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-   -   Rem 700 SPS Varmint (https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=856093)

russ69 11-23-2013 8:56 AM

Rem 700 SPS Varmint
 
The gun shop just called. They found me a 700 SPS Varmint Left Hand 243. I'm loading some rounds while I wait out the delivery. I hope I get a half decent barrel.

2shotjoe 11-23-2013 8:59 AM

I got one in 308, just gotta shim the receiver a little bit to get it free floating until I get a new stock.

NorCalFocus 11-23-2013 9:35 AM

Yup replace the stock and you'll be shooting sub MOA

Khromo 11-23-2013 9:47 AM

The SPS Varmint in .243 looks like a really fine arrangement of features.

My SPS LH Varmints (.223 and .308) came with "pressure pads" molded into the tip of the fore end, bearing on the bottoms of the barrels. I sanded them out when I broke the guns down for their initial cleaning.

I also had to shim the rear of the scope bases on both of my SPS Varmints.

The .308 shoots well under 0.5" groups, even peering through cataracts the size of grapefruits. The .223 is at about 0.7" after only a couple of range sessions. I'm expecting to handload that one down under 0.5". Wish me luck!

I've been experimenting with reduced loads using H4895 to try to extend the barrel life of an SPS Stainless .243 (with the sporter barrel). If this pans out, I may try to snag one like Russ' for an all around shooter.

Yerman 11-23-2013 10:08 AM

Congrats. 700 varmints are nice guns.

russ69 11-23-2013 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalFocus (Post 12829176)
Yup replace the stock and you'll be shooting sub MOA

I will if I have to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829263)
....My SPS LH Varmints (.223 and .308) came with "pressure pads" molded into the tip of the fore end,...

I've done a lot of this kind of work before. Some guns shoot good with fore-end pressure and some don't. I'll play with different torques first. Then free float if I need to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829263)
I also had to shim the rear of the scope bases on both of my SPS Varmints.

Was the receiver warped or did you shim to get more elevation? I have seen a few warped receiver tubes before (like all of them). A bedding block doesn't do any good if the receiver is warped.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829263)
I've been experimenting with reduced loads using H4895 to try to extend the barrel life of an SPS Stainless .243 (with the sporter barrel). If this pans out, I may try to snag one like Russ' for an all around shooter.

Yeah, I'm already on this idea. I'm shooting a 95 grain Sierra match bullet with 4895. No need right now to get max velocity, just fast enough to better a 308 down range. I'll have to look at the charts to see where that puts me velocity wise.

Khromo 11-23-2013 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 12829594)
...Was the receiver warped or did you shim to get more elevation? I have seen a few warped receiver tubes before (like all of them). A bedding block doesn't do any good if the receiver is warped...

The rear base bed was about 0.020" too low on both receivers, if memory serves, and there wasn't enough elevation adjustment in my scopes to get a 100 yard zero. The two guns were different by only +/- 0.002 or less. I measured and put a few shims under the rears of the bases and everything straightened out.

A gunsmith buddy blamed it on hand finishing of the rear beds, versus machine finishing on the front beds. He said it was pretty common on these Remingtons. Brownell's had the shims pre-drilled for the Remington screw spacing. Aside from that I really love the .308. It shoots as well as anything I've ever shot, it cleans very easily, and except for a loooong throat, it is a favorite of mine.

The jury is still out on the .223. If I can get it under 0.50" pre-cataract surgery, I will keep it.

I am intrigued by the .243, though. I can't find any info on what to expect from the greatly reduced H4895 loads as far as velocity, but I'm chasing a mild load for up to 300 yards. There doesn't seem to be much chatter about it on the internoogie, so I guess I will have to figure it out for myself.

russ69 11-23-2013 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829670)
...A gunsmith buddy blamed it on hand finishing of the rear beds,...

It's the receiver tubes. They are heat treated after machining and that releases the stress and they warp. The bench guys will sleeve the receivers and that makes the outer sleeve straight for good level bedding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829670)
The jury is still out on the .223. If I can get it under 0.50" pre-cataract surgery, I will keep it.

I have a 223 PPS heavy barrel. It shoots OK. I use the Sierra 55 grain Blitzking. I have a picture here somewhere...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khromo (Post 12829670)
I am intrigued by the .243, though. I can't find any info on what to expect from the greatly reduced H4895 loads as far as velocity, but I'm chasing a mild load for up to 300 yards. There doesn't seem to be much chatter about it on the internoogie, so I guess I will have to figure it out for myself.

You don't want to cut down the loading density too much, the burn will not be consistent but using the starting load will reduce the heat and the erosion quite a bit. It's the full power loads that are raising temperatures and causing all the problems. It doesn't take much of a powder change to go from 50,000 psi to 60,000 psi.

Here it is:

Khromo 11-23-2013 11:59 AM

I've just loaded up a few 70 grain SMK's using H4895 and the 60% rule. If the weather clears up down here I will try them out this week.

Might be taking the "reduced load" too far, but I keep dreaming about extreme medium range accuracy and long barrel life, in a package that can be loaded up to .243 velocity when the situation calls for it.

We will see! Good luck with your new rifle!

winxp_man 11-24-2013 9:14 AM

I think you should be ok with accuracy.

Got mine out of jail about 10-15 days ago. It's a .308 win. While in jail I ordered a choate stock, and also decided that a trigger was needed. So I ordered a Timney 510 with safety lever installed. When it got the rifle I bought a blue box of federal 150 SP ammo and one of Federal Gold Metal Match 168. I got home and already had the stock but not the new trigger. So I installed the stock and the scope base no shimming was needed it was a perfect fit. Took off to the range the next day. With the federal ammo it was all garbage where as my last rifle a SPS Tac .308 did pretty good with them. Then I started using the FGMM 168 ammo and the worst group came in at .4 something and the best was .2 something. I then decided to take a few shots at 200y and it came out at 1.5 could have done better it was all me. All of this was with a original trigger. I just don't like then X-mark triggers I can't get them adjusted worth crap. So I just changed it out as of now and will be at the range Tuesday.

Over all I never ever got a m700 rifle that shot bad and I have owned m700 that were dated from 1968 up till now. Not saying there isn't a bad on in the bunch. For me it's been really good.

To Op enjoy it have fun and be safe out there :)

russ69 12-05-2013 12:20 PM

My rifle came in today. Now I'm in jail for 10 days.

2shotjoe 12-05-2013 3:21 PM

here's mine, just need new rings, new stock.

http://imageshack.us/a/img18/2162/lnnu.jpg

winxp_man 12-05-2013 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 12916066)
My rifle came in today. Now I'm in jail for 10 days.

Get a choate stock at least ordered you will thank me :D The stock it comes with plain and simple sucks!

russ69 12-05-2013 5:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winxp_man (Post 12917556)
Get a choate stock at least ordered you will thank me :D The stock it comes with plain and simple sucks!

I was thinking about a little fiberglass work.

russ69 12-17-2013 11:39 AM

Just got it out of jail:

russ69 12-17-2013 2:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloodhawke83 (Post 12917376)
here's mine, just need new rings, new stock.

http://imageshack.us/a/img18/2162/lnnu.jpg

That looks familiar. I got the lowest rings I could find, Leupold mediums. They might be a tad higher than I would like but we'll try them and see. I also adjusted my Mark X trigger. It's a crisp 3.5 pounds. It's a little heavier than I like but I'll put a few rounds through it first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by winxp_man (Post 12834590)
I think you should be ok with accuracy...Then I started using the FGMM 168 ammo and the worst group came in at .4 something and the best was .2 something....

I'd be very happy with that.

ar15barrels 12-17-2013 3:29 PM

Try the Hornady 105gr BTHP's.
They should shoot in your 1:9 twist barrel that's on the 243 700 Varmint.

russ69 12-17-2013 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar15barrels (Post 13005648)
Try the Hornady 105gr BTHP's.
They should shoot in your 1:9 twist barrel that's on the 243 700 Varmint.

Thanks for the tip Randall. I was going to try the Sierras at short range first and see if they work at all. I think I really want to move into the real heavies. I have a lot of powder to burn, I may as well use it. So I'm going to see what kind of barrel I have and if it isn't any good I may have to pay you a visit and put a fast twist barrel on so I can shoot the 115/117s. How's the 6mm 1/7 twist Varmint weight barrel supply?

ar15barrels 12-17-2013 6:46 PM

What we have found is that 105 Hornady's (AMAX and BTHP) are about as long/heavy as the factory remington barrels will shoot.
On a warm day, they will also shoot Sierra 107's.
You probably won't have good luck with 115's.
You will want a 1:7.75 twist for 115's.
No need to go all the way to 1:7 twist.

russ69 01-03-2014 11:54 AM

Now with scope. Vortex 2.5-10 30mm tube, First Focal Plane MOA reticle and dials (I'm a MOA guy). Leupold Mark 4 rings and a Leupold 15 MOA base. This is my idea of an econo build. I wanted a good field ready (as in me out in a field) 600-1000 yard gun. I also wanted to keep the size and weight down. Next stop; Range report.

russ69 02-05-2014 2:37 PM

I dumped the old stock. How's this look?

vliberatore 02-05-2014 2:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13370760)
I dumped the old stock. How's this look?

They put your bolt knob on the wrong side!

russ69 02-05-2014 6:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vliberatore (Post 13370839)
They put your bolt knob on the wrong side!

Holy crap! Maybe I can hacksaw it off and JB weld it on the right side?

dfletcher 02-05-2014 7:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13005337)
That looks familiar. I got the lowest rings I could find, Leupold mediums. They might be a tad higher than I would like but we'll try them and see. I also adjusted my Mark X trigger. It's a crisp 3.5 pounds. It's a little heavier than I like but I'll put a few rounds through it first.



Did you adjust sear engagement? The X trigger is a bit of a pain to heat and release the sear screw, but it can be done.

tpc13 02-06-2014 7:28 PM

I bought the remy 308 SPS Varmint. Just bought some 168 grain bullets tonight. Will try and get back.. 147 and 150 grain group like crap.

NorCalFocus 02-06-2014 8:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13370760)
I dumped the old stock. How's this look?

Nice, but like all the other 700 Varmints put in an ACIS stock lol. It's a solid setup for sure.

russ69 02-09-2014 1:59 PM

Range report: OK here's the first 30 shots (100 yards). It's a mild load of IMR4895 with a 95 grain HPBT match bullet. The top single target is my first 20 shots. The single 7 ring shot is my first shot after a quick bore sight and the rest are dialing in the group. There are 5 shots each in the double bullseye targets. The right hand target was my last five shots. They look like 4 shot groups but there are 5 shots in each. The last group was just under one inch the other is around 5/8's of an inch. Nothing to write home about and kinda normal for a factory REM 700 varmint. I'm going to bump up the load and try again.
The stock factory trigger had a 3.5 pound pull but let off clean and was usable but there is room for improvement. So I'll load up some more rounds, give it a tune up and a cleaning and go again.

russ69 02-09-2014 2:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalFocus (Post 13381103)
Nice, but like all the other 700 Varmints put in an ACIS stock lol. It's a solid setup for sure.

How many left hand 700s AIs have you seen?

ar15barrels 02-09-2014 8:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13400525)
How many left hand 700s AIs have you seen?

About a dozen.

NorCalFocus 02-09-2014 9:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13400525)
How many left hand 700s AIs have you seen?

Not many. Hope my smart *** remark wasn't taken the wrong way.

russ69 02-10-2014 8:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13400525)
How many left hand 700s AIs have you seen?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar15barrels (Post 13402890)
About a dozen.

You don't count Randall, you get out and about WAY too much. I've been a lefthand shooter for over 45 years, I don't see that many lefties out there. Seeing the same guy 12 times is not the same thing, lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalFocus (Post 13403533)
Not many. Hope my smart *** remark wasn't taken the wrong way.

I knew what you meant. I'm around highpower shooters more than tactical guys, so I don't see these rigs too often. If you are like Randall and hanging out with the practical shooter crowd, I guess it's a common sight.

ar15barrels 02-10-2014 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13405570)
You don't count Randall, you get out and about WAY too much. I've been a lefthand shooter for over 45 years, I don't see that many lefties out there. Seeing the same guy 12 times is not the same thing, lol.

I knew what you meant. I'm around highpower shooters more than tactical guys, so I don't see these rigs too often. If you are like Randall and hanging out with the practical shooter crowd, I guess it's a common sight.

I have had 3 lefthand AI rifles/chassis in my SHOP at the same time...

How many Lefthand AW338's have you seen?

russ69 02-10-2014 7:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar15barrels (Post 13407250)
...How many Lefthand AW338's have you seen?

I don't even know what a AW338 is. Oh, arctic warfare in 338. Highpower guys don't use the 338. I bet you have never seen an Feinwerkbau C60 LH running target gun. I have one. I shot the state championship with it and now it's not an Olympic sport anymore. Few people have seen a real running target gun (I'm better when THEY move, LOL).

advocatusdiaboli 02-11-2014 9:54 AM

It's nice to see other left-eye dominate folks out there. According to medical researchers, 1/3 of the population is left-eye dominant, but far fewer than that ratio buy lefthand rifles or mount their shotguns left-handed judging by what I see in stores and on-line. I guess a lot of left-eye dominant folks force themselves into righthand shooting—perhaps explains why there are so many poor shots out there in quick mount sports like duck hunting and trap? Just wondering. If it's 1/3 of the population we should see 1/3 of all bolt guns in left hand but that is not the case.

russ69 02-11-2014 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advocatusdiaboli (Post 13414124)
It's nice to see other left-eye dominate folks out there. According to medical researchers, 1/3 of the population is left-eye dominant, but far fewer than that ratio buy lefthand rifles or mount their shotguns left-handed judging by what I see in stores and on-line. I guess a lot of left-eye dominant folks force themselves into righthand shooting—perhaps explains why there are so many poor shots out there in quick mount sports like duck hunting and trap? Just wondering. If it's 1/3 of the population we should see 1/3 of all bolt guns in left hand but that is not the case.

I was so lucky. A sharp instructor switched me over at 12 years old. That made my life a lot easier.

advocatusdiaboli 02-11-2014 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13414690)
I was so lucky. A sharp instructor switched me over at 12 years old. That made my life a lot easier.

Yeah. Good for you. I wish. I understand one can train over their eye dominance in most cases in a few months with an eye patch (MONTHS??? Holy cow that's a long time to wear an eye patch). But at my age with job, family, and other responsibilities, it's not easy to do.

BoJackUSMC 02-15-2014 2:21 PM

I just put some money down for Remington 700 tactical 20 inch barrel 223 model. I am going to do the paper work next week.

russ69 02-15-2014 2:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoJackUSMC (Post 13448262)
I just put some money down for Remington 700 tactical 20 inch barrel 223 model. I am going to do the paper work next week.

That should work well. My Rem 700 PPS likes the 55 grain Blitzking bullet.

DS94901 02-18-2014 8:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russ69 (Post 13004295)
Just got it out of jail:

Looks nice. I was looking for the same thing nonstop for a couple weeks before the end of the year and ended up spending too much on an right handed SPS AAC-SD Tactical model instead because I was in a hurry to get it before 2014. I'm wondering if I would have liked the left handed model more. I shoot left handed but I've actually never shot a left handed rifle before.

advocatusdiaboli 02-18-2014 8:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DS94901 (Post 13467267)
I'm wondering if I would have liked the left handed model more. I shoot left handed but I've actually never shot a left handed rifle before.

1/3 of the population is left-eye dominant (10% are left-handed), if you are left-eye dominant, it's worth either re-training with a patch or just buy lefthand rifles when the action is harder to do quickly lefthand in my opinion. A bolt rifle falls in that category for me. Follow up shots with a lefthand bolt action are much faster for me and I don't have to close the left eye looking through the scope like I would if I was shooting righthand. LH rifles should be 1/3 of the total available given eye dominance in the population, but they are not. Still, for me, it is worth the extra effort to find them—I spend more time shooting than shopping and I want the best accuracy and speed in my shooting.


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