I just thought I'd post some user feed back up here in case anyone was interested. I enjoy reading the post's here and find them a good way to learn about some of the products currently available.
Anyway, I picked up a 700 SPS Tactical last year in 223. Great little gun but yeah, the Hogue stock is too flimsy at the forend. I like the feel and look forward to trying it out in the field, but i don't like the fact it can touch the barrel if pushed upwards or when a bipod is affixed. The X-Pro trigger is Ok, but I like the previous generation trigger for its adjustability. I think I might replace the trigger soon. I picked up a set of Remington one piece scope rings with the rifle. The rings are solid, but they don't have that nice fit/finish like Leupold's or Millet's. The rifle is currently topped with a 5-15x Bushnell Legend Mildot. Ok scope but I hope to replace it with a Leupold LRT or ERT one day. First I'm deciding if the rifle is worth it.
Factory load accuracy was terrible with this rifle with Federal 62gr Tactical Bonded LE ammo. American Eagle 62gr. FMJ was also terrible. Both loads averaged about 2.25" at 100yds for 5 shots.
I did up some handloads with Sierra 55gr Blitzking's and 69gr Matchking's. I will be testing the Hornady 60gr V-Max soon.
The 55gr Blitzking's seemed to shoot the best over 25.1gr of H4895 but their overall performance wasn't spectacular. 5 shot groups at 100yds averaged about 1" with smallest being .8" and the largest about 1.18".
Federal brass
CCI BR4 primers
2.310" OAL (just off the lands)
The 69gr Matchking's shot the best over 25.9gr of Varget with the average group size being .52". The largest group was .63" with the smallest being .43" at 100yds.
Federal brass
CCI BR4 primers
2.303" OAL (just off the lands)
I haven't played with other powders so I can't say my testing is extensive but it's quite clear the rifle likes the heavier bullets. The barrel is a 1 in 9" twist so I'm sure that's why. I've got a batch of 60gr V-Max's ready to test over H335 powder. I'm hoping to get reasonable accuracy out of a load with powder that measures easy and bullets that are explosive on rodents. Maybe do a Saskatchewan safari this spring for gophers, lol.
So far I'm quite pleased with the accuracy for a stock rifle. The 5rnd mag is good and the rifle has functioned flawlessly. It doesn't have the higher end finish of some of the other Remington's but for $620 plus tax I'm very happy with the rifle overall.
I'll post my V-Max results when they're in.
Anyway, I picked up a 700 SPS Tactical last year in 223. Great little gun but yeah, the Hogue stock is too flimsy at the forend. I like the feel and look forward to trying it out in the field, but i don't like the fact it can touch the barrel if pushed upwards or when a bipod is affixed. The X-Pro trigger is Ok, but I like the previous generation trigger for its adjustability. I think I might replace the trigger soon. I picked up a set of Remington one piece scope rings with the rifle. The rings are solid, but they don't have that nice fit/finish like Leupold's or Millet's. The rifle is currently topped with a 5-15x Bushnell Legend Mildot. Ok scope but I hope to replace it with a Leupold LRT or ERT one day. First I'm deciding if the rifle is worth it.
Factory load accuracy was terrible with this rifle with Federal 62gr Tactical Bonded LE ammo. American Eagle 62gr. FMJ was also terrible. Both loads averaged about 2.25" at 100yds for 5 shots.
I did up some handloads with Sierra 55gr Blitzking's and 69gr Matchking's. I will be testing the Hornady 60gr V-Max soon.
The 55gr Blitzking's seemed to shoot the best over 25.1gr of H4895 but their overall performance wasn't spectacular. 5 shot groups at 100yds averaged about 1" with smallest being .8" and the largest about 1.18".
Federal brass
CCI BR4 primers
2.310" OAL (just off the lands)
The 69gr Matchking's shot the best over 25.9gr of Varget with the average group size being .52". The largest group was .63" with the smallest being .43" at 100yds.
Federal brass
CCI BR4 primers
2.303" OAL (just off the lands)
I haven't played with other powders so I can't say my testing is extensive but it's quite clear the rifle likes the heavier bullets. The barrel is a 1 in 9" twist so I'm sure that's why. I've got a batch of 60gr V-Max's ready to test over H335 powder. I'm hoping to get reasonable accuracy out of a load with powder that measures easy and bullets that are explosive on rodents. Maybe do a Saskatchewan safari this spring for gophers, lol.
So far I'm quite pleased with the accuracy for a stock rifle. The 5rnd mag is good and the rifle has functioned flawlessly. It doesn't have the higher end finish of some of the other Remington's but for $620 plus tax I'm very happy with the rifle overall.
I'll post my V-Max results when they're in.
