New 700 build. Thoughts, ramblings and indecisiveness

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calvados.boulard

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Hi everyone,

I just purchased a new 700 action with a 223 bolt face. I'm looking to build a benchrest/prone gun outta this. I've decided on a Jewell trigger, and have a Sightron S3 10-50x60, and my Remple, and that's about it. Everything else is up in the air. My goal with this is to create a build that will be as economic as possible to RUN, but not necessarily the most economical to build. By RUN, I mean economical to feed it ammo.

This rifle will be used with my Remple and/or MPod when prone, and possibly my Cowan rest from the bench. I currently do not compete.

My first thought was to chamber this is 222, as lower grain projectiles (50gr, 55gr etc) are less expensive per round. That and the powder loads for 222 being smaller than 223. The 222 also carries the reputation of being a very accurate round within it's given reach (which I understand is < 300yd).

But, this rifle is to be my goto bench/prone gun...what if I want to reach out a bit further than the 222? So now I'm thinking I should chamber it in 223 with a 1/8 or 1/7 barrel to allow me to reach out there when the time comes. BUT...Will I still be able to economically and accurately shoot those lighter and cheaper 55's? Another plus to chambering in 223 is I'm already setup to reload 223.

I debated going with a 308 bolt face instead of 223, but a few things held me back; My primary range only reaches out to 275yd; I don't want to spend more than I have to per round.

So where does this leave me and this rambling post?

I'm looking for opinions on the following:
  • Chamber in 222, or 223, or buck up and get the 308 bolt face. (I'm not really leaning to the 308, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyways)
  • If going with 223, which twist rate would you recommend to be able to squeeze the accuracy out of lighter/cheaper 55gr projectiles, yet still be able to throw 75gr or 80gr at longer distances?
  • Will mounting in a good chassis (Cadex or MDT) wring out as much accuracy out of the action/barrel as would a bedded benchrest stock? McMillan or...(what other suggestions do you have?)
  • What 222 or 223 barrel manufacturer can you recommend?
  • Which smith would you have do this build if it was you?

Thanks everyone,
Cal.
 
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If you want the most accurate rifle with that bolt face do the 222! Your scope will be overkill with anything that action is capable of chambering. Long distance rifle? Well I don't think it will be anything of the sort for true long range. But have at it. It will be fun.
 
Don't let anybody tell you that a .223 won't work at 1000 yards. If you want the most accuracy out of a precision rifle you need to feed it the best ammo that you can make. Don't cheap out on components.

I just ordered a 1:7 twist 30 inch Palma contour .224 barrel to replace the 30 in 1:9 twist on my .223 target rifle. I plan to use this for competition with iron sights all the way out to 1000 yards this summer.
 
Cal, don't sell the .223 short. With my build, on a 700 action, I've shot sub 3/4moa groups at 700m. And I've shot it out to 1000m. But choose the right components. Have the action trued. Steve at EM Precision built this. Here is mine...

DSCN0155.jpg


The barrel is a 1:8 Benchmark heavy finished at 26". I shoot 80gr VLD's with Varget and Lapua brass. Still very economical. Once dialed in, it's a tack driver. I look forward to continuing at a kilometre.
 
Ok that is some serious sweetness there Mr. 6MT. Congrats on a beauty! Just curious though, is your brake milled into the barrel or threaded on and welded? Just asking because I don't see a seem there.
 
It is threaded, not welded. Contoured to the barrel diameter and then cerakoted to look like it's actually part of the barrel. And no, there is no visable seam. That is an EM Precision specialty.
 
calvados.boulard said:
Hi everyone,

I just purchased a new 700 action with a 223 bolt face. I'm looking to build a benchrest/prone gun outta this. I've decided on a Jewell trigger, and have a Sightron S3 10-50x60, and my Remple, and that's about it. Everything else is up in the air. My goal with this is to create a build that will be as economic as possible to RUN, but not necessarily the most economical to build. By RUN, I mean economical to feed it ammo.

This rifle will be used with my Remple and/or MPod when prone, and possibly my Cowan rest from the bench. I currently do not compete.

My first thought was to chamber this is 222, as lower grain projectiles (50gr, 55gr etc) are less expensive per round. That and the powder loads for 222 being smaller than 223. The 222 also carries the reputation of being a very accurate round within it's given reach (which I understand is < 300yd). 222 is a wonderfully accurate rd and thrives on bullets up to 70gr. The 223 can help with all distances and all bullet weights so is a more useful option

But, this rifle is to be my goto bench/prone gun...what if I want to reach out a bit further than the 222? So now I'm thinking I should chamber it in 223 with a 1/8 or 1/7 barrel to allow me to reach out there when the time comes. BUT...Will I still be able to economically and accurately shoot those lighter and cheaper 55's? Another plus to chambering in 223 is I'm already setup to reload 223. Short answer.. NO

I debated going with a 308 bolt face instead of 223, but a few things held me back; My primary range only reaches out to 275yd; I don't want to spend more than I have to per round. 223 match ammo will always be cheaper then 308 match ammo

So where does this leave me and this rambling post?

I'm looking for opinions on the following:
  • Chamber in 222, or 223, or buck up and get the 308 bolt face. (I'm not really leaning to the 308, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyways). Go 223
  • If going with 223, which twist rate would you recommend to be able to squeeze the accuracy out of lighter/cheaper 55gr projectiles, yet still be able to throw 75gr or 80gr at longer distances? Pick your poison.. you can't have have it both ways. Best you can do is choose a 68/70gr as a "light bullet"... then a heavier for longer distances but that means 2 loads, more components, testing and costs to set up. Pick your bullet and just shoot it
  • Will mounting in a good chassis (Cadex or MDT) wring out as much accuracy out of the action/barrel as would a bedded benchrest stock? McMillan or...(what other suggestions do you have?) ANY stock that offers enough rigidity to support the barreled action and have the ergonomics to be comfy will shoot as good as any other. Stocks are rarely the limiting factory in accurate shooting
  • What 222 or 223 barrel manufacturer can you recommend? PM or email if I can help
  • Which smith would you have do this build if it was you? PM or email if I can help

Thanks everyone,
Cal.
Click to expand...

See above....

Jerry
 
In my opinion - 223 all the way!

My rig - Savage Model 12 F/TR with a 30" Shilen SS Match barrel (thanks Jerry!!!) chambered in 223 Wylde (for the longer throat) and a 1:7" twist.

I'm not the most experienced shooter - my skills will always be the weakest link. Like you, I also do not compete.

Currently, I'm shooting Hornady 80gr AMAX and have seen great results at a GREAT value - 1/2 MOA at 100m & 200m at the range, and regular gong hits out to 1000m. I bought the consumables (powder, primers & projectiles) in bulk as much as possible, so each round costs me approximately 20 cents in Varget, 6 cents for a Primer, and 32 cents for a bullet. That's less than 60 cents per bang!!!

Now, the AMAX line is being discontinued, but the Hornady ELD-Match don't look like they'll cost too much more. I could probably squeeze a bit more long distance accuracy out of it shooting Sierras or Bergers, but I just don't see the value in it for another 10-20 cents per round.
 
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