Just picked one up and don't know anything about the caliber or the popularity of this rifle. Thanks.
So not trying to troll the thread or anything, but I posted before really thinking about the title of your thread.
Since I've used the M700 extensively, I just figure everybody has. Lol!
#1. The Remington M700 is probably the single largest produced center-fire bolt action, sold in America, since 1963 , when it was first produced. It is a very strong action. It is inherently accurate. The US military M40 sniper rifle is loosely based on the M700.
Anyway, up to about 1990, they were really well made, then issues with old machinery and litigation, really began to affect the M700 in particular, and Remington in general.
The QC began to drop. No doubt.
I had a 2004 Remington 'Classic' in 8x57, and the screws on the receiver, for scope mounting, were not even aligned with the center of the receiver/barrel!
No doubt you've heard the horror stories that resulted when the goons at Remington bought out Marlin and proceeded to butcher, what was arguably the best line of lever guns in America. But that's another story...
I can't speak to current production M700's, but will vouch for anything made prior to 1990.
#2. The .338WinMag. Hmmm...
It's miles ahead of the over-hyped .300WinMag, which so many people love. In my humble opinion, the .338WinMag is the logical progression, when you want more horsepower than the .30-06.
It is the perfect moose rifle and up to the measure for any grizzly that walks.
I have pretty much always used the 225gr Nosler Partition, loaded to approx 2850fps MV.