customizing 700SPS 223. Ideas?

[DA7]

Just looking for some ideas. Got a Rem 700 SPS Tactical in 223. I put a VTR take off stock on it (purchased from Wolverine) a while ago. Been doing some loading and the only bullets that shoot decent are 69gr SMK's. 75gr AMAX, 60gr VMAX, 55gr Blitzking all shot poorly. I'm thinking of replacing the barrel and chambering in 223AI. I would like to be able to shoot accurately out to at least 600yds. Maybe do some competition shooting and for sure do varmint hunting with it.
Any opinions on the AI variation 223?
Suggestions on barrel brand, twist, contour, length? My preference is stay within the 20" to 22" lengths, just cause I like compact kit. I prefer heavier bullets to light ones.
Suggestions on a replacement trigger? The X-pro is a no go right now unless someone has some slick ideas.
Suggestions on optics, power, reticle, bases (straight or angled 20deg etc)? Keeping in mind a reasonable budget. It's not going to be a high end PGW type rifle. I'd like to try to match the price of the rifle after mods.
Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Taylor-Made]

I was there not long ago

I started with the same rifle and intentions a little over a year ago. My first question is are you content with the groups you are currently getting? If you are, there is no hurry to toss out the factory tube. I was new to long range shooting so as my rifle progressed, so did I.

I started with a plain jane SPS Tactical with a 20" barrel. I honestly saved $$$ on the rifle because I knew I was going to slowly build up my shooter. The money I saved I put into decent glass. I went with a Leupold 6.5-20 Long Range Target (one piece base 20 moa). Not top of the line, but, it did fit my budget. After that was a new good quality stock. I had it bedded in a B&C A5 style stock and found it to be the biggest single improvement in my groups. The flimsy factory stocks just don't cut it. After that was a Jewell trigger (amazing). Lastly I upgraded the barrel to an 8 twist Lillja (223 rem) and my rifle is now complete.

If you plan to compete don't go AI as it puts you into the open class and you will not be competitive. I also liked the 20" barrel but I went with 24" just to get a little more out of the tube for long range shooting. I went with the 8 twist so I can shoot the heavy Bergers. My factory 9 twist also shot 69 gr SMK very well, however, 600-700 yards was the limit, beyond that they went all over the place.

I usually do everything the hard way, but in this case I got great advice from my gunsmith and several very knowledgeable Gunnutz. I don't regret doing it in the order I did and I am very happy with the result, not to mention all the learning I did in the process.

 

[2bad4u2]

Ok, lots to digest here.

(1) I think you wasted your money on the stock. You're no better off with the plastic POS that came off a VTR than what you had with the Hogue. In fact, you may have made the situation worse, not better. Hard to say, as I don't have posession of your rifle.

(2) I don't understand your point about the Sierra 69 gr. MK? So, you've found the best bullet that your rifle truly likes and you're complaining about it? WTF? lol. The 69 gr. Sierra is an accurate bullet and will perform well out to the 600 yard mark. Have you tried the Hornady 68 gr. or 75 gr. HPBT Match, or the 77 gr. Sierra MK? Those might be worth persuing at some point down the road, however, I would stick with the 69 gr. MK's right now just to get a base-line performance out to the maximum range you intend to shoot.

(3) I think you're looking for something to spend money on if you're wanting to switch barrels and try a new cartridge at this point but you haven't even begun to optimize what you have to begin with. I wouldn't install a new barrel at this point.

(4) Why is the X-Pro "a no go"? I've got several of them and they're fine for a factory trigger. At least they're easily adjustable. Sure, they're no Jewell, but then again they weren't meant to be. If I were to purely guess, I'd say your opinion was based largely on what you've read on the internet as opposed to actual experience.

(5) Regarding optics. There's so much to choose here but let me say this. For the distances you're looking to shoot, pick a scope that has the magnification you need to shoot accurately out to the maximum distance you plan to shoot. A lot of guys like the 6x24 power scopes and I can't fault them for that as I do as well. It's a good magnification range.

Since you haven't mentioned a dollar amount that defines what a "reasonable budget" is in your mind, I'll say this. Positively, do not consider scrimping on price as far as optics are concerned. If you can't see a target, don't expect to hit it. Great optics will allow you to make the most out of what you have. ####ty glass will always make you wonder if you could have done better.

At a bare minimum, I would suggest a Bushnell 4200 or 6500 Series scope, or perhaps even a Vortex Viper or PST as a lot of guys claim they're great scopes as well. I've got several Falcon scopes and they might be a budget choice as well. See what's out there and pick what will work best for you under the circumstances.

If you're going to shoot at known distance ranges, then ranging reticles will largely be un-necessary. Stick with a standard V-Plex or perhaps a target dot.

I would buy a 20 MOA rail and a decent set of scope rings to mount the scope. Stick with known quality brands and you shouldn't have an issue. Mke sure to get the proper ring height that is going to allow you a proper cheek weld. A standard low ring should be sufficent for the scope to clear the barrel with most 40mm-50mm objectives if you're using a rail.

 

[DsrtRat]

Before you rule out all of those bullets and your barrel, do one thing. Get yourself a decent stock, bed it and then shoot the gun. The tupperware stocks from the SPS or VTR are shoite at best. Get something that you can float the barrel in and will support the action stress free without flexing after a bedding job.

Like 2bad4u2 said, you are talking about a new barrel and you have not even had a glimpse at what your gun can do. With flexible plastic stock a new barrel and a telescope for optics could have the same results. The best pipe in the world will not perform if the action has stress or the stock is contacting the barrel.

Boyds has good laminate stocks for under 100.00. The laminate is stable enough that when bedded properly to an action, it will provide a good platform for your gun. That is about your cheapest option for a stock. For more money you can get into some nice composites with aluminum blocks that will allow you to get see what your gun is capable of doing.

JMHO.

 

[MagnumPeanut]

Boyds varmint thumbhole is a good stock for the money. Bed and pillar it and work up a good load. If you want to spin on a custom barrel find a good smith in your area and talk to him about barrels and triggers.

 

[DA7]

Thanks guys for your input. After re-reading my post I discovered a typo. The stock I put on was from a 700 LTR. The stock is a nice fiberglass one, olive drab color. It has aluminum pillars in it. It looks similar to a HS but might just be a Remington, I'm not sure. Yeah no way I would have installed a plastic VTR version. I replaced the stock after having tested the different bullets including the SMK's.
SMK's were the best but consistency was a problem. I honestly think a big part of it was my optics. I was using a Bushnell Legend 5-15x. Quite often I found it just did not have the clarity for precision shooting. I would sometimes get unexplained flyers and wondered if it just wasn't screwed inside. I'm pretty careful with shooting from a solid rest. I use front and rear bags and do my best to keep it steady.
As for triggers, I'll explain why I dislike the x-pro. I have a Rem 700BDL Varmint in 6mm Rem, circa 1990 at least. After adjusting it, I have a super smooth, light and safe trigger. It's the best out of my 4 Remmy's. Its one of those triggers where everytime it breaks, its puts a smile on your face. I tried to do the same with my x-pro, and it just didn't compare. I actually switched it out from one on my SPSDM that I had purchased just before the x-pro came out. Just a little wider trigger pad and I just found it easier to adjust. I put the x-pro in my DM and gave the gun to my brother.
I've gleaned some good ideas here. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to start with a serious scope. It's time to commit! No more cheap ####. 6-24x is popular and think I will do it. I actually had my mind set on a Sightron III. I've heard mostly positive reviews. With this scope, anyone still think the 20MOA base would be a good idea? Along with that I might glass bed the action just to firm it up. The current trigger should work just for a baseline. If I want to smooth it out, I could replace it (or rob the BDL, but not likely). And then, lots more testing for sure. If I do the above I think my confidence in the gun will come way up and I will start to have fun reaching out to some distances. I hope it works out.

 

[DsrtRat]

LOL, yes, LTR and VTR stocks are a world apart.

That said, even the aluminum based ones should be bedded. You relieve all of the stress from the action and possibly all of the flyers. New set of glass and you are rocking.

Don't rob your BDL. I have a 1989 BDL trigger with safety here. It needs one hole tapped and but otherwise works great and was a very light trigger. Sure we could work something out.