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It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

jetsurgeon

Private
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 16, 2011
286
121
Creedmoor, NC
Hi Guys,

Ordered a Remington 700 VLS in .243 Win the other day, just couldn't pass up on the price. I can't wait until it arrives later this week, Wednesday I think.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone has/had this rifle, and if so what did you think of it? How did it shoot? What loads did it like? How was the laminated stock?

The only think I hunt is paper at 100 yards, that's what my range is limited to.

Looking forward to your responses.
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Thanks,
J


 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

Should do fine if no issues, had a 7/08 that I put a VLS stock on, sanded bumps out the forend, had stock floating, would shoot groups UNDER 1" at 200 yds for 3...and w/stubby 100HPs at that!

SO, 243, should be a good shooter, IMR4350 was always my go to powder, but MANY choices of powder and bullets will work well. Never had a 243 NOT shoot sub moa, you should have potential for .4-.6 moa, perhaps better.

Start with good brass, Win and Federal is good, Lapua perhaps better. Enjoy.


Oh, I'd start using some 85gr Sierra BTHP and 87 Hornady's but don't be afraid to run heavier, 95 Ballistic tips shot in the 2s and 3s in a 6BR I had, and 105 Amax may stabilize if yours has the latest twist which is near 9" ROT.

Once you get some loads dialed in, Bergers might sing in the rifle, I'd not go over 95s, and focus on 88 and 90s.
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

I have one and I really like it. I have shot it with the factory stock and with a Bell & Carlson, and I could not tell a difference in accuracy. It is wearing the factory stock now, like 6.5 BR above, I did sand down the hump in the fore end.

I am working on a load for the 105 A Max's. Mine is stabilizing the 105s with several different powder combos, I just need to narrow it down and start shooting it.

I have a load with the 75gr Hornady flat base hollow points as well. It shoots this load tighter than the 105s but I really like shooting the 105s.
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

The 105 Amax's shoot great in the R700 243's. For 100 yards its kinda a waste though. I would just run 75Amax's since they shoot even better at 100 yards.
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

I've got a very accurate VLS in .204 Ruger. I sanded out the bumps, skim bedded it, and tuned the trigger. Its a sub-half MOA rifle and the action is silky-smooth. Though I have to ask, for 100 yard shooting, why .243? Why not .223 or .308 for better barrel life?
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

I shot 70 TNTs alot in the past for varmint/paper in 6BRs and 243s, the lighter amax are good, no doubt the 105s are sleek, but at 100yds, no advantage if not more accurate, just more recoil.

I wonder if bbl life is longer w/a slower 80-90gr load than one in the 70s? No doubt if accurate, one could load back off max for perhaps a longer bore life.
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

Wow guys, it sounds like your experiences with this stick has been very positive. It will be interesting to see how the 68gr bench rest bullets I've got will preform. I've got all kinds of bullets from around 60 grains to 95 grains.

Tyler: Why .243 for only 100yds? Simple..... Previously owned a 70 in .243, sold the gun. I've got several pounds of powder, thousands of primers, thousands of bullets, 500+ new cases, multiple die sets, tooling etc. for the .243.

My plan was to put all of it up for sale here on the hide, but come to find out one needs a minimum of 100 posts before being allowed to sell. We'll that kind of pissed me off, so I just figured oh well someday I'll be able to sell it. I wasn't planning on getting back into the ".243 business".

Then along comes this rifle, shot less than 50 rounds, couldn't pass up the price $589.00.

So as of later today, I'm back in the .243 business.
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Now to just order a Jewell trigger and I think I'll be all set.

Thanks guys....
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

I could have steered you to another website to sell it...or gunbroker, but looks like you are committed now.

I'd forego the Jewell, fine triggers, but if you tune that 700, I think you will be happy.
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

Update:

Shot the VLS with the stock trigger at 4.5 lbs, man that sucked! Loaded up some Nosler 70gr BT's over H414 in virgin Nosler cases. Best group was .213" @ 100 yards.

Ordered and installed the Jewell, just haven't had time to try it since then.

If I only had more time....argh!

Thanks guys, all the best...

J
 
Re: It's in the mail.... 700 VLS .243 Win

Some of Nosler brass is mfg. by Norma and consistent. WW and Fed runs real well in my experience.

I'd see about throttling down from max if you can keep the accuracy and preserve throat/bore life. Good luck, and nice to hear you are off to a great start.