The Remington 700 BDL

Buckmastr

Buckmastr

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Even though terribly common, I'm a sucker for these glossy blued beauties.
I cannot resist an old Remington BDL in great shape.
This 1978 vintage 270 Winchester came my way recently off the EE.
I don't think it was ever shot. Mint as original minus the iron sights. Not bedded, not freefloated. Right off the rack.
I dropped the trigger weight and mounted a scope to see what this old girl would do.
56 gr of H4350 and 145 Eldx was first up, shot just under an inch at 3.50 oal at 3020 fps. Not as good seated deeper
Next the 140 ballistic tips. Same 56 gr H4350 seated 10 thou off the lands. 0.6" at 3030 fps. Again, not as good seated deeper.
Only complaint is that the hard plastic pad hurt!
Not really surprised at the results. Even though the rifle was almost as old as the guy shooting it, but in much better shape. Maybe they had it all figured out, 40 years ago?

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There was one on the EE chambered in 7mm Express (.280 Remington) that I still regret not buying. Nice rifles. I wouldn't buy a modern one.
 
Yes I like that vintage also, owned 3 the actions we well made and they were finished nice. The only thing I did not like is the stocks never fit me great I seemed to get kicked around with calibers of 270 and larger. Once I re-stocked them with a good pad it made all the difference in the world. The 3 1970"s M700's I had all shot nice groups.
 
The older bdl stocks were a bit thicker in the wrist and forearm then the ones they produce today. They fit me well, especially the grip which is long enough that my little finger is still on the stock. A bit short overall at 13.25" lop though.
 
I have 4 BDL's, including one in 7MM from the first year of production 1962, my favourite Bolt gun!

I've had about 8 over the years and regret selling most of them.

They are all deadly accurate in factory condition, easy to reload for,
they feel great and look great.


Here's probably my favourite of all, made in 1981 in 30-06.
It was the first BDL I ever bought, and is in excellent, original condition.



I've worked up about 5 different loads for this one, here's this years load using RL22 behind a 165 grain Accubond.

100 yards using only sandbags, the trigger is still factory set at about 6-7 lbs.
I keep meaning to tune it down, one day I might actually get around to it .....

 
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Remington got it right, regardless of the notoriety of the Walker trigger.
I've always regretted not buying a BDL in 308 when the opportunity arose. Recently picked up a Classic in 257 Roberts, so that will soothe the sting for a while.
 
Who isn't a fan of old BDLs?

I have a BDL Varmint Special from 1979 in .308 Win. This one was used by my wife's uncle for silhouette during the 80s. Bedded including bottom metal and floated, trigger has been worked on. Very crisp and light pull. Very accurate.

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I have shot it out to 600m below are the results. Unfortunately I will have to work up a new load as Hornady has discontinued the 178 grain AMAX.

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Nothing wrong with those ole Remington 700's.
I liked mine in 270 win on a Mountain Rifle model, but I didnt like the thn barrel when at the range.
I had a recipe for 140 grn ballistic tips and 4350 that did the job on paper.
Finding it hard to find the luv these days for a new rifle because the wood is not as nice as it was back then.
Looks mighty fine and trust it will get put to good use.
Rob
 
While I like the "Classic" stock design best, I have a few of those BDLs as well.
My older 7mm Mag shoots the 160 Accubond [VV N165] into .6 moa out as far
as I would take a shot at game. These are great rifles, no question. Some have
"dissed" the newer offerings, but I have found them still very accurate, with fit
and finished not as nice as previously built units. Dave.
 
Rem 700 BDL

I'm a fan of the ole Rem 700 BDL, too.

Scored a real minty, vintage one in .30-06 at our local 2 day gunshow back in late Oct. :cool:

Haven't had the time to scope 'er up or get 'er out yet, though. :redface:

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NAA.
 
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