Re: REM 700 204
I too have a SPS Varmint in 204. It however is not picky on loads, despite excessive free bore. I prefer just buying the 32gr Hornady loads. Like most small bores, it has to have the bore cleaned about every 25 rounds, or by round 30 accuracy begins to deminish.
The cost of the SPS and what I use my 204 for, spending anything other than the bare minimum was just not smart. It is a country gun and has not spent a day at the range. And it has held up. I couldn't justify spending good money on a gun that was used in the field on coyotes.
My vote for a tough field gun is to go for the SPS.