New Rem. 700 SPS Tac a shooter

[ilmonster]

Well, I picked up a new Rem 700 SPS Tac in .223 last fall and shot 60 various rounds and couldn't get the thing to group worth a damn. It is topped by a Vortex 5-15x44 (Midway special) SFP Mil Dot scope, TPS rings, and a 0' rail. Those first 60 rds were some Amer. Eagle, PMC, etc. ammo, none of it match grade. So I've been looking at picking up some of the ubiquitous Federal GMM 69 grain .223 rounds, but couldn't find any for months. I did find some Hornady 75 gr. BTHP Match rounds and ran a box through my 700. Turns out (like everyone says on this site - duh) that to get good groups you need some match grade ammo. Well, once I got the rifle sighted in at 100 yds., I was able to get three round groups between 1/2" and 3/4" in size! Picked up some more boxes of the Hornady ammo on the way home and can't wait to go back and move it out to the 200 and 240 yard lines. Unfortunately, my local outdoor range only has distances out to 240 yds. May have to find some place to drive to to get further out. Fun stuff!

Of course, now I need(?) a stiffer stock rather than the Hogue that came std., a Harris bipod, put together a data book, etc. And so it goes...

 

[mlh29]

I have basically the same rifle in a fancier package( 223 xcr compact tactical) It shoots very well with the 68 and 75 gr hornady bullets, even aceptible groups with 55 and 60 gr vmax.
if you load>>
win 223 brass, fl sized, trimmed to min , uniformed pockets, etc.. not full match prep or weight sorted
75gr hornady bthp
22.2 gr IMR 8208
I am running standard coal and it shoots nicely if I do my part
Look into the bell and carlson medalist series stocks for a good cheap replacement to run a bipod.. if Money allows mcmillan , manners etc.
Good luck

 

[Niles Coyote]

69 grain smk loaded with primer of your choice and 25.3 grain of varget COAL 2.26-2.25 shoots little bug holes from my Tactical and many others, IIRC its in the mid 2800's with the tactical... changing the stock on mine helped tremendously.

My thread on the 223 tactical
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-reloading/108348-223-remington-tactical-owners.html

 

[ilmonster]

Thanks for the link NilesCoyote. Interesting stuff. Although I do reload shotshells and handgun calibers, I don't reload any rifle cartriges. For the time being, I'll stick with my 75 gr. BTHP Hornady's, and continue my search for a "previously enjoyed" B&C stock. Need one with a higher comb to get my head high enough to see through the scope (using a stock pack now).