Remington's Model 700 SPS Varmint has a 26" barrel and the SPS Tactical has a 20" barrel both with the same twist (12") according to Remington's website (both are .308). What would be the difference between the two barrels when it comes to long range precision? Would one be benificial as opposed to the other and does anyone know why? Would different loads or bullets be affected differently with either barrel?
700 SPS Varmint and Tactical Barrel Differences
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Generally speaking, the longer barrel will have faster velocity with a given load. Accuracy could go either way, and they will most likely prefer different loads to get their best. - dan
I knew that much bt there must a reason for using one or the other. My guess would be preference to the long barrel for that reason; greater muzzle velocity with less bullet drop over distance. But then why would Remington make a short barrel and put it in a better stock rather than use the long barrel?
Have a look at this thread as posted by janesy later in this thread www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/
It gives good insight as to why remington may have made the two barrels.
Have a look at this thread as posted by janesy later in this thread www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/
It gives good insight as to why remington may have made the two barrels.
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Yes, I believe one stock is better than the other as it has aluminum pillars whereas I don't think the other does.
I also think the reason for making both barrels is somewhat driven by physics, just not sure which barrel is better suited to long range precision.
I also think the reason for making both barrels is somewhat driven by physics, just not sure which barrel is better suited to long range precision.
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It could be argued that, if everything else were equal (and of course, it never is) the shorter barrel would be stiffer and more accurate. Length of barrel affects velocity but is no guarantee of greater accuracy.
Demand driven by physics? Consumers buy barrels more because of marketing and personal preference, rather than "physics". I like short, handy barrels. Others like longer barrels, for greater velocity or whatever reason. Buy the one that floats your boat...the odds are that you'll get a good one.
Demand driven by physics? Consumers buy barrels more because of marketing and personal preference, rather than "physics". I like short, handy barrels. Others like longer barrels, for greater velocity or whatever reason. Buy the one that floats your boat...the odds are that you'll get a good one.
Twist rate/stability/bullet length are all related. With the bullets used in a .308, a 1:10 is not going to give better stability. Wouldn't perform worse than a 1:12, but its not likely that there will be anything gained.
So where are we at with this then?
The longer barrel would be better because of the higher velocity they produce or the shorter because it is stiffer?
colin455 brought up that the twist rate is 1in 10 rather than 12 for the 700 SPS tactical. I see In the general description on Remington's website 10 is listed but in the specs it is listed as 12. If this is true than this difference must play a role as well in which is better suited to long range precision.
Anyone?
The longer barrel would be better because of the higher velocity they produce or the shorter because it is stiffer?
colin455 brought up that the twist rate is 1in 10 rather than 12 for the 700 SPS tactical. I see In the general description on Remington's website 10 is listed but in the specs it is listed as 12. If this is true than this difference must play a role as well in which is better suited to long range precision.
Anyone?
- Location
- Napanee, Ontario
The Varmint Barrel has been produced in astonishing quantity and likely Remington decided the 1:12 twist would be a more universal .30 cal staple. Especially if it is fed 180plus bullets. The 700 Tactical 20" was produced in lesser numbers being only available at select dealers when it first came out. The 20" Rem 700 tac is a very capable firearm, I have competed well with it at LE events and with my loads it holds a consistant .5 MOA. I load 155gr Hornady Amax bullets with 47gr Varget and magnum primers. This load when zeroed at 100 drops 4" at 200 and 9" at 300. I suggest a muzzle break for the 20" as it has a tendancy to jump quite a bit off the bipod and target reacquisition is time consuming. The stock it comes in is a Hogue pillar bedded unit. Nothing special. Fortunatly many other options are available for this application and for reasonable cost.
Actually for the heavier bullets a tighter twist would be preferred. In common bullet weights for the 308 though, there really isn't much difference. - dan
Smokindonuts, have you shot at all with the varmint barrel? If so, your comparison would be very helpful to establish which is better suited for long range precision.
Also, how far out does your tactical 20" barrel hold its .5 moa and how far do you shoot it?
Also, how far out does your tactical 20" barrel hold its .5 moa and how far do you shoot it?
Cool. A lot of good information in your post for me. Thanks.
AFAIK, there is no practical difference between the 700 SPS Varmint & SPS Tactical bbls, other than length. For the most part, you aren't giving up much in the way of velocity by going with the shorter tube. Both SPS models come with injection moulded plastic stocks. You'll need to upgrade to the more expensive VS, LTR or Police lines for aluminum pillar blocks and HS Precision kevlar/graphite/fiberglass stocks. The 1:12 twist stabilizes just about every bullet weight you'd normally fire out of a .308 Win and a faster twist really isn't necessary.
For new shooters and those on a budget, the SPS line offers you an affordable way to get into the tactical/precision game. When budget's allow, you can upgrade the stock, trigger and glass, etc...
For factory barrels, the Remington 700 .308 Win varmint/bull bbls I've shot have all turned in excellent accuracy, with almost all performing at least MOA or better with factory ammo.
For new shooters and those on a budget, the SPS line offers you an affordable way to get into the tactical/precision game. When budget's allow, you can upgrade the stock, trigger and glass, etc...
For factory barrels, the Remington 700 .308 Win varmint/bull bbls I've shot have all turned in excellent accuracy, with almost all performing at least MOA or better with factory ammo.
twistedbrilliance
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The shorter tactical barrel is only 20" as it is modled after that of what most police snipers use. Since they are usually not shooting over 100yrds it provides the best manuverability and weight so they can easily position themselves.
My .308 competition rifle produces 2890fps with a 155gr. SMK over 47gr Varget and a LR primer. Barrel is a Rock Creek, 27" long. My .308 target rifle (30" TrueFlight barrel) launches the SMK at 2950, has fired the AMAX at 3050.
Anyone have any actual measured velocities for a 20" barrel?
It would be interesting to run them through the ballistic program and compare wind drift. For known distance target shooting trajectory flatness isn't something to worry about.
Anyone have any actual measured velocities for a 20" barrel?
It would be interesting to run them through the ballistic program and compare wind drift. For known distance target shooting trajectory flatness isn't something to worry about.
Try standing...
... then you will know what the shorter barrel is about. That extra few inches of barrel puts a fair bit of weight at the end of a long lever. As the name tactical implies, some shooting in competition will be from the standing shooting position.
I have read that a shorter thick barrel is accurate in that it doesn't whip around as much as a longer, thinner barrel might. You loose speed with the short barrel which will only become an issue if you are shooting in the wind for group and accuracy. ie. hitting bulls at 500 metres.
A faster bullet spends less time in the wind and is therefore less affected. Of course your bullet choice can affect this so look for one with a high ballistic coefficient. High speed plus high BC = accuracy in the wind.
I have the same gun and it shoots very good groups. It is less able as distance increases when the wind comes into play.
cheers
... then you will know what the shorter barrel is about. That extra few inches of barrel puts a fair bit of weight at the end of a long lever. As the name tactical implies, some shooting in competition will be from the standing shooting position.
I have read that a shorter thick barrel is accurate in that it doesn't whip around as much as a longer, thinner barrel might. You loose speed with the short barrel which will only become an issue if you are shooting in the wind for group and accuracy. ie. hitting bulls at 500 metres.
A faster bullet spends less time in the wind and is therefore less affected. Of course your bullet choice can affect this so look for one with a high ballistic coefficient. High speed plus high BC = accuracy in the wind.
I have the same gun and it shoots very good groups. It is less able as distance increases when the wind comes into play.
cheers
- Location
- Napanee, Ontario
The .5 MOA is at 100 yards only
My groups will begin to open up a bit as the yardage increases which is normal for a factory rifle. It will hold 1 MOA at 200 and a bit more at 300. Either rifle you go with beit the tac in 20 or varmint in 26, you will likely find yourself outshooting the rifle within a reasonable amount of time. At that point you are left with only an action upon which you can build a better rifle. I still believe the 20" tactical barrel is likely one built to more preferred standards, certainly not match grade but not run of the mill either. My experience with several of these rifles in the hands of others indicates they are held to higher quality control standards. I have no experience with the Varmint models personally however most owners rave about them as well.
My groups will begin to open up a bit as the yardage increases which is normal for a factory rifle. It will hold 1 MOA at 200 and a bit more at 300. Either rifle you go with beit the tac in 20 or varmint in 26, you will likely find yourself outshooting the rifle within a reasonable amount of time. At that point you are left with only an action upon which you can build a better rifle. I still believe the 20" tactical barrel is likely one built to more preferred standards, certainly not match grade but not run of the mill either. My experience with several of these rifles in the hands of others indicates they are held to higher quality control standards. I have no experience with the Varmint models personally however most owners rave about them as well.
