Upgrade 700 BDL 7MM Rem Mag, or Start With New Rifle

[TallkingBull]

I started casting bullets and reloading pistol cases for my dad as a teenager, and I reloaded for my 7mm Rem Mag when I got out of school. Most of my equipment is 30 years old (700 BDL in 7mm RM w original walnut stock, Leupold 2.5x8 Vari-X III with duplex reticle, RCBS rock chucker, chronagraph, ~140 Remington cases, misc bullets, primers and powder). I have been overseas for most of the last 20 years, and I put all my equipment into storage. I’m now retired and want to get back into shooting and reloading.


My goal is to build a load and system capable of hitting ~12” targets at 1000 yards. I have no plans to compete, just want to be able to guess the range, dial in the scope, and try to make hits. I enjoy the technical aspects of reloading, don’t mind spending time at the bench. I might use this gun for long range varmint or hogs. I think I would never shoot more than 20-30 rounds in a day, about once a week. I quit hunting deer years ago, but there is a small chance I would want to use the gun for hunting deer/elk.

My goal is not to have a ELD hunting gun, I want a ELD target gun that could double as a 100-300 yard hunting gun. I don’t have to have a 7mm RM, it’s just that it is what I already have.

My initial thoughts were to:
Replace the wood stock with an aluminum chassis, maybe a MDT product.
Purchase the Arken SH4 Gen 2 6x24-50 scope.
Replace the stock trigger.
Work up loads with H4831 and CCI 250 and high BC Berger 180 gr bullets.
Make decision later if I need to replace the stock barrel (my 700 BDL has had ~200 rounds fired).

Questions:
Is my plan reasonable? Will this gun be able to shoot 0.5 MOA?
Am I wasting my time and money on this 700 BDL in 7mm RM?
Should I just go out and buy a whole new rifle?
Is the 7mm RM going to beat me up, make me wish I had a 243 or a 6mm Dasher or similar 6mm?
Can I use the 30 year old Remington cases, or start with new cases?
Safe to use the old powder and primers to practice shooting, and get used to the new scope?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[pertnear]

You reload so I assume you are DIY'er. I'd install pillars & glass bed the action & float barrel. Use devcon steel epoxy & cost should be under $40. What's wrong with the trigger? Get a gunsmith to adjust it down to the minimum safe weight, probably a little over 2 lbs. I have a Walker trigger on my 700 & it breaks at about 2.5 lbs, smooth & clean. It has never caused a problem or failed in decades of use - on the range or in the field. Mount the scope you want. Spend some time getting your loads dialed-in. You might be surprised at how good it shoots. If not, you can always go all-in on the upgrades you propose. JIMHO

 

[FeMan]

That is a very low round count. I believe 7 Rem Mags have 1:9.265 twist barrels, which should stabilize the 180 Bergers. The stability at sea level in cold weather will be on the marginal side, but it should work and be good at higher temps/elevations.

I'd reload some for it and see how it shoots and if the mag/freebore provide for accuracy with 180 class bullets. Once you try it, work to improve what needs fixin.

I have never heard of Arken scopes. They may be ok, but unless you get a scope that tracks reliably, you will be frustrated trying to shoot long range. I'd be cautious there unless you are familiar with them and satisfied as to their performance and tracking.

If the recoil bugs you, I'd suggest a good baffle brake.

 

[centerlineseal]

I've run a 700 BDL in 7mm RM for over 40 years, primarily as my elk and deer gun. It is glass bedded at the action. Trigger is original and has been adjusted. I've reloaded for it the whole time, but this forum has brought me to a higher level.

Current loading of IMR 7828 and Berger 168 VLD Hunt put three shots into 0.19 inches at 100 yds. Powder ladder and bullet seating tests got me there.

With a better scope, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it out to 1,000 yds.