE, Recoil !
I bought the .705 Dia Muzzle, Heavy Sporter,.. 24" which is,.. stiff enough for informal Targets / Steel Plates, yet, I can carry it at, 9.5 Pounds for Varmints/ antelope, etc. ( Scoped w/ 6.5 x 20X ).
NO "issues" Feeding and Mag length is Perfect using, the Rem 700 action at NO extra cost !
I'm in the .3's already on 2nd trip out and EXPECT to get, .25 MOA soon !
IF you NEED into, the 0's and 1's,.. you'd BEST Buy, a Brux, Kreiger or, Bartlein !
The 6 XC is, an E-Z peasy NO Headache, "set up" using,.. Forster Dies & Norma Brass !
*** Very little Recoil with, the 80 to 108 grain, "Class" Bullets in a 6 XC ***.
The 6.5 Creed / 6.5 L's are nice, W/ a Brake on, as, they HAVE,.. MORE, Recoil !
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RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
That 7-08 is an awesome cartridge for hunting and target work inside your 300 yards. Why would you assume it should be discarded? If that bbl is burned up, putting another 7-08 on there is worth taking a second look.
It has a very good reputation in metallic Silhouette. That is because it could knock the 600 yard ram plates down effectively. So we are already talking about a design known to be very efficient. You can buy factory hunting ammo in good reloadable cases, as well as the highest quality brass like Lapua for example. Brass used to be necked down from 308, and that can still be done if you want to take advantage of available 308 cases.
So I wouldn't be so quick to abandon a cartridge that most other folks would flock to. It throws a 140 grain Partition at over 2800 fps which is over 2400 ft*lbs, or a 175 Partition at over 2600 fps which is over 2600 ft*lbs. That means on paper it kills at distances like 600 to 800 yards as effectively as most 30-06 loads with less powder and recoil.
7-08 punches well above it's weight and is one of those inherently accurate designs for target work due to the high BC bullets. Before you discard it, I would recommend taking a second look.
It has a very good reputation in metallic Silhouette. That is because it could knock the 600 yard ram plates down effectively. So we are already talking about a design known to be very efficient. You can buy factory hunting ammo in good reloadable cases, as well as the highest quality brass like Lapua for example. Brass used to be necked down from 308, and that can still be done if you want to take advantage of available 308 cases.
So I wouldn't be so quick to abandon a cartridge that most other folks would flock to. It throws a 140 grain Partition at over 2800 fps which is over 2400 ft*lbs, or a 175 Partition at over 2600 fps which is over 2600 ft*lbs. That means on paper it kills at distances like 600 to 800 yards as effectively as most 30-06 loads with less powder and recoil.
7-08 punches well above it's weight and is one of those inherently accurate designs for target work due to the high BC bullets. Before you discard it, I would recommend taking a second look.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
Given your stated use, the 6BR would be absolutely perfect. A no turn, 12 twist, should cover you up to 85 grain bullets with most of your work being with lighter weight ones, given that I believe that most shooting will most likely be at 100. Based on experience with various short range benchrest bullets that generally fall in the 60-68 grain range, I would opt for no more than a .060 freebore. To do this justice, you would probably want to have the action blueprinted, and something like a Jewel HVR trigger would given you all the options for pull weight. Of course if you open up the action threads, you will be giving up the barrel nut option, but that is really not the end of the world. With good bedding and a correct build, I would expect to be able to shoot quarter inch groups with well tuned loads, consulting some sort of flags, home made or store bought.
If the barrel is not shot out, I could take it off your hands for a small price. I sold my 7mm08 2 years ago when I needed the money, and I have wanted another ever since.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
Trying to approach this from a different direction, I suggest developing the list of cartridges you are interested in shooting. Then look for the best components which are still available for that cartridge. You may find that some of your choices just don't have enough components readily available. Building a rifle then not being able to source components will be pretty frustrating.
Yes, you can order a Criterion barrel to be made to your specifications. While they might be adequate for some uses, they are not considered to be a top-of-the-line target barrel. But you might not need one of the best. If you want one, plan ahead as the best makers are pretty well booked ahead of time. Be sure to get the appropriate twist for the bullets you will be using.
Single shot or magazine fed? It makes a difference.
For a single shot, I am liking the 6mmBR since it is proven and components of the highest quality are available. You can shoot a magazine if you get the MDT Short Action for the DBM:
https://mdttac.com/us_en/mdt-metal-magazines-short-action.html
These are pricey but work superbly.
My choice would be the 6XC because components are available and top quality. This cartridge can be used in standard internal magazines or the hinged bottom metal.
Personally, another alternative is the .25 Creedmoor. Brass is available but the best bullets are still being made.
Enjoy the process!
Yes, you can order a Criterion barrel to be made to your specifications. While they might be adequate for some uses, they are not considered to be a top-of-the-line target barrel. But you might not need one of the best. If you want one, plan ahead as the best makers are pretty well booked ahead of time. Be sure to get the appropriate twist for the bullets you will be using.
Single shot or magazine fed? It makes a difference.
For a single shot, I am liking the 6mmBR since it is proven and components of the highest quality are available. You can shoot a magazine if you get the MDT Short Action for the DBM:
https://mdttac.com/us_en/mdt-metal-magazines-short-action.html
These are pricey but work superbly.
My choice would be the 6XC because components are available and top quality. This cartridge can be used in standard internal magazines or the hinged bottom metal.
Personally, another alternative is the .25 Creedmoor. Brass is available but the best bullets are still being made.
Enjoy the process!
For Target "work" at, 300 yards,.. SCREW, the 7-08 as it HAS, too much, freaking RECOIL to, have FUN with !
Use the 80 - 88 grain, Flat Based, Berger Target / Varmint, Bullet ( or Customs ) or, 90 to108's for, further, shooting !
In a 6 BR something, or 6 XC and WITH, NO punishment to, shoulder !
The 7-08 is Fine for,.. a FEW shots at, Deer - Elk ,..
OR, longer range Targets in,.. a Heavier or, Braked, Rifle.
For 300 yards, tho,.. ahh,.. NO !
Use the 80 - 88 grain, Flat Based, Berger Target / Varmint, Bullet ( or Customs ) or, 90 to108's for, further, shooting !
In a 6 BR something, or 6 XC and WITH, NO punishment to, shoulder !
The 7-08 is Fine for,.. a FEW shots at, Deer - Elk ,..
OR, longer range Targets in,.. a Heavier or, Braked, Rifle.
For 300 yards, tho,.. ahh,.. NO !
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The Shilen, Criterion or PacNor, "PreFit", RemAge, barrels ARE very, appropriate for your, Rem 700 Action for Semi formal, Target, Varmint and steel Plate, FUN ! Getting Sub 1/2 MOA, usually and possibly, much LESS IF, fitted, bedded, Scoped, Triggered and Loaded,.. correctly !
But for, "Competitive, BR shooting" go with a Custom Action and Gunsmith FITTED, Quality Barrel like, a Brux, Bartlien or, Krieger, etc. And with, a BIG difference, in COST !
But for, "Competitive, BR shooting" go with a Custom Action and Gunsmith FITTED, Quality Barrel like, a Brux, Bartlien or, Krieger, etc. And with, a BIG difference, in COST !
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shooterjon
Silver $$ Contributor
Well, I MUST GO WITH BOYDALLEN.I shoot a 6 BR love it and it shoots Dead Nuts For ME.100 to 300 yds. should be an easy tune up in 12 twist.
just my shootin preference,and I'm stickin to it!
I'd be leaning towards the 6mmBR. Great barrel life over the CM's (3k vs 1.5k on average). You can go as fast or slow as you want with the twist, and any configuration you would like in bullet selection.
Of course, a .243 is a great choice, too. Again, great barrel life, pleasant recoil in a bench gun, and twist rates of 1:9" or 1:8" for just about any bullet and distance you would like. There's been a lot of groundhogs succumbed to a 58gr Hornady V-Max launched from a .243 here in North East Ohio...
I don't know about barrel life on the 6XC, but if it's interesting enough I could be talked into it.
Of course, a .243 is a great choice, too. Again, great barrel life, pleasant recoil in a bench gun, and twist rates of 1:9" or 1:8" for just about any bullet and distance you would like. There's been a lot of groundhogs succumbed to a 58gr Hornady V-Max launched from a .243 here in North East Ohio...
I don't know about barrel life on the 6XC, but if it's interesting enough I could be talked into it.
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Easy to Tune, great Barrel Life, Longer Neck and just, flat, Shoots better with, MORE,. Wins, by MANY, 1,000 yard shooters like,.. Tubb, Salazar, Houle, DeMille, to name a few ! IF, IF, IF, the Wind,.. ain't,.. Blowin' to, hard !
Probably NOT, a lot of, difference,.. LOL ! Just been watching, researching and Learning about, the 6 XC for YEARS, so am, freakin', predjudiced, a bit ! There's not, a lot of difference, in reality ! Hey, I got me one now and am stuck with IT for, the next,.. 2,000 rounds or, so ! AKA,.. I drunk, the "Kool Aid" !
Many 6 mm's can do close to, ABOUT, the same "Job",. I'm NOT, Married to, ANY one, cartridge,..
I just PREFER this, one for MY uses of, informal Target, LR Steel Plates, Varmints up to,.. Deer / Antelope .
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