REMINGTON 700 VTR .223 Rem -- Opinions?

[SSL]

Like a fool, I allowed a friend to talk me out of my Ruger #1B .223 a few years ago. My thinking at the time was that I had the range covered with my .17s, .22-250, .243 and etc. Thinking can be a dangerous thing. Organizing my loading area recently I realized that I have dies, a truckload of brass and several hundred Hornady .224" BTHP bullets. Now I could always use those bullets in my .22-250, but what's the fun in that. Especially since I have nearly a thousand 52-grain AMax that the .22-250 adores. Looking online at a fairly close gun shop, I see that they have a Remington 700 VTR .223 in OD Green, used and in 'like new' condition (their words...I haven't seen and bore scoped it yet). I called them to verify the price and they are complaining that Remingtons aren't selling well right now because of the bankruptcy and reorganization worries. As a result the price is extremely good.

My question: (other than the rather butt-ugly color) is it worth the effort? They do have a couple other 700-series models, but I have to admit I'm intrigued about this one for its weight and rather eye-catching barrel engineering and muzzle brake, but if they don't shoot well, I'll make a hard pass. Anyone have one they can tell me about?

Forum Boss: Here is a REM VTR triangle profile barrel In .308 Win

 

[Oso]

It has a catchy design... Does it or doesn't it effect the barrel harmonics??? I know that a round barrel will perform as advertised. I did not see anyone else then or now produce the barrel profile so to me it fell into the gimmick/stylized feature. Might work might not... one more variable that you'll have to consider if the rifle doesn't shoot well.

 

[Just Say Moe]

A friend of my brother used one for prairie dogs. Worked well enough for that.

 

[K22]

If it was me, I'd opt for a Tikka T3X Varmint Model. My 223 Rem Tikka is a terrific shooter with limited load development. It also has a superior extraction system, smoother bolt and trigger than the Remington's.

My only compliant is that it's only available in the US in an 8" twist and I prefer to shoot 50 and 55 grain bullets for varmint hunting. While my Tikka shoots those weight well enough, I had to drop the velocity down to about 2,900 f/s to obtain varmint grade accuracy. The 60Vmax's shoot sub 1/2 moa in my rifle at about 2,900 f/s.

 

[SSL]

If it was me, I'd opt for a Tikka T3X Varmint Model. My 223 Rem Tikka is a terrific shooter with limited load development. It also has a superior extraction system, smoother bolt and trigger than the Remington's.

My only compliant is that it's only available in the US in an 8" twist and I prefer to shoot 50 and 55 grain bullets for varmint hunting. While my Tikka shoots those weight well enough, I had to drop the velocity down to about 2,900 f/s to obtain varmint grade accuracy. The 60Vmax's shoot sub 1/2 moa in my rifle at about 2,900 f/s.

Maybe, but they don't handle Tikka and I don't want to drop that much money on a rifle just for fun. They have Remington, Savages and Rugers 'gently used' and at more than reasonable prices. All of these I'm very familiar with. That's why I asked about this specific model. Thanks anyway.

 

[Old Tanker]

My Rem 700 XCR, in .223 does very well for a factory barrel. It does not have the triangular shape but does have three, wide flutes running its 26” length. Not a competitive BR rifle but consistently holds .5 MOA and sometimes better at 100. It holds between 1 and 1.5” at 200. A better shooter might do better with it.

 

[SSL]

My Rem 700 XCR, in .223 does very well for a factory barrel. It does not have the triangular shape but does have three, wide flutes running its 26” length. Not a competitive BR rifle but consistently holds .5 MOA and sometimes better at 100. It holds between 1 and 1.5” at 200. A better shooter might do better with it.

Yeah, I've always had pretty good luck getting results tweeking Remington 700s for my purposes. I am just wondering about real world experience with this particular rifle. Like I said, several other 700 styles there but this one kind of caught my eye. Not interested if they are prone to issues.

 

[jr600yd]

Buy it, shoot it, have fun with it.

 

[SSL]

Buy it, shoot it, have fun with it.

But is it accurate enough to HAVE fun?

 

[jr600yd]

That’s the fun part

 

[Lone Hunter]

But is it accurate enough to HAVE fun?

I have one in .308. I won a comp in my class with it at 500 yds. It is plenty accurate. Only thing, get rid of the POS Stock. That stock is not even worth throwing away. I bought a HS Precision and put it in it. With the POS Stock I didn’t think it shot that great. I hunt with mine with 165 SGK and am very pleased with it. That being said I am considering replacing the barrel for a 6XC. If you can get it at a good price buy it, shoot it and if you don’t like it rebarrel it. First thing I would do is restock it. I bedded my buddies .22/250 in the POS Stock and it shot a lot better. Good Luck with your choice.

 

[SSL]

I have one in .308. I won a comp in my class with it at 500 yds. It is plenty accurate. Only thing, get rid of the POS Stock. That stock is not even worth throwing away. I bought a HS Precision and put it in it. With the POS Stock I didn’t think it shot that great. I hunt with mine with 165 SGK and am very pleased with it. That being said I am considering replacing the barrel for a 6XC. If you can get it at a good price buy it, shoot it and if you don’t like it rebarrel it. First thing I would do is restock it. I bedded my buddies .22/250 in the POS Stock and it shot a lot better. Good Luck with your choice.

Thanks. That was what I was looking for for info. Stock doesn't bother me since I have a good H-S stock for a short action 700 just gathering dust after I installed a thumb hole on my .17 Remington. Sure I will need to open the barrel channel for it, but that's not a big deal. Got to do some thinking now.

 

[Bc'z]

It'll kill a deer. 260 rem 123 Amax
Changed stock to a HS Precision, painted up to match her wedding dress.

 

[Spike A]

Shot wood chucks with a kid that has one in a 250 ... shot decent ... mind you no handloads and a “cheap” scope but he did good with it given what he had... I wouldn’t hesitate on it if it’s a price your happy with

 

[LHSmith]

I called them to verify the price and they are complaining that Remingtons aren't selling well right now because of the bankruptcy and reorganization worries. As a result the price is extremely good.

My question: (other than the rather butt-ugly color) is it worth the effort? They do have a couple other 700-series models, but I have to admit I'm intrigued about this one for its weight and rather eye-catching barrel engineering and muzzle brake, but if they don't shoot well, I'll make a hard pass. Anyone have one they can tell me about?



View attachment 1239614

Sorry , I don't have this model - I shy away from marketing "gimickry" and the triangular barrel is just that.
However, I am surprised about the gunshops reasoning for the low price because of the prices on Remington rifles and parts i see sold on this site. I have been tempted to part-out some of my collection because of this, but so far have resisted.
If it appeals to you then go for it. It will only increase in value as time goes on given our current state of affairs unless we / you get to a "buy-back" situation.

 

[SamGabara]

I bought one in 2010... immediately replaced the stock with an aluminum block B&C stock, and Shilen trigger. Mine shoots great! It will easily manage .5”-.75” groups at 100 yards with several different 55-62 grain bullets. My favorite bullet is the 60 grain Berger varmint.
It goes without saying, but that muzzle break in that triangle barrel is a little loud.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Also don’t expect to seat to the lands. They have the typical Remington freebore of a quarter mile. If you can get it at a good price go for it. I think you will like it. By all means change the PPS Stock though.

 

[Snuggie]

I have one in .223 also. If you were to keep it in that hard plastic stock you should take the action out and look at the end of the stock. If you see little green tabs on the end take a dremel and smooth them out to the rest of the stock. They keep the barrel from free floating. Made a hell of a diff. Mine likes the heavier bullets. Best were 69 gr with VV140. Shoots really good. Have fun!

 

[Gr8shot]

wore one out shooting vermin. traded it. regretted it. wish i had it back.
steve.

 

[joshb]

It'll kill a deer. 260 rem 123 Amax
Changed stock to a HS Precision, painted up to match her wedding dress.
View attachment 1239700

There she is!! Nice buck! I have wanted to try one of those wierd profile barrels. Seems like a good idea.