Tossing Around a New Gun....

[The Surgeons Ghost]

So what do you all think about this?

Remington 700 Tactical XCR TAC Long Range in the .223.

I already have a Surgeon 308 and a Remington 700 Sendero II 300 RUM.

I am dead set on this rife, R700 XCR Tac LongRange, because I am still kicking myself in the ass for getting rid of it several years back. The one that I did own was chambered in 308.

I am just not so sure the 223 is going to benefit me that much. Is the 223 good for target shooting at 500+ yrds and what are the 223's downfalls in regards to long range shooting i.e. where does it begin to struggle? Can I get away with running the longer, higher BC bullets out of a 1:9 twist? Of course I realize it depends on the gun as to what bullet it will ultimately like, but one can offer up an educated guess. As for hunting with the 223, about the only hunting I would do with a 223 Rem is for Yotes, Hogs, & the occasional Turkey during the fall rifle/shotgun season. My main use for either of these rifles/calibers is for long range target shooting and the occasional hunting when seasons are in.

The only other calibers that I have to choose from are the 308 Win and the 300 Win Mag, or that is the only calibers that are listed.

Don't get me wrong, I do "LOVE" my 308's and it wouldn't bother me to much to have another. The 300 Win Mag does have some advantages over my current 300 RUM, i.e. larger factory ammunition selection and I do not have my reloading equipment up and ready yet for the 300 RUM to really shine.

I love to shoot out past 500+ yards so would I really get any enjoyment from the 223? I do not know as much about the 223 as I do the other calibers mentioned. So if you would, give me some of your thoughts on this caliber i.e. the 223 Rem?

So you can see my predicament.

If you were in my shoes and the Remington XCR Tac Long Range was the gun you were going to buy and you already had a Surgeon 308 along with a Sendero 300 RUM, what would you do. Also why would you go the direction that you describe?

Specs On each rifle:
223 Rem - 1:9 Twist; 26" Barrel; 8.5 lbs
308 Win - 1:12 Twist; 26" Barrel; 8.5 lbs
300 WM - 1:10 Twist; 26" Barrel; 8.5 lbs

The 1:12 twist on the 308 doesn't bother me since the heaviest round I run is the 175 Berger Tac OTM's. I like the fact that I already have a plethora on quality 308 App Ball. Ammunition.

I do like the 300 Win Mag for its huge availability of factory ammo, especially from Applied Ballisstics. I like that the 300 WM is an extreme long Range caliber.

The 223 Rem I also like for the wide availability of ammunition. I am not so sure if the gun is a 500+ yard gun for punching paper, your thoughts I will look to on this one. I also like the fact that I will not have to put a break on the gun. The ammunition is probably the cheapest of all. I like that this gun could double as a trainer for my bigger calibers. Another plus is that the 223 would be a great gun to hand down to my daughter when she is ready.

Please remember, the Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range rifle is the "Only" gun I am going to consider. So as for other suggestions on other rifles, in different calibers...

Well, they are just not an option for me to consider right now. Also, like I told my Ol' Lady, I am not selling another rifle again. I am keeping my guns from here on out so selling the 300 RUM is a definite "No - No." As for the Surgeon, well that is self explanatory. LOL

Thanks for all your help in my "

precarious predicament

" & your time in helping me out.

Brian
Surgeon

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

Pretty much every range session I take my 223 out to 550 yards. Dont really have anything farther close. It is a rem SPS with a 9 twist, so I am shooting the 69smks. Sub MOA groups at that range are pretty normal unless the wind is extra squirrely.

It is fun; the wind really blows the little bullet around compared to 175s or 208s. Great practice and very fun. Lower cost ammunition/reloading is a great plus too. I have shot it to 650, but that is the farthest I have taken it. I did well on torso sized steel. The 69s did well, but I would have liked to have had some of the 77 smks or heavier. I can't wait to burn out the barrel and get something with a faster twist. For me, that is the only downside to the rifle. I know lots of people take the 223 out to some good distance with the heavier bullets. I would not look at it as a handicap at all! Think of it as good practice with wind lol.

I have a similar group of go to rifles... a 308 and a 338. Were I you, I would snag a 223 bolt, with a fast twist barrel if possible. I like mine for the lower cost running it as a trainer. You mention your daughter, and I bet she would love shooting the 223. The lady might be interested too lol, then you might have an in to grab another rifle...

So, basically, I am swinging towards to the 223 based on what you have and how you might use it. The other calibers are great too, but the 223 is fun to shoot at distance for practice and it is easy on the shooter. If you are set on that rifle pictured, run the 70 vlds (worked for me) or 69 smks. I see no reason you wont be able to stretch out a bit and tag steel. Always can rebarrel and do some bedding etc lol.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please remember, the Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range rifle is the "Only" gun I am going to consider. So as for other suggestions on other rifles, in different calibers...</div></div>


http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3261766#Post3261766

Not sure why you wouldn't do this option. Hell it's fully blue printed and the bbl has been set back. Can you say 75 vld's and 77 smks? Buy a used B&C stock and you have a better gun period.

 

[Jrogers05]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

Boone is right, and Russell is a hell of a guy. He has been incredibly patient with me and worked through numerous options while i toss around what i want my build to be. And everyone I have talked to tells me he builds some absolute hammers. XCR is nice, but the worked over version from SSC is a crazy accurate rig.

And you still maintain the .223 benefits, and Yes your daughter will love the .223

 

[huntinherrington]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

I love my R700P in .223. It was between the xcr lr and the police when I was looking. I plan on upgrading barrel, stock , etc so I chose the police. The .223 is cheap, fun, and no recoil. Even have the wife shooting it. It is challenging to shoot in wind at longer distances but a tack driver in calm conditions. I shoot 69 smk. 1-9 twist.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

I picked up a SPS tac 223. Bedded it in a A5 B&C with a DBM. Changed the trigger. I run 69SMK's over XBR8208 and it rocks. This rifle shoots every bit a good as any of my full blown custom builds. Had a buddy do the same thing with the exact same results. (and same load).

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Tossing Around a New Gun....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please remember, the Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range rifle is the "Only" gun I am going to consider. So as for other suggestions on other rifles, in different calibers...</div></div>


http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3261766#Post3261766

Not sure why you wouldn't do this option. Hell it's fully blue printed and the bbl has been set back. Can you say 75 vld's and 77 smks? Buy a used B&C stock and you have a better gun period. </div></div>

Have you ever had something that was worth more to you than all the money in the world. Well this rifle is that for me.

Thanks for the suggestion, but this has noting to do with obtaining a better rig. Don't get me wrong, I like his stuff. But unless he can build me a rifle that is identical to the pic above, I am going to have to say no to that option. The factory R700 XCR LR is capable of .5 MOA, but precision is not the issue here.

I am not going to be happy until this rifle is back in my safe. I am still kicking myself in the ass for letting the first one go. I hope you understand and do not take offense, but there is no other option. Unless, Russell or anyone else can build me a rifle that is identical to the "R700 XRC LR" for the same price. The R700 XCR LR is more than just a simple rifle to me, I can't explain my attachment to this rifle. I can go with Russell and would most likely have a better rifle, but I would still not be happy until I had the R700 XCR LR back in my safe. Now if Russell can build a rifle identical to this one, I would go that direction.

With that being said. It seems that everyone here recommends the 223 Rem.


So, I hope every one understands.

Thank You,

Brian
Surgeon