Remington 700 .308 build and test

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2/7/2013: I thought it would be fun to do a build thead. A lot of it is just buying parts and putting them together, but it's still cool [smile] The photo I posted of the rifle got a lot of love in the New Acquisitions thread so I figured i'd add to it here.

Base is a Remington 700 SPS Tactical

I picked it up in a trade with a

Timney trigger
Wyatt Outdoors bottom metal and mags
B&C stock

It was put together as above, but never fired by the previous owner.

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This would have been fine...but I can't leave well enough alone. First off I had to figure out what I wanted for a scope, rings, and one piece base.

I went with a Nightforce 20MOA base which i'm waiting on right now. The extra elevation will allow me to shoot out further than I ever would want to.

For rings I grabbed a set of low Burris Xtreme Tactical 30mm rings. One, because I knew I was going with a scope that had a 30mm tube, but also because they worked well when I put together my prior rifle.

I reordered the Wheeler Engineering kit which consists of their Level, Level, Level, FAT wrench, and both 1" and 30mm lapping tools. This allows you to mount the rings and lap them making sure there is even force when tightened with a scope mounted. The FAT wrench allows for precise tightening of any screws on the rifle.

Now to choose a scope. I've had cheap scopes and i've had scopes that cost a large amount to me. My favorite was an SWFA 5-20x50HD FFP. At $1,500 it isn't cheap, but I felt it was very nice quality for the price. FFP allows you to range at any magnification so that for me is a must in this build. The issue this time is I couldn't drop that much on a scope right now. I settled for a great scope at hundreds less. Every review I have read is really saying how great this scope is. What is it? Why a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP. It is a tick under $1000, great glass, and supposedly good quality. If it is anything like the Vortex Viper PST 1-6x24 I have on my AR I will love it!

I'm currently waiting on the base to arrive.

My last dilemma was the stock. The B&C is a great stock, but I had had one already and wanted something else that fit me better. I really wanted to keep the removable magazines. The more I thought about it the more I kept going back to the Accuracy International AICS chassis. I've always had a thing for their thumbhole stocks. A huge plus in my book was the fact that there was no bedding or anything needed of the action. I also figured to offset the cost of the chassis I could sell the B&C, bottom metal, and magazines. The barrel is fully free floated, AI mags are well reviewed, plus the chassis just works! I was lucky enough to find one of two AICS 1.5 chassis' in stock at EuroOptics.com. Really nice guys to deal with and shipping was fast. I grabbed a second magazine as well. I would eventually like to get a 10rd mag to give it a try.

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Now it's time to get to work!

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I removed the bipod, action, bottom metal, and stock.

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After giving it a once over and confirming the action was ready to drop in I matted the action with the chassis, tightened the two action screws and that was it for now. I tossed on the Harris-like bipod for now. I plan to order the AI adapter and an Atlas when there is some free cash available.

Comparison: Wyatt's 5rd mag on left and AI 5rd mag on right.

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For now it's done! Once I get my other needed parts i'll continue the build. I can't wait to get to the shooting. Hopefully I got a good one and the barrel shoots well. The Timney trigger feels really nice. I plan to shoot it first before making any adjustments.

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And with the new AR.

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2/14/2013: I got the scope in yesterday. Looks really nice! Turrets feel great, illumination is good, and glass looks good. Still waiting on my Nightforce base, but the rifle currently has a two piece weaver mount so I figured i'd just test fit to see if the scope clears the barrel with the low Burris rings.

Good news: scope clears fine. Bad news: it sits way to low for my cheekweld with the cheek rest all the way down.

So what do I do now? I jump on Amazon and grab a set of medium rings and do one-day shipping (I hate waiting. LOL)

This morning I started pondering the build and figured i'm into it for this much already, minds as well finish it the way I want. So I get on Milehighshooting.com and ordered up the following:

Atlas BT10NC bipod
Atlas BT19 AICS adapter
Borka MG7 tool kit
TAB Gear Rifle sling with HK hooks -Coyote Tan

The tool kit needs to be talked about. It includes the following (everything can be seen in the photo)

1. MTD-15x72-12FS-MG multi torque driver and user guide
2. Autolock bit holder (primary driver spindle)
3. Extension for Autolock, may also be used as driver spindle
4. 1/4" hex (male) to 1/4" square (male) adapter
5. 1/4" square (female) to 3/8" square (male) adapter
6. Compact mini ratchet wrench
7. 1/2" hex socket with 1/4" square drive
8. Customized 29 pcs. hex bits set in two organizers, which includes:
Hex (inch): 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 3/16"
Hex (metric): 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4mm, 5 mm
Torx: T-10, T-15, T-20, T-25, T-27, T-30
Flat (blade width): 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16"
Philips: #1, #2; Pozi: #1, #2;
9. Custom 3/16" hex AICS action screws bit (see details)
10. OD Green custom T.A.B. GEAR 1000D cordura custom carry pouch

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While, I have the Wheeler Engineering FAT wrench, this is a great setup in the field and in addition to that wrench. It also includes the custom 3/16" hex AICS bit for the action screws.

Luckily, Mile High Shooting does a 5% discount for Snipers Hide members so i'll save a bit of money.

I also ordered a new Data Book from Impact Data books customized the way I want which I plan to use for both this and the AR I just finished. I choose the pages I want in it and they deliver that way. This way I only have what I need and not filler pages I won't use.

I also got in 200 rounds of 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match. I'll get it on paper with some cheaper FMJ ammo and then zero with the GMM.

I'll update more once I get the new rings and base in and can get those lapped and installed.

I'd love to hear any comments or answer any questions.
 
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So some good news tonight. My Nightforce 20MOA base came in!

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One thing I realized right away is how much higher the rail is over the weaver two piece that was on it.

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That was about the point I realized that the low rings probably would work just fine! Which is great news, even though I just overnighted the medium rings to me.

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I put the base down, tightened each screw a bit. Then removed screws one by one and put a dab of thread locker on each. Once they were snug again I pulled out the FAT wrench and torqued them down to the specified amount per the instructions.

Next up I mounted the Burris rings. After getting them where I felt they were needed I torqued them down to the rail and then put the alignment rods in the mount to make sure they were at least very close to aligned.

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I then got the lapping compound ready to go and put some in the rings.

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Put the lapping bar through and started lapping away.

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After that, I cleaned everything off, while making sure to keep the ring bottoms with their corresponding uppers. Put the scope in, leveled it, and tightened to spec.

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As shown below, plenty of clearance for Butler Creek Caps.

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I confirmed the height was correct by getting behind it in a shooting position and it looks like it will do fine. I may keep the medium rings as spares in case I want to go higher.

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Best shot I could get of the FFP reticle with the iPhone. This is at 6x.

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And this is magnified, probably around 12x or so.

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So far it is a beauty! Lets hope she shoots as well as she looks.

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Just waiting for the Atlas bipod, adapter, and TABS Gear sling.

I was lucky enough to score 100 more rounds of Federal GMM tonight for half of what I got the other stuff online for. It's good to know owners of good gun shops!
 
Teach me your ways!

Seriously though, a 700 is on my short list, and I'm sure we are probably a good match for each other out of the box. For that much work, with that much know-how, you must be one hell of a shot.

Nice rifle

Haha! I'm OK, at least with pistols, but this is actually only my second foray into .308 bolt action rifles. I had a .223 Rem 700 VSSF II that was a laser at 100 yards. I'm still learning a lot. I just figured I should build it up how I want and be happy with it for now. Then just go and shoot it a bunch and learn what works and what doesn't. The furthest i've shot is 100 yards, but I'm looking forward to getting it out to 400 yards at another range I belong to. My first .308 was a Target Tactical that I put a Leupold base, SWFA 5-20x50 FFP, and a Harris bipod. I sold it shortly after just because I wanted something different. Even though I haven't shot this yet, I much prefer the shorter barrel over the TT's 26". I read a SWAT article that out to 600 yards and possibly beyond an 18" or 20" barrel works just as good as a longer one.

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Great looking gun, heck it looked pretty nice before you remodded it!! I recently bought the same gun, been looking for upgrades as well. I have my heart set on a little more tactical look, but money seems to be a bit short for what I've been looking at.. XLR Industries... not to mention the long waiting period for product. here's a link.. also are you looking to sell the old stock and mag set up... maybe I can afford it to carry through until I can swing the other set up... PM me if you are selling it.

One more thing... where in CT are you, I'm in Spfld.. I'm new to LRG's, also have a 338L and a 50 BMG upper on the way and limited on where I can shoot em..[grin]

XLR Industries | Tactical Innovation Redefined

XLRevolutionelement68.jpg
 
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James, that is an awesome build! Looks so tight with the AI stock, man am I jealous. I just put together one in November, started with the 26" bull barrelled ADL action. Put it on a Coate Ultimate Varmint stock and put on a 8-32x Simmons. I'd like to get a better scope in the future, but I had that one already with nothing else to put it on so that's what I am using now. If I could have, I would have went with the shorter barrel but I got a wicked good deal on the 26". It is SUPER heavy though between the barrel, scope, and stock, bench shooting use only.
 
Great looking gun, heck it looked pretty nice before you remodded it!! I recently bought the same gun, been looking for upgrades as well. I have my heart set on a little more tactical look, but money seems to be a bit short for what I've been looking at.. XLR Industries... not to mention the long waiting period for product. here's a link.. also are you looking to sell the old stock and mag set up... maybe I can afford it to carry through until I can swing the other set up... PM me if you are selling it.

One more thing... where in CT are you, I'm in Spfld.. I'm new to LRG's, also have a 338L and a 50 BMG upper on the way and limited on where I can shoot em..[grin]

XLR Industries | Tactical Innovation Redefined

XLRevolutionelement68.jpg

It sounds like the XLR is a great option. I've seen a lot of people recommending them. I've always had a thing for the AICS style so that is why mine was an easy choice.

James, that is an awesome build! Looks so tight with the AI stock, man am I jealous. I just put together one in November, started with the 26" bull barrelled ADL action. Put it on a Coate Ultimate Varmint stock and put on a 8-32x Simmons. I'd like to get a better scope in the future, but I had that one already with nothing else to put it on so that's what I am using now. If I could have, I would have went with the shorter barrel but I got a wicked good deal on the 26". It is SUPER heavy though between the barrel, scope, and stock, bench shooting use only.

Yeah, I haven't weighed this one yet, but the chassis alone I believe is 5+ lbs. It isn't something you would want to carry all day that's for sure.

One thing I learned is buy good glass. You won't regret it. The Vortex i'm liking. I took it out back a while ago to set the reticle focus to my eye and while outside I ran it through it's magnification range. It's pretty nice! Can't wait to see what it can do.
 
looks awesome and very comfy. I'm working on my first bolt action and I bought a new scope and I saw this and I was wondering why you used alignment tools and lapping compound? if it's a one piece scope base shouldn't it be straight? also, is there a big advantage to using scope rings with 6 bolts on top vs 2?
 
looks awesome and very comfy. I'm working on my first bolt action and I bought a new scope and I saw this and I was wondering why you used alignment tools and lapping compound? if it's a one piece scope base shouldn't it be straight? also, is there a big advantage to using scope rings with 6 bolts on top vs 2?

The base should be fine, but it is still possible for the rings to be "tweaked" a bit. Because I want the best accuracy I can get and the most performance from this I palled the rings. Did I need to do it? Probably not, but it was for piece of mind.

I wouldn't worry about how many screws are on the rings. High end Nightforce rings, which I hope to upgrade to down the road use 4 screws as does Badger. There probably isn't a huge difference between 4 and 6 screws as long as the rings are high quality.

I should have just got the NF rings now, so I didn't have to spend more later on. Get a good base and rings to start with and then upgrade glass as money allows.

My buddy and I are hitting the range in a bit to sight this in. Hopefully, the range (state land) is open and most of the snow has been cleared from the road there or we're not making it to the range. [smile]

I'm bringing the HD video cam as well to hopefully get some good shots of it.
 
I WANT YOUR OLD STOCK!!!!!!!

Seriously nice build!, my 700 SPS is very jealous at this moment. I desperately need to get it out of the Hogue Overmould that is came in
 
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Thanks guys! We hit the range this morning and even though it was cold, I was happy to get out for a few hours. I got it on paper at 50 yards using some PPU 145gr FMJ. Once on paper I moved the target out to 100 yards and switched to the 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match ammo.

This is when I started to plot my shots using my data book. It was my first time using it and I understand the value of it now. I didn't have a wind meter so I left that blank. At longer ranges it will definitely come into play. Today, I lucked out and there was very little wind.

We went through 55 rounds today and had a blast. Shot a bowling pin as well as a very small snowman!

This was my last, and best group of the day. It is a 2" circle. I shot weak hand (right hand) sitting. It was my first time running a rifle righty. Hopefully with some more range time my groups tighten up a bit.

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I brought my video camera as well and we got some footage of each other so I made a short video. All in all a good day.

Remington 700 AICS range day - YouTube
 
It sounds like the XLR is a great option. I've seen a lot of people recommending them. I've always had a thing for the AICS style so that is why mine was an easy choice.

As people say, the AICS is really, really, heavy for what it is. I have a very similar rifle in a AICS 2, and it weighs 13# or so empty.

I love mine, but I shoot mostly prone and don't hike with it.
 
Actually when I got to the range yesterday there was a guy shooting an XLR chassis'd 700. He said he really liked it. It looked really nice, but he had a longer barrel, maybe 24" or so with a brake so i'm sure it didn't weigh much less than mine.
 
As people say, the AICS is really, really, heavy for what it is. I have a very similar rifle in a AICS 2, and it weighs 13# or so empty.

I love mine, but I shoot mostly prone and don't hike with it.

Actually when I got to the range yesterday there was a guy shooting an XLR chassis'd 700. He said he really liked it. It looked really nice, but he had a longer barrel, maybe 24" or so with a brake so i'm sure it didn't weigh much less than mine.


I owe both of you a big thanks and +1! My 700 is now getting a HUGE upgrade!

drb


EDIT: What size data book is that? is that the standard or the "pocket" size?
 
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I weighed the rifle on a standard digital scale we have. It may not be exact, but it is close to what it probably is. 13.1 lbs without ammo.
 
nice shooting! especially for shooting weak side

how do you feel about weaver rings? i'm doing a budget build here and i found they have a set of "tactical" rings
 
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Can't really say anything about them as I haven't seen or used them. I think you're talking about the ones that have slots in them. I'm sure they are OK, but for about $20 more you could get a set of the Burris Xtreme Tactical rings which I think are great for the price.

When I do upgrade (i.e. when its affordable) I plan to go to Nightforce Ultralight rings and a Nightforce NXS 3.5x15x50 F1. I don't think I need it though anytime soon.
 
Awesome rifle.

I've got a Ruger M77 MKII Compact that I want to build up. As it sits it has a short thin profile barrel. I want to re-barrel it, and switch the stock out. Hopefully end up with something similar to your Rem 700 for long range shooting.
 
As expected....more info and photos! I got my order in from Milehighshooting.com tonight. I'm very excited to get it back out to the range. First up the TAB Gear sling in OD. I've now realized I installed it backwards from how it should be mounted. The loop should be in the front.

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It has HK hooks for mounting and Fastex buckles. It is a well made sling ready to carry the weight of this hunk of a gun.

Next up we have the Atlas BT10 NC bipod with BT19 spigot adapter for the AICS. Wow....is all I can say. Really a nice feeling bipod. I now understand why everyone recommends them. Way nicer than any Harris i've had. I really like the range of adjustment as well. With that said, I'm just going to let the photos do the talking.

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Finally I also got my Borka MG-7 tool kit in. I really like this. It comes in the TAB Gear pouch and everything fits nicely inside.

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Below is the main part of the tool kit, the MTD-15x72-12FS-MG (military grade) multi torque driver, which has torque values as follows: 5,18,21,24,27,30,36,43,50,57,65,72 inch-lbs.

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The kit also comes with a bit specifically for the AICS chassis which is great. It allows torquing the action screws to proper specs.

Basically you put together the bit holder and bit you require in the correct torque value you want. I find with your palm resting on top and your thumb pushing against the part of the tool that "breaks" when the torque is applied is the easiest way to use it. While I don't know how accurate it is, I haven't tested it against my FAT wrench which I do plan to and see if the torque values listed are close. With all the bits, driver, and auto lock bit holder I think it is definitely worth the price paid. It's an invaluable addition to the range bag or in the field.

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Very Nice Rifle, I love the 700, I have 6 I think... can't keep count. it is such an addiction. No bolt action is ever "finished" I have one that I cant figure out what scope to keep on the damn thing. Some day you will be having that thing trued up and putting a nice tube on her because you have found the limit of what that rifle can shoot. It happens half the time, every time.
 
Finally decided on a drag bag. Just ordered the Blackhawk Drag Bag. I already have a shooting mat, and really liked the Tac-Ops, but for $155 more, I couldn't justify it. I had a Blackhawk previously with my old 700 and it worked great and was very well built. It will suit me just fine and provide some protection to the rifle.

I also jumped on Triad Tactical and ordered a Red Tac ammo management platform, Red Tac ammo card, Triad data book cover, and a Mildot Master.

Now I just need to find some Butler Creek scope covers and it's mainly complete for now. Just needs to be shot a bunch.
 
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