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Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Biggen_PCB

Biggen_PCB

Private
Minuteman
Aug 28, 2012
8
0
44
Panama City Beach, FL
I currently have a Rem 700 SPS .270 I use for Whitetail hunting. I'd like to get into long range shooting but don't want to buy yet another rifle.

First and foremost, can I use my .270 for long range? Say 500+ yards? I have been doing some reading and it seems one of the biggest drawback to the .270 cartridge is there aren't many manufactured match loads available. That isn't too big of a deal as I have a friend that has a progressive press so I could turn out some Sierra MatchKing with no problem.

Barring the optic, (I already have my eye on a Vortex Viper PST) what would I need to add/replace to my current gun in order to turn it into a long range platform? I have been doing some reading on here but my head is spinning from changing out stocks, glass bedding, blueing, bipods, etc...

I guess I am looking for a list of what needs to be done to the gun. I'd like to have it modified before I start the online training sessions posted here on SH.

Thanks!
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I would consider bedding the rifle re-crowning the barrel. A good trigger is a great start. After that a scope that meets your needs and budget then see what the gun likes. There are some pretty good rounds in 270 that will get you to 500 yards. Don't get to caught up in all the stocks, barrels, reloads. More comes from working with the rifle.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I think it would be a good idea to start somewhere else. You're right about there being no match ammo for the 270, I'm not aware of one factory match round. Aside from that the bullet selection is poor. Unless you have a super fast twist so you can run one of the new matrix bullets there also isn't any very good bullets in the slim pickings. The factory remington twist simply isn't going to stabilize on of them.

The next problem you're going to run into is the barrel and stock. The barrel is going to heat up quick making accuracy suffer and even before that it's still not going to shoot as good as a stiff heavy barrel. The stock is going to flex all over the place causing accuracy to be inconsistent from is as well. This problem is easy to overcome with a $200 investment in a bell and carlson medalist stock but its still more money spent on a less than ideal platform.

I would leave the rifle what it is, a great hunting rifle. For hunting to 400 or 500 yards you can't beat a 270 for just about any game in NA. It's not the best choice for a long range round and that particular rifle doesn't help it any.

If you don't want to buy a second rifle my suggestion would be to sell it and buy something dual purpose. A SPS Tactical or AAC-SD in 308 is a great dual purpose hunting and long range rifle. The stock is still a weak point since it flex's a lot touching the barrel but its a much better platform to build from than a sporter barrel SPS. This can be overcome with the same $200 investment in a B&C just like your 270.

If you do want to sell your 270 let me know.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Not the best round but with the SMK's it would run very similar to a 30-06 with the 155gr stuff.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Run a 150gr SST or Berger at 2850fps and watch it sing.

That being said.... It's no long range target round. Unless you've got a 9 twist and a shit ton of 165 Matrixes.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Well, I wonder if I should just leave it be (or sell it) and purchase a 6.5mm Creedmoor. I don't want to be handicapped by a round that really wasn't made for long distance stuff in the first place. Guess I'll start looking around for something else.

I appreciate the help guys.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Also consider the following:
- Upgrade stock now
- Once you have money to spend on another gun, buy the sps-varmint and put it in the better stock
- Put back the .270 in your hunting stock and end up with 2 rifles in the end.

You would need to stick to the rem700 action though.

You will also have to think about which stock to get. I would recommend a chassis system because you wont need to bed it twice.
Or hold off on the bedding until you have the new action/barrel.

Another option would be to rebarrel the current action, not sure if the bolt needs replacing as well though? Not too familiar with the .270
You would probably be happier with 2 rifles though, and it wont make that much of a difference money wise.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

.270 is long action and sps-varmint is short action. the stocks won't interchange.

.270 is a .308 bolt face, so with a barrel change it could be anything from a long action .308 to a 30-06, to a .260 rem, to a .243.

That being said, a quality barrel will run about $350 and install and truing another $2-300. You will need a new stock to go with your new barrel as the barrel channel will not be wide enough for the new barrel.

If you are ready to put the money into having one built, the .270 will make a good doner action. If not, then you would be better off selling the .270 and getting as sps-varmint or sps-tactical, or aac-sd in .308. These can be upgraded as you get money-- and if you watch your overall weight you can still hunt with it (although you will eventually want a separate gun for hunting).
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I think what I have decided based on the feedback here and the reading I have been doing is to just leave the .270 alone and buy/make another gun.

Been doing a lot of reading up on the 6.5MM Creedmoor but at the end of the day I want a rifle I can also hunt with and I am not sure what that round can do taking down live game. So I guess I will look to the tried and true .308.

Now to start saving up funds and purchase a Rem 700 action and have it trued. My head is still spinning from doing all the reading on this forum. I had no idea that high precision shooting could be so confusing...
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ddd oo7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.270 is a .308 bolt face, so with a barrel change it could be anything from a long action .308 to a 30-06, to a .260 rem, to a .243.

That being said, a quality barrel will run about $350 and install and truing another $2-300. You will need a new stock to go with your new barrel as the barrel channel will not be wide enough for the new barrel.

If you are ready to put the money into having one built, the .270 will make a good doner action. If not, then you would be better off selling the .270 and getting as sps-varmint or sps-tactical, or aac-sd in .308. These can be upgraded as you get money-- and if you watch your overall weight you can still hunt with it (although you will eventually want a separate gun for hunting). </div></div>

Ahh cool, I didn't know only a barrel/stock change would be required to turn the .270 into a .308.

I think I'll just keep the .270. It is fine for what I hunt and if I want to get into long range shooting I think a separate gun would be a better idea.

I appreciate the help. I am more of a handgun guy so moving into the rifle world seems daunting.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Biggen_PCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think what I have decided based on the feedback here and the reading I have been doing is to just leave the .270 alone and buy/make another gun.

Been doing a lot of reading up on the 6.5MM Creedmoor but at the end of the day I want a rifle I can also hunt with and I am not sure what that round can do taking down live game. So I guess I will look to the tried and true .308.

Now to start saving up funds and purchase a Rem 700 action and have it trued. My head is still spinning from doing all the reading on this forum. I had no idea that high precision shooting could be so confusing... </div></div>

You're only 4 posts into your snipershide career and you're already speaking more truth than many "veterans".

If you'd like to dabble and play with some long range stuff, just play with what you've got, which will do quite well out to ~500 yards. 270 is no slouch, it's main limitation is bullet selection.

You may want to keep looking at the 6.5CM though. It's a fantastic cartridge, and will take any game, at any range a 308 can.

Decide if you need a rifle than can honestly perform at distance, or if you want to play around. If it's playing, keep the 270 and go for it. If you're serious, get a new rifle.

Good luck, and good shooting.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt.creedmoor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill out your profile and let us know where you're at....maybe one of us is close and can help ya out... </div></div>

Just updated it. I'm in Panama City Beach, FL. Not the best area for long range shooting but luckly my hunting lease has a large field that extends 600+ yards.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I shoot a Model 70 in 270 Win. Using 150 grn Bergers at 2880 and it will shoot up to 1200 yards with no problem.

It's a 1:10 which is what I'm thinking your Remington is.

As others have mentioned Hornady SSTs shoot just as good and far.

The same thing for the Hornady Interbond. Same bullet as the SST only the jacket stays on better when hunting elk or simular size animals.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Biggen' -

My first LR shooting experience was with NCPPRC in Sacramento. I took their LR clinic where they introduce new shooters to LR. All I had was a Tikka T3/270. Used 110gr Barnes TTSX which have BC of only .377 and they had me on paper out to 1K (granted I was getting great wind calls from a spotter).

The Berger VLD hunting and Hornady SST bullets in 130-150gr have much better BCs. So if you reload and are shooting out to 500-600yds then I recommend trying some 270 loads and just shoot. There are some limitations you might run into with your stock, barrel contour, and possible the twist of your barrel you you will get to 500/600 easy.

If you want to compete or just want another rifle then the other suggestion are great too. Rem 260 will work great if you if you reload (my son uses a 260 for hunting & target), 6.5CM if you want to buy good factory ammo...

My 2 cents.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I wouldn't give up on the 270 yet, I would try to shoot it long range first before coming to conclusions, get some 150gr. bergers or Hornady SST's and give it a shot. That said, I have taken my 270 out to 800 yards before and it got there no problem, I have no doubt it can go a bit past 1000 yards.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

I just shot my 270WIN Browning A-bolt 23" loaded with Hornady Brass, IMR 4350(52.5 Grains, this is still on the light end) and a Sierra 130 Grain bullet to 500 yards. It was about 2800 FPS if I remember right. I would say with a hotter load it should work easily to 800. I used my 4.5-14X40 Leupold with Boone and Crockett reticle and was Zeroed at 200 Yards 1st grduation - 300 yards about 2.5" low, 2nd graduation 400 Yards about 2.5" low, 500 yards top of the post or 4th graduation 3/4" high. Only shot that drifted in 0-5 MPH was the 500 about 2" to the right. Give the 270 a chance. Been thinking about building a 270AI or 270WSM in the future, just to give it an extra boost.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

The 6.5 creedmore is EASILY capable of taking animals up to elk. Since you are looking for a multi-purpose rifle, I'll recommend a "varmint" contour barrel.

I see you are talking of buying an action and having it trued.

You ALREADY have an action.

First, consider a new stock. B&C makes an M40 style stock for the long action remington.

Purchase said stock, install your current rifle.
Continue shooting, a big +1 on the SST's. My brother has had very good success in his Sendero with these bullets.

Get a decent one piece base.
If funds are a concern, weaver makes an extended multi-slot rail 20MOA picatinny base. Costs about 40 bucks and is a very good base.
Look up lonewolfs video on bedding a base (you tube). Bed said base.
Re install your scope, continue shooting.

Save your pennies. Buy your Vortex PST or Weaver tactical scope and a good set of rings.
Install on your rifle and continue shooting.

You will now be ready to make a more informed decision.
For me, long action with a .473 bolt face is either the 6.5x55, loaded to modern pressures or the .280/.280 AI. A very good case can be made for the tried and true '06 also.

Have your long action trued, lugs lapped and a quality barrel (with new recoil lug) installed.
Reassemble rifle, continue shooting.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I see you are talking of buying an action and having it trued.

You ALREADY have an action.

First, consider a new stock. B&C makes an M40 style stock for the long action remington.

Purchase said stock, install your current rifle.
Continue shooting, a big +1 on the SST's. My brother has had very good success in his Sendero with these bullets.

Get a decent one piece base.
If funds are a concern, weaver makes an extended multi-slot rail 20MOA picatinny base. Costs about 40 bucks and is a very good base.
Look up lonewolfs video on bedding a base (you tube). Bed said base.
Re install your scope, continue shooting.

Save your pennies. Buy your Vortex PST or Weaver tactical scope and a good set of rings.
Install on your rifle and continue shooting.

You will now be ready to make a more informed decision.
For me, long action with a .473 bolt face is either the 6.5x55, loaded to modern pressures or the .280/.280 AI. A very good case can be made for the tried and true '06 also.

Have your long action trued, lugs lapped and a quality barrel (with new recoil lug) installed.
Reassemble rifle, continue shooting. </div></div>

So, if I get this straight, you are saying to purchase a new stock for the current .270 and give that a try for a while, correct? If I like it I can do what exactly? Send in the .270 action to be trued and then also mated to a match .270 barrel? Or if I want to change calibers, I can so long as I pick a caliber for the .473 bolt face and have it mated to a match barrel? Is this the M40 stock you are speaking of for my current .270?

See, I wasn't even aware until I started reading this forum what "bolt faces" are. I didn't know that you could simply change calibers by simple swapping barrels so long as the caliber matches your current bolt face.


 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Exactly.

This is just a suggestion if cost is an issue.
Since you are already set up with the .270, especially if you reload, keep shooting it.

It is hampered by the lack of good match bullets, though there are several lightweight match bullets for the 6.8SPC that would work.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Your rifle is a hunting rifle, not a target rifle.

Target rifles make poor hunting rifles. Hunting rifles make poor target rifles.

There can, however, be an overlap. I would not try to turn your .270 into something that it is not. Appreciate it as a handy, light hunting rifle capable to take game.

If you are stuck on having one rifle for both, I'd highly recommend a 20" 700 SPS Tactical/AAC-SD in .308 Win. You could buy factory match ammunition and quality hunting ammunition. 20" is short enough that it will be light enough to carry and point well off-hand. You can end up with a 9.5 lb rifle compared to an 8 lb rifle. So the difference isn't that bad in the end.

Your buddy on his progressive press probably isn't loading long-range match ammo and probably isn't capable if he doesn't have a single-stage press.

Also, I don't understand your concern for the 6.5 Creed not being able to take game. It is as capable, if not more capable, than the .308 Win. Its a great round, however there are not many factory options besides Ruger and Savage; neither of which is as good to build from as a Rem 700.

So my suggestion would be to keep your .270 for hunting and buy an additional rifle in a 700 Tactical/Varmint/AAC-SD---whichever seems to be what you're after. Then spend your cash upgrading the new rifle, not the .270. If you cannot afford two rifles, sell the .270 and definitely get a 20" Tactical or AAC-SD. Spend all you can on glass. That is the most important aspect of the system. If it won't track, won't hold zero, or you can't see it, you cannot shoot it. Good scopes, rings, and bases are a must.

I recently bought a 700 AAC-SD to tinker with. I shot it in factory configuration into an honest .75 MOA average for 6 five round groups using Federal 168 gr Gold Medal Match factory ammunition. My handloaded ammo (just a generic recipe) shot about the same. I switched it to an H-S Precision take-off stock from a 5R and the groups tightened up slightly. I've since switched the trigger to an old-style 700 trigger from another rifle and can get more comfortable with it. I don't have a lot in the rifle but it will be more than enough accuracy.

Since you're new to this sport, I'd highly recommend you read some of the sticky threads and learn everything you can about optics, ranging, using a reticle, using adjustments, etc. Being a new shooter, let me steer you toward something with mrad knobs and a mil-based reticle. If you're going to use a high magnification scope, FFP is a must. If you're going to run something 10x or below, you can get by with SFP if you remember you need to be on the right power for ranging and holds.


ETA: I'd recommend NOT trying to build the .270 into something it is not. You'll need a stock, a barrel, and so on. A quality rebarrel job from a reputable smith will cost you almost as much as an additional factory rifle. At this stage of the game, you're going to need to focus on learning and shooting skills that won't be able to take advantage of a custom match rifle. Additionally, you don't know what you want and what works for you yet. Knowledge is more important than throwing money at it.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Long range, beyond marketing, is just about what works. A scope is your most pressing need, in a perfect world it should offer some form of mil reticle and adjustable target style turrets.

People have shot long range with Mosin Nagants and Sharps. A 270 is certainly up to the task though not Ideal.

Before I would sell it, I would likely just have it rebarreled to a 30-06 with a heavier contour barrel and tighter twist. Tried and true is still an amazing round with a ton of bullet offerings. Would think that can be done for under $400, maybe alot less if you do not want a crazy high end barrel. Next would be a stock, you can likely find one here cheap used.

So, I would make do with the 270 through hunting season while putting a barrel on order or saving up for one. You already have the action, so you might as well build from there.

When you are done, you will have a pretty powerful long range rig, and while not cheap, you just add to it when you get the money like a lot of muscle car enthusiats do.

Go Dawgs!
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

Man, lots of information guys...

I guess I had read somewhere talking about how the 6.5mm CM would be fine for Whitetail but not for bigger game. Also, the barrel life on the 6.5mm isn't as good as the .308. CM I can't remember where I read it. Somewhere on the intertubes...

It seems the general consensus would be the .270 would be "ok" for a long range weapon but not "ideal". I guess I am leaning more and more towards a new gun that can be 100% for long range use and just keep the .270 as my go to hunting rifle. I could always go down to the pawn shops and pick up a Rem 700 on the cheap if that is the action I want to stick with. So long as it has a .473 bolt face I can convert it into a .308 with the proper barrle.

Although it seems the most important thing is to just start shooting and learn the mechanics of long range target shooting. I signed up for the SH on-line training session. Already learned some stuff from watching the videos I didn't have any idea about.

I apprecaite all the responses guys. So glad I signed up at this site. I'll keep doing my reading...
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

OP, you say you want to get into long range shooting, but didn't say whether you want to shoot competitively or long range hunting. You keep talking about hunting when you are discussing long range shooting. If you just want to shoot long range and possibly long range hunting, that would change a lot of things.

Here is my .02 worth. If you want to shoot/hunt long range and not competitively, I would consider converting your 270 into a 7mm. That is a good long range hunting caliber.

I am making changes to my Savage model 116, 270 due to the need of a heavier barrel for a suppressor. Going to a 7mm was one of my thoughts. Of course the bolt face is an issue. Savage would put a varmit barrel on mine, with a new stock and take care of the bolt issue for much less than the cost of a new one. I have a NightForce scope on it. You may want to talk with Remington. Good luck.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

There are lots of 7mms. What 7mm are you referring to? 7x57? .280 Rem(7mm Express)? 7mm-08? 7mm WSM? 7mm Rem Mag? 7mm Rem Ultra Magnum?

Some of those need a bolt-head conversion, some do not. The manufacturer is a poor source for having such a conversion done. By the time he would convert a Remington .270 action to, for instance a heavy-barrelled 7mm Remington Magnum, he'd have to have a new barrel ($300), have it fitted ($250), bolt head conversion ($100-150) or replace the bolt ($230), and may as well have the action trued while all this is being done (additional $250). This gets expensive fast, especially for somebody new to the game. Money does not buy skill. Practice does. Money should be spent on training.

I hate to speak for the OP, but I can't imagine him doing much "long-range hunting" that would require a magnum for deer if he's struggling to find a field to shoot 600 yards. It sounds like he wants to develop a skill. That's most easily done with a cheap to shoot cartridge with lots of factory match ammunition. That basically leaves him to .223 Rem, 6.5 CM, and .308 Win.

A custom rifle isn't going to help him learn to shoot.


OP:

Watch LoneWolfUSMC's 8541 Tactical blog and videos on the "Budget build". That would be a great for you.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are lots of 7mms. What 7mm are you referring to? 7x57? .280 Rem(7mm Express)? 7mm-08? 7mm WSM? 7mm Rem Mag? 7mm Rem Ultra Magnum?

Some of those need a bolt-head conversion, some do not. The manufacturer is a poor source for having such a conversion done. By the time he would convert a Remington .270 action to, for instance a heavy-barrelled 7mm Remington Magnum, he'd have to have a new barrel ($300), have it fitted ($250), bolt head conversion ($100-150) or replace the bolt ($230), and may as well have the action trued while all this is being done (additional $250). This gets expensive fast, especially for somebody new to the game. Money does not buy skill. Practice does. Money should be spent on training.

I hate to speak for the OP, but I can't imagine him doing much "long-range hunting" that would require a magnum for deer if he's struggling to find a field to shoot 600 yards. It sounds like he wants to develop a skill. That's most easily done with a cheap to shoot cartridge with lots of factory match ammunition. That basically leaves him to .223 Rem, 6.5 CM, and .308 Win.

A custom rifle isn't going to help him learn to shoot.


OP:

Watch LoneWolfUSMC's 8541 Tactical blog and videos on the "Budget build". That would be a great for you. </div></div>

I don't know why I waste my time responding to this one. First about the 7mm. Most people know that if nothing else is specified it's usually a Rem 7 mm mag. It's amazing that you didn't get that. The OP didn't state which 270 he was talking about, but I think we all got it for the same reason I stated about the 7 mag.
 
Re: Will my Rem 700 SPS .270 work for long range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I hate to speak for the OP, but I can't imagine him doing much "long-range hunting" that would require a magnum for deer if he's struggling to find a field to shoot 600 yards. It sounds like he wants to develop a skill. That's most easily done with a cheap to shoot cartridge with lots of factory match ammunition. That basically leaves him to .223 Rem, 6.5 CM, and .308 Win.

</div></div>

This. I only asked about using the .270 for double duty before I really got into the "meat and potatoes" of this forum. Now I see it would make more sense to simply purchase a rifle (in whatever caliber I decide) and go with that. Of course, it still makes sense to buy some good glass and begin learning proper mechanics with the .270 as has been suggested. I can save up money and begin putting together a better rifle while I learn on the .270.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

OP:

Watch LoneWolfUSMC's 8541 Tactical blog and videos on the "Budget build". That would be a great for you. </div></div>

Cool. I'll check it out!
 
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